Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute summer favorites—Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles! These delightful treats come with the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crispy textures, encapsulating everything wonderful about strawberry shortcake in a convenient, hand-held form. The best part? They are ridiculously easy to make, making them a go-to for those hot summer days when you just want to chill and enjoy a refreshing snack.
I vividly remember making these popsicles with my kids last summer. We spent a whole afternoon blending strawberries and cream, laughing as we spilled a bit of the mix here and there. And when we finally took our first bites, their faces lit up with joy—it was a simple moment, but those are my favorite kinds of memories. Trust me, once you get a taste of these popsicles, you’ll be swooning just as much as my kiddos did!
What’s in Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles?
Fresh Strawberries: Naturally, strawberries are the star of the show here! I prefer using ripe, sweet strawberries—they really elevate the flavors. Fresh berries are always best, but frozen will work in a pinch!
Graham Crackers: We use crushed graham crackers to replicate that beloved shortcake crust flavor. Any brand will do, but I like to go for the traditional honey flavor. It brings a beckoning sweetness!
Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds a rich, fluffy texture to our pops. Whipping it up creates that delightful creaminess that makes these popsicles feel indulgent but guilt-free.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: A little bit of this magic ingredient will sweeten things up without the need for added sugar. It also helps keep the texture silky smooth.
Vanilla Extract: Ahh, vanilla! It’s the secret ingredient that lifts the flavor and brings all the elements together.
Is Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles Good for You?
Absolutely! While we all love indulging in treats, these popsicles bring in some nutritional perks too.
Fresh Strawberries: Berries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them not just delicious but beneficial for your immune system too. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full.
Heavy Cream: While it adds a bit of richness, moderation is key! It does contain fat, but it’s also a source of calcium and vitamin D, which our bodies love.
On the flip side, if you are watching your sugar intake, keep an eye on the sweetened condensed milk and the graham crackers. But don’t worry—these treats are so delightfully satisfying that one is usually enough to curb cravings!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed graham crackers (plus extra for sprinkling)
*Servings: Makes about 10 popsicles.*
How to Make Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles?
1. Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. Toss them into a blender or food processor.
2. Add the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to leave a few small strawberry chunks for texture—totally up to you!
3. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with a touch of melted butter (optional, but it adds flavor!). Set aside some of this mixture for sprinkling later.
4. Pour the strawberry cream mixture into popsicle molds, filling them about two-thirds of the way full. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into the molds, then fill the molds all the way to the top.
5. Insert the sticks and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid. I usually pop mine in overnight because, let’s face it, I’m always so eager to dive into them!
6. When you’re ready to eat, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to release the popsicles, and enjoy!
Sweet Tips for Popsicle Perfection!
– You can easily switch up the flavors! Try using other fruits like blueberries or mixed berries for a twist.
– Want a little zing? Add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry mixture for a refreshing brightness.
– If you’re feeling extra fancy, dip the fully frozen pops into melted chocolate and sprinkle more graham cracker crumbs for added decadence!
So, are you ready to whip up these delicious Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles? I promise you they will not disappoint—perfect for sharing with friends or just enjoying solo on a sunny day (I won’t tell!). If you try the recipe, make sure to share your experience; I’d love to hear how they turn out! Happy freezing!