Easy Honey Vanilla Popsicle Recipe – Indian Summer Treat

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Honey Vanilla Popsicle Recipe – Indian Summer Treat

Okay, let’s be real – summer in India demands popsicles! The heat just gets to you, and honestly, nothing beats a cool, sweet treat on a scorching day. I remember making these for the first time when my little niece visited, and they were an instant hit. They’re so simple, even the kids can help (with supervision, of course!). This honey vanilla popsicle recipe is a family favourite, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any popsicle recipe. It’s quick, requires only three ingredients, and delivers a burst of creamy, sweet goodness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cool down without artificial colours or flavours. It’s perfect for a hot afternoon snack, a healthy dessert, or even a little treat after dinner. Honestly, who can resist a homemade popsicle?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful popsicles:

• 1 cup thick curd (approximately 240ml)
• 2 tablespoons honey (approximately 30ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (approximately 5ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right ones makes all the difference.

• Thick Curd (Dahi): This is the star! Using thick curd is key for a creamy texture. The thicker the curd, the creamier the popsicle. You can easily make your own by hanging regular curd in a muslin cloth for a few hours to strain out the whey.
• Honey: I love using wildflower or multiflora honey for a more complex flavour. But any good quality honey will work beautifully. Remember, the honey adds sweetness and a lovely floral note.
• Vanilla Essence: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! A good quality vanilla essence really elevates the flavour. I prefer using pure vanilla extract, but essence works just fine.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part! It’s seriously easy.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the thick curd, honey, and vanilla essence.
2. Whisk everything together really well until it’s smooth and beautifully blended. You don’t want any lumps!
3. Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds. I usually fill them almost to the top, leaving a little space for expansion.
4. Pop them in the freezer for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure they’re completely frozen.
5. To unmold, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds. Gently pull on the popsicle stick, and voila! Serve immediately and enjoy.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overfill the molds, or they might be tricky to remove.
• If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and insert popsicle sticks once they start to freeze.
• For easier unmolding, lightly grease the molds with coconut oil before pouring in the mixture.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the curd for a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. It works wonderfully! My friend, who’s vegan, swears by the coconut yogurt version.
• Sugar-Free Adaptation: Use stevia or erythritol instead of honey. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
• Fruit Inclusion: Blend in some mango or strawberry puree for a fruity twist. About ½ cup of puree works well. My kids love mango popsicles!
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cardamom powder for a warm, aromatic flavour. It’s a classic Indian touch!

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are perfect on their own, but you can also:

• Serve them with a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
• Dip them in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Pair them with a light summer dessert like fruit salad.

Storage Instructions

Store the popsicles in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After that, they might start to develop ice crystals. I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or storing them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of thick curd? What adjustments should I make?

You can! Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt, so it will work, but it might result in a slightly tangier popsicle. You might want to add a little extra honey to balance the flavour.

2. How long can I store these popsicles in the freezer?

They’re best enjoyed within 2 weeks for optimal texture and flavour.

3. My popsicles are too hard – how can I make them easier to bite?

Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will soften them up slightly.

4. Can I add fruit puree to this recipe? What fruits work best?

Absolutely! Mango, strawberry, raspberry, and peach puree all work beautifully.

5. Is honey suitable for children under one year old? What’s a safe alternative?

No, honey is not recommended for babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. Use maple syrup or a small amount of fruit puree as a safe alternative.