Cool Matcha Strawberry Popsicles
Highlighted under: Bright & Healthy Bites
I absolutely love making these Cool Matcha Strawberry Popsicles during the warm months! Their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors are the perfect way to cool down on a sunny day. The combination of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries creates a delightful balance that not only quenches my thirst but also satisfies my sweet tooth. Plus, they're super easy to make, and knowing exactly what ingredients go in them makes me feel great about serving them to family and friends.
Creating these popsicles was a delicious experiment for me. I wanted to find a way to highlight the unique flavor of matcha while incorporating something fresh and fruity. The strawberries add a natural sweetness that beautifully complements the subtle bitterness of matcha.
While making the popsicles, I discovered that letting them freeze for a few hours ensures they set perfectly, so they're not too soft and they maintain their shape. I even like to sprinkle some chopped strawberries on top before freezing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing combination of matcha and strawberries
- Easy to customize with different fruits
- Perfect for cooling off on hot days
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
The selection of fresh strawberries is crucial for the flavor profile of these popsicles. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries as they will provide a natural sweetness that complements the matcha. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, although the taste will inherently differ.
Coconut milk not only gives creaminess to the popsicles but also adds a subtle tropical flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, make sure to choose a full-fat coconut milk for the best texture. Almond milk can be a lighter alternative, but it may yield a less creamy result.
Perfecting the Swirl Technique
When pouring your matcha mixture over the strawberry layer, take your time to create the perfect marbled effect. Don't pour too aggressively; instead, let the matcha flow gently to avoid disrupting the strawberry layer. Use a skewer to delicately swirl the mixtures together without fully blending them, which will create a visually appealing pattern.
If you're finding it difficult to achieve a good swirl, consider the consistency of your mixtures. If the matcha mixture is too thick, add a splash of coconut milk to loosen it. Conversely, if the strawberry mixture is too runny, let it thicken for a couple of minutes before pouring.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These Cool Matcha Strawberry Popsicles can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. To prevent them from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. When ready to serve, simply take out the number of popsicles you need without worrying about them breaking apart.
For an extra touch, dip the frozen popsicles in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts before refreezing for another 30 minutes. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy popsicle layers.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before starting:
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey as needed!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your popsicles:
Blend the Strawberry Mixture
In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of honey/agave syrup. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into popsicle molds, filling each mold halfway.
Prepare the Matcha Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, matcha powder, vanilla extract, and any remaining sweetener until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble the Popsicles
Gently pour the matcha mixture over the strawberry layer in the molds. Use a skewer to swirl the mixtures together for a marbled effect.
Freeze
Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 3 hours, or until completely solid.
Serve
To release the popsicles, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. Enjoy your Cool Matcha Strawberry Popsicles!
Enjoy your refreshing treat!
Pro Tips
- For an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach to the strawberry mixture for added color and vitamins without changing the taste significantly.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with the flavor combinations; matcha pairs well with a variety of fruits like kiwi, mango, or even peaches. Substitute half the strawberries for any of these fruits to add an exciting twist while keeping the balance between sweet and earthy flavors.
You can also adjust the level of sweetness to fit your preferences by increasing or decreasing the honey or agave syrup. If you're looking for a low-sugar option, try using a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol instead.
Common Issues and Fixes
If the popsicles are difficult to remove from their molds, running warm water over the outside is a tried-and-true method. If they seem stuck, let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before attempting to pull them out to allow them to soften slightly.
If the layers don't set properly and you find them mixing together, it may be due to too much agitation during the swirling process. To avoid this, allow the strawberry layer to set in the molds for about 30 minutes before adding the matcha mixture. This will help maintain distinct layers.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well too! Just ensure they are thawed slightly for easier blending.
→ How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits like mango or blueberries for a different taste profile!
→ Are these popsicles vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk and agave syrup, these popsicles can easily be vegan.
→ How long can I store these popsicles?
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they're in an airtight container or bag.
Cool Matcha Strawberry Popsicles
I absolutely love making these Cool Matcha Strawberry Popsicles during the warm months! Their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors are the perfect way to cool down on a sunny day. The combination of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries creates a delightful balance that not only quenches my thirst but also satisfies my sweet tooth. Plus, they're super easy to make, and knowing exactly what ingredients go in them makes me feel great about serving them to family and friends.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of honey/agave syrup. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into popsicle molds, filling each mold halfway.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, matcha powder, vanilla extract, and any remaining sweetener until fully combined and smooth.
Gently pour the matcha mixture over the strawberry layer in the molds. Use a skewer to swirl the mixtures together for a marbled effect.
Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 3 hours, or until completely solid.
To release the popsicles, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. Enjoy your Cool Matcha Strawberry Popsicles!
Extra Tips
- For an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach to the strawberry mixture for added color and vitamins without changing the taste significantly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g