- Combine chopped mango, coconut milk, and vanilla extract in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add honey if desired.
- Pour mixture into popsicle molds and insert popsicle sticks.
- Freeze for at least 5-6 hours, or until completely solid.
- Run molds under warm water for 10-15 seconds to release popsicles before serving.
- Calories:120 kcal25%
- Energy:502 kJ22%
- Protein:1 g28%
- Carbohydrates:12 mg40%
- Sugar:10 mg8%
- Salt:5 g25%
- Fat:8 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Mango Coconut Popsicles Recipe – Easy Summer Treat
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the moment the weather starts warming up, all you crave is something cool, refreshing, and fruity. And honestly, nothing screams summer quite like mangoes, right? I first made these Mango Coconut Popsicles on a particularly scorching afternoon, and they were an instant hit – especially with my niece and nephew! They’re so simple to make, require barely any effort, and are the perfect way to beat the heat. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These popsicles are seriously the best. They’re creamy, dreamy, and bursting with tropical flavor. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those perfectly ripe mangoes. Forget store-bought popsicles loaded with who-knows-what – this recipe lets you control exactly what goes in, making it a healthier and tastier treat for the whole family. And did I mention how easy they are? Seriously, 10 minutes of prep time is all you need!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these sunshine-in-a-popsicle treats:
- 2 packed cups chopped ripe mango (about 300-350g)
- 1 cup coconut milk (240ml)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml)
- Honey, if needed (to taste)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!
Mango Varieties for the Best Flavor
Honestly, any ripe mango will work, but some are definitely better than others. Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard – incredibly sweet and fragrant. If you can get your hands on them, definitely use them! Otherwise, Kesar, Totapuri, or even Honey mangoes are all excellent choices. The key is to make sure they’re beautifully ripe and sweet.
Coconut Milk – Full Fat vs. Light
This is where you can customize! I usually use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest texture. It really makes a difference. However, if you’re watching your calories, light coconut milk will work just fine – the popsicles will just be a little less decadent.
The Role of Vanilla Extract
Don’t skip the vanilla! It enhances the sweetness of the mango and adds a lovely warmth to the overall flavor. A little goes a long way, so just ½ teaspoon is perfect.
Optional Sweeteners – Honey & Alternatives
Depending on how sweet your mangoes are, you might not need any extra sweetener at all. But if you prefer a little more sweetness, honey is my go-to. Maple syrup or agave nectar also work beautifully, especially if you’re vegan.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s make some popsicles! It’s so easy, I promise.
- First, grab your blender. Add the chopped mango, coconut milk, and vanilla extract.
- Now, blend everything together until it’s super smooth and creamy. You want to make sure there are no chunks of mango left.
- Give it a taste! This is where you decide if you want to add a little honey. Start with a teaspoon and add more to your liking.
- Carefully pour the mixture into your popsicle molds. Don’t forget to insert the popsicle sticks!
- Pop the molds into the freezer for 5-6 hours, or until they’re completely solid. Patience is key here!
Expert Tips
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect mango coconut popsicles:
Achieving the Perfect Popsicle Texture
For a super creamy texture, make sure your mango is really ripe. Using full-fat coconut milk also helps a lot.
Preventing Ice Crystals
To minimize ice crystals, try to freeze the popsicles quickly. Don’t leave the mixture sitting at room temperature for too long before freezing.
Easy Release from Molds
This is the part everyone struggles with! The easiest way to release the popsicles is to run the molds under warm water for about 10 seconds. Gently wiggle the popsicle stick, and it should slide right out.
Variations
Want to get creative? Here are a few fun variations to try:
Vegan Mango Coconut Popsicles
This recipe is already naturally vegan if you use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey!
Spice Level – Adding a Pinch of Cardamom or Chili
My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom to hers – it adds a lovely fragrant warmth. For a little kick, try a very small pinch of chili powder!
Festival Adaptations – Summer Solstice & Mango Season Treats
These are perfect for celebrating the summer solstice or the peak of mango season! You could even add edible flowers to the molds for a festive touch.
Mango & Other Fruit Combinations (Pineapple, Strawberry)
Feel free to experiment with other fruits! Pineapple and mango are a classic combination, or try adding a handful of strawberries for a beautiful pink popsicle.
Serving Suggestions
These popsicles are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of mango puree. They’re the perfect treat for a hot day, a picnic, or a summer party.
Storage Instructions
Store the popsicles in the freezer for up to 2 months. After that, they might start to develop ice crystals, but they’ll still be perfectly safe to eat. I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
How do I prevent my popsicles from being too icy?
Using ripe mangoes and full-fat coconut milk will help. Freezing quickly also minimizes ice crystal formation.
Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it slightly before blending.
What if I don’t have popsicle molds?
You can use small paper cups or even ice cube trays! Just insert popsicle sticks after the mixture has started to freeze slightly.
Can I add yogurt to make these creamier?
Absolutely! About ¼ cup of yogurt will add a lovely tang and extra creaminess.
How long will these popsicles keep in the freezer?
Up to 2 months, but they’re best enjoyed within the first few weeks.
Is it possible to make these sugar-free?
Yes! Omit the honey altogether. Ripe mangoes are naturally sweet enough for many people. You could also use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, but adjust the amount to your taste.