Thursday 9 August 2018

Healthy Fudgesicles

A Sweet Pea Chef
Healthy Fudgesicles
Healthy Fudgesicles

Did you love fudgesicles as a kid?  Now, you can make these delicious and healthy fudgesicles using just 4 ingredients any time you want. 

Healthy Fudgesicles | Now, you can make these delicious and healthy fudgesicles using just 4 ingredients any time you want. | A Sweet Pea Chef

Okay. I’m in love with popsicles.

And, well, chocolate too, for that matter.

Popsicles are a very popular summer treat but if you are a chocolate fan like I am, putting popsicles and chocolate together to make fudgesicles will make you a very happy camper.

But — wait — these are *gasp* healthy chocolate popsicles?!?

Making healthy fudgesicles at home is possible! How about that? Awesome, right?

Overhead View Of Blender About To Blend 4 Ingredients Together To Make The Healthy Fudgesicle Mixture OverHead View Of Blender With Mixed Ingredients, Ready To Pour Into Molds For Healthy Fudgesicles

Growing up, I absolutely LOVED fudgesicles. Like — if we had a box of 6 or 7 of them, they wouldn’t be safe in my presence. Let’s just say you may not find them in the freezer the next time you went to look for them. Heehee.

But this was only when I was a kid. Not at all as an adult. Shhh.

There’s just something so soothing and delicious about a creamy, chewy, chocolate frozen fudgesicle that I just can’t resist. So – why not just make them healthy and fix the whole guilt-that-I’m-eating-something-bad-for-me thing? Seems reasonable!

Pouring The Healthy Fudgesicle Mixture From The Blender Into A Metal Popsicle Mold To Prepare To Freeze Overhead Birds Eye View Of Two Metal Bowls Holding The Frozen Healthy Fudgesicles And Ice To Keep Them Cold

So… I’m here to give you a healthy fudgesicle recipe of my beloved childhood fudgesicle that is also dairy-free. The homemade fudgesicles are packed with fudgy chocolate goodness and they are sweet, cool, and creamy! And, did I mention these are vegan fudgesicles? Even better, I know!

Quite a yummy summer treat you must try!

HOW DO YOU MAKE HOMEMADE FUDGESICLES?

Even as a kid, I always wondered how you make homemade fudgesicles. I thought, if I could just make these at home, I could have them all the time. They seemed so simple, yet so perfect.

So… how do you make homemade fudge pops?

The good news is making your own homemade fudgesicles is actually quite easy. You just need to blend together some simple ingredients in a blender (or by hand, if you prefer) and then pour the mixture into a popsicle mold. See? Super easy.

I love my popsicle mold (which you can buy here if you’re interested), but you could even use plastic cups and then pop the popsicles right out of the cups.

Cropped Shot Of Healthy Fudgesicles Up Close

Are Fudgesicles Vegan or Gluten Free?

The great thing about homemade fudgesicles is they can easily accommodate most dietary restrictions. For example, this healthy fudgesicle recipe is vegan because I chose to use pure maple syrup instead of raw honey. However, you could also use agave nectar if you prefer. Any sweetener will work, but I tend to use coconut sugar, pure maple syrup, or raw honey — depending on the recipe.

I like the flavor the pure maple syrup adds to this homemade fudgesicles recipe, but you can choose what works best for you. To learn more about what sweeteners you can use on a clean diet, you can read this post.

I also chose to use full-fat coconut milk in this recipe, as opposed to plain greek yogurt, but either would work. The coconut milk makes the recipe a little creamier and is naturally sweeter than the greek yogurt. Plus, if you’re wanting to make vegan fudgesicles, coconut milk is the way to go. You could also use lighter (refrigerated) coconut milk, but the popsicles won’t be nearly as creamy and smooth. More on this later.

As for gluten, these popsicles are gluten-free so no need to worry about that, either.

How Many Calories Are In A Fudgesicle?

Ever wondered how many calories are in a fudgesicle? Me too!

I researched the original Fudgesicle we used to buy at the grocery store’s frozen aisle. Not gonna lie – it brought back some good memories. The popsicles are each 100 calories in those packs.

But, we all know it’s not all about the calories.

So, what else is in the popsicles?

Well, the ingredients listed, in this order: Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Whey, Corn Syrup Solids, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Palm Oil, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Tricalcium Phosphate, Mono And Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Malted Barley Extract, Salt, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 65, and Carrageenan

See? It’s not ALL about the calories. Unfortunately, even though the original is pretty low in calories, look at all the processed ingredients! We’re eating corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, refined sugar, and a bunch of other highly processed ingredients. Hard to feel good about that.

In contrast, with my healthy fudgesicle recipe, each popsicle contains 192 calories and these are the ingredients: full fat coconut milk, dark cocoa powder, pure maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract.

Pretty big difference.

Closer In Than Birds Eye View Of Healthy Fudgesicles With One Melting On A Marble Pastry Board

Fudgesicle Recipe With Coconut Milk

Just in case you’re interested, there are a ton of different ways to make a fudgesicle. I like using full fat coconut milk because it’s creamy, slightly sweet naturally…plus I seem to always have a can waiting for me in my pantry. However, you could also use greek yogurt, regular yogurt, pudding, condensed milk, avocado, Nutella, chocolate milk, and even cool whip.

Obviously, these will all have varying levels of nutritional benefits (or lack thereof) so I’d recommend either avocado or plain greek yogurt if you don’t have access to full-fat coconut milk.

More Yummy Healthy Popsicle Recipes!

Since you’re still here and learning all there is to know about homemade fudgesicles, I figured you like your popsicles and frozen treats. Which also means we should be friends. As your friend, I highly recommend you try out these other healthy popsicle recipes to make this summer even better:

Watermelon Mint Popsicles

Watermelon Mint Popsicles are the most refreshing summer treat. Made with sweet and super juicy watermelon, fresh sweet mint, and a squeeze of lemon, the popsicles are such a delicious and easy to make summer treat for the little ones. But the adults will love them just as much.

Watermelon Mint Popsicles | The perfect cool treat for summer! | A Sweet Pea Chef

Orange Creamsicles

Made with only 3 ingredients, these Orange Creamsicles are a healthy summer treat with orange and coconut flavors. The sweet cream on the inside and the orange on the outside make these creamsicles not only refreshing but also delicious. The homemade Orange Creamsicles are nutritious and healthy compared to the ones you can buy at the grocery store.

3 Ingredient Orange Creamsicles | Feel like a kid again and follow this orange creamsicle recipe, made from only 3 ingredients. With refreshing orange and coconut flavors, it’s the perfect, healthy summer treat! | A Sweet Pea Chef

Healthy Ice Creams And Sorbet Recipes

Here are some of my favorite healthy ice cream and sorbet recipes too! Because we’re that serious about healthy frozen sweet treats around here. And because making frozen treats at home is better than buying them at the grocery store. You just learned about that when we talked about the ingredients found in the fudgesicles bought from the grocery store versus the ones used in my healthy fudgesicle recipe. These ice cream and sorbet recipes are also delicious and guilt-free.

Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

Chocolate Banana Ice Cream | This Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is an outrageously easy, 2-ingredient nice cream recipe that shows you how to make ice cream with bananas and cocoa! Creamy, delicious, and only 129 calories! | A Sweet Pea Chef

Cantaloupe Sorbet

No ice cream maker is required to make this healthy Cantaloupe Sorbet! No refined sugar involved in the process and only 4 ingredients. How does that sound? It sounds amazing, right? This summer is all about eating clean treats like this Cantaloupe Sorbet!

4 Ingredient Cantaloupe Sorbet Without an Ice Cream Maker | Learn how to make cantaloupe sorbet without an ice cream maker for a healthy dessert that will soothe your craving for a summer treat. Just 4 ingredients needed + no refined sugar! | A Sweet Pea Chef

Fresh Peach Frozen Yogurt

And speaking of healthy recipes that require only 4 ingredients, I have another one for you – Fresh Peach Frozen Yogurt. When peaches are in season, you have to transform them into a creamy ice cream. Peaches, raw honey, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice are the ingredients you’ll need if you decide to make this Fresh Peach Frozen Yogurt. And why wouldn’t you want to make it? It’s one of the best treats for hot summer days.Peach Frozen Yogurt | No ice cream maker required for this peach frozen yogurt recipe, made with only 4 ingredients! | A Sweet Pea Chef

Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt

You can turn your favorite green tea ice cream into a healthy but nonetheless delicious summer treat using this Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt recipe. This frozen yogurt is beyond delicious and if you top it with toasted coconut, you will add another layer of texture to the creamy summer treat. This Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt is perfect for a weekend afternoon spent with friends and family.

Matcha Frozen Yogurt | Just 4 ingredients for this creamy delicious matcha frozen yogurt (and no ice cream maker required!) | A Sweet Pea Chef #ad

I hope this post has made you hungry for a sweet treat down memory lane.  Try making your own homemade healthy fudgesicles at home and see just how easy it is.  If you do, share how it went in the comments below or tag #asweetpeachef on Instagram to show me how yummy it looks!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FREEZE FUDGESICLES?

If you are afraid to make homemade fudgesicles because you don’t know how long it takes to freeze the fudgesicles to get that perfect popsicle shape and texture, I’m here to give you some tips to make the process of making homemade fudge pops as easy as possible.

The time fudgesicles have to stay in the freezer depends on the type of mold you are using. For conventional molds that have built-in sticks, 5 hours in the freezer is the ideal time. Make sure to check they are frozen through and let them sit in the freezer for another hour if they are not.

If you don’t have a conventional mold for homemade fudgesicles and you have to add sticks, freeze the fudgesicles for 2 hours or until they are partially frozen and then slide the sticks in the center of the popsicles. The sticks should stand on their own. If they don’t, freeze the fudgesicles for another half an hour. After you placed the sticks, freeze the fudgesicles for another 3 hours.

Extra tip for my fudgesicle lovers – place the mold in the back of the freezer. The temperature is at its coldest there and you won’t have unpleasant surprises with your favorite summer treats!

HOW LONG ARE FUDGESICLES GOOD IN THE FREEZER?

Another question you might have before making homemade fudgesicles is how long are fudgesicles good in the freezer. The store bought ones can be stored in the freezer for up to 8 months. However, since these are healthy fudgesicles that are not made with processed ingredients, you can’t store them for such a long period of time.

You can leave the fudgesicles in their molds for up to a week, however, it is best to remove them from the mold within a day so they won’t lose their texture and color.

After unmolding them, wrap the fudgesicles in plastic bags and store them in the freezer for 3 to 4 weeks. If you can resist them that long, of course.

I hope this post has made you hungry for a sweet treat down memory lane. Try making your own homemade healthy fudgesicles at home and see just how easy it is. If you do, share how it went in the comments below or tag #asweetpeachef on Instagram to show me how yummy it looks!

ASPC on Instagram

If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think by leaving a comment and rating it. And don’t forget to take a picture and tag it #asweetpeachef on Instagram! I LOVE seeing what you come up with. Enjoy!

Healthy Fudgesicles

Healthy Fudgesicles

Did you love fudgesicles as a kid? Now, you can make these delicious and healthy fudgesicles using just 4 ingredients any time you want.

1 13.5 oz. can full fat coconut milk, (at room temperature) 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold.

Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.

The post Healthy Fudgesicles appeared first on A Sweet Pea Chef.

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The post Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese appeared first on Ambitious Kitchen.