Strawberry Mango Popsicle Recipe – Cardamom & Summer Delight

Last Updated on 5 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Mango Popsicle Recipe – Cardamom & Summer Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, summer just begs for something cool and refreshing. And honestly, nothing beats a homemade popsicle on a hot day, right? I’m so excited to share this Strawberry Mango Popsicle recipe with you – it’s a little slice of sunshine in every bite, and the cardamom adds such a lovely, unexpected warmth. I first made these last summer when my niece was visiting, and they were an instant hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average popsicles. We’re talking layers of sweet mango, tangy strawberry, and a hint of fragrant cardamom. It’s a flavor combination that’s both familiar and exciting, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, homemade popsicles let you control exactly what goes in them – no artificial colors or flavors here! They’re perfect for beating the heat, a fun activity to do with kids, or just a little self-care treat.

Ingredients

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

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered) – about 300g
• 0.5 – 0.75 cup sugar – (100-150g) – adjust to your sweetness preference
• 0.5 cup water – 120ml
• 0.5 juice of half lemon
• 3 mangos (peeled) – about 500g pulp
• 0.25 cup milk – 60ml
• 0.25 cup homemade yogurt – 60ml
• 5 cardamom pods
• 2 teaspoon sugar (optional) – 10g

Ingredient Notes

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

Strawberries: Choosing the Best Variety

Look for bright red, plump strawberries that smell sweet. Local, in-season berries are always best! If you can’t find perfectly ripe ones, don’t worry – the sugar will help bring out their sweetness.

Mangos: Selecting Ripe & Flavorful Mangos

Oh, mangos! The king of fruits. Alphonso mangos are my absolute favorite for this recipe, if you can get your hands on them. But any sweet, ripe mango will work beautifully – Kent, Keitt, or even Tommy Atkins. Gently squeeze the mango; it should yield slightly to pressure.

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices – Using Whole Pods vs. Powder

Cardamom is a game-changer in Indian desserts, and these popsicles are no exception. I always recommend using whole cardamom pods and crushing them slightly to release their flavor. The aroma is incredible! If you absolutely must use powder, start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Yogurt: Homemade vs. Store-Bought – Regional Variations

Traditionally, Indian desserts use dahi – homemade yogurt. It has a lovely tang. If you can make your own, fantastic! Otherwise, a good quality, plain yogurt works perfectly. In some regions, people prefer a slightly thicker yogurt, so feel free to adjust the consistency with a little extra milk if needed.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

I’ve given a range for the sugar because everyone has different preferences. Start with ½ cup and taste as you go. Remember, the fruit itself will contribute sweetness!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, let’s make the strawberry layer. Combine the strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes – this helps the strawberries release their juices and creates a more flavorful popsicle.
2. Next, blend the juicy strawberries, lemon juice, and water into a smooth puree. Pour this into a saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps intensify the strawberry flavor. Let it cool completely.
3. Now for the mango magic! Blend the peeled mangos, milk, yogurt, cardamom pods, and optional sugar until you have a super smooth puree.
4. Time to assemble! Pour a layer of mango puree into your popsicle molds. Freeze for 1-1.5 hours, or until partially frozen.
5. Once the mango layer is firm enough, pour a layer of strawberry puree on top. Freeze for another 4-5 hours, or until completely solid.
6. To release the popsicles, briefly run the molds under warm water. Gently pull on the popsicle stick, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overfill the molds! Leave a little space at the top for expansion during freezing.
• For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve before freezing.
• If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and wooden popsicle sticks.

Variations

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

Vegan Strawberry Mango Popsicles

Simply substitute the milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and coconut yogurt. My friend, Priya, swears by using cashew yogurt – it adds a lovely creaminess!

Gluten-Free Strawberry Mango Popsicles

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your yogurt doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Adjusting Spice Level – More or Less Cardamom

If you’re a cardamom lover like me, feel free to add a few more pods. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, reduce the number of pods or use just a pinch of powder.

Festival Adaptations – Summer Solstice & Mango Season Treats

These popsicles are perfect for celebrating the summer solstice or the arrival of mango season! You could even add a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a light dessert like a fruit salad or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also a great way to end a spicy Indian meal – the cool sweetness is so refreshing!

Storage Instructions

Store the popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After that, they might start to develop ice crystals, but they’ll still be tasty!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in my popsicles?

Simmering the strawberry puree helps reduce ice crystal formation. Also, using a higher sugar content can help.

Can I use frozen strawberries and mangos for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before blending.

What’s the best way to remove the popsicles from the molds?

Running the molds under warm water for a few seconds usually does the trick. Be patient and gentle!

Can I add other fruits to this popsicle recipe?

Absolutely! Pineapple, raspberries, or even a little bit of orange zest would be delicious additions.

How long will these popsicles keep in the freezer?

Up to 2 weeks for the best quality.

Is the sugar necessary in the mango portion?

Not necessarily! If your mangos are very ripe and sweet, you can omit the sugar altogether. Taste the mango puree and adjust accordingly.

Enjoy making (and eating!) these Strawberry Mango Popsicles. I hope they bring a little bit of summer joy to your day! Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you.