- Blend strawberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup yogurt until smooth. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk the remaining yogurt with honey until creamy.
- Layer the strawberry mixture and yogurt mixture in popsicle molds.
- Freeze for 8-10 hours or overnight.
- Dip molds in warm water briefly to release popsicles before serving.
- Calories:81 kcal25%
- Energy:338 kJ22%
- Protein:2 g28%
- Carbohydrates:15 mg40%
- Sugar:15 mg8%
- Salt:29 g25%
- Fat:2 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles Recipe – Easy Summer Treat
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, easy, and refreshing treat, especially when the Indian summer heat kicks in. These Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles are exactly that – a little slice of cool, creamy heaven. I first made these when my niece was visiting, and they were a HUGE hit! They’re so simple, even the kids can help make them. Let’s get started, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? These popsicles are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. They’re healthy-ish (we’re using yogurt, after all!), and they’re the perfect way to beat the heat. Plus, they’re naturally sweet and bursting with strawberry flavor. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a fantastic way to use up those extra strawberries!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful popsicles:
- 8 strawberries
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because choosing the right ones can really make a difference!
Strawberries: Choosing the Best Variety
I prefer using sweet, ripe strawberries for this recipe. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Local strawberries, when in season, are always the best – the flavour is just unbeatable! About 200 grams of strawberries works perfectly.
Yogurt: Full-Fat vs. Low-Fat & Regional Indian Yogurt Options (Dahi)
You can use either full-fat or low-fat yogurt, depending on your preference. Full-fat will give you a creamier popsicle, while low-fat will be a bit lighter. In India, dahi is the yogurt we all grew up with! If you’re using homemade dahi, make sure it’s nicely set and not too sour. About 240ml of yogurt is ideal.
Honey: Local Honey vs. Store-Bought
I always recommend using local honey if you can get your hands on it. It not only supports local beekeepers but also has a unique flavour profile. If not, store-bought honey works just fine. Around 30ml of honey will do the trick.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get to the fun part!
- First, blend 8 strawberries, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ¼ cup (60ml) of yogurt until completely smooth. This is your strawberry base! Set it aside for a moment.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining ¾ cup (180ml) of yogurt with 2 tablespoons of honey until everything is beautifully creamy and well combined.
- Now for the layering! Gently spoon the strawberry mixture and the yogurt mixture into your popsicle molds, alternating between the two. Don’t be afraid to swirl them a little for a pretty effect.
- Pop the molds into the freezer for at least 8-10 hours, or preferably overnight. Patience is key here!
- When you’re ready to enjoy, briefly dip the molds in warm water for about 10-15 seconds to release the popsicles easily. And that’s it!
Expert Tips
Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t overfill the molds: Leave a little space at the top, as the popsicles will expand slightly when freezing.
- Use silicone molds: Silicone molds make releasing the popsicles so much easier.
- For a smoother texture: Strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
Vegan Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
Simply substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Spice Level Variation (Adding a Hint of Cardamom)
My dadi (grandmother) always added a pinch of cardamom to her yogurt-based desserts. Try adding ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom to the yogurt and honey mixture for a warm, fragrant twist. It’s amazing!
Festival Adaptations (Summer Solstice/Seasonal Fruit Celebrations)
These popsicles are perfect for celebrating the summer solstice or any festival that celebrates seasonal fruits. You could even add edible flowers for a festive touch!
Serving Suggestions
These popsicles are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with:
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts
- A drizzle of honey
- A side of fresh fruit
Storage Instructions
Store the popsicles in the freezer for up to a month. After that, they might start to develop ice crystals. To prevent freezer burn, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions!
How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in my popsicles?
Using a higher fat content yogurt and ensuring the mixture is well-blended can help minimize ice crystal formation. Also, freezing quickly helps!
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them slightly before blending. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries might release more liquid, so you might need to adjust the sugar accordingly.
What’s a good substitute for honey in this recipe?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes for honey. You can also use sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved).
How long will these popsicles keep in the freezer?
They’re best enjoyed within a month for optimal flavour and texture.
Can I add other fruits to this popsicle recipe?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, mangoes – the possibilities are endless. Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favourite fruits!
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of sunshine to your day. Let me know in the comments how they turn out!