Strawberry Banana Yogurt Pops
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy a cold, delicious popsicle. And if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to other sweet snacks, you’ll love these Strawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles! They’re easy to make, and you only need a few ingredients. So, give them a try this summer!
Making these popsicles is as easy as blending everything together, popping into a mold, and freezing. If you’ve ever made a fruit smoothie (or even if you haven’t!), you will find the process as simple as can be. And these are way healthier, and WAY tastier than anything you can buy in the store.
These pops are so creamy and delicious, and they are the perfect way to beat the heat of summer. Kids love them, and they are a great recipe to have them help you with, as they are so simple to make. And while I do recommend getting yourself a popsicle mold, you can easily use some paper cups with foil on top as a cheap workaround.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries are a great source of nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Strawberries can help to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost cognitive function. Additionally, strawberries are a good source of vitamin B6, which is important for energy production and metabolism.
Health Benefits of Bananas
Bananas are a good source of dietary potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. They can help to regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, bananas are a good source of B vitamins, which are important for energy production and metabolism. Bananas can also help to promote heart health and reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
Health Benefits of Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins B2 and B12. It can help to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which are live bacteria that have health benefits. Probiotics can help to improve gut health and reduce the risk of some types of disease.
So, as you can see, these popsicles are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients that are good for you!
Sweeteners
You can choose between a variety of sweeteners for these popsicles. I generally stick to either honey, agave nectar or maple syrup, but I have also used Stevia and Splenda. There are pros and cons to each of them, but ultimately it is a matter of personal preference.
Health Benefits of Honey
Honey is a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, honey can help to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost cognitive function.
Health Benefits of Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a good source of fiber and vitamins C and B. It can help to regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, agave nectar is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a good source of manganese and zinc. It can help to reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and boost cognitive function. Additionally, maple syrup is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Stevia vs Splenda
Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the Stevia plant. It is calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar levels. Additionally, stevia has been shown to have health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting cognitive function.
Splenda is a synthetic sweetener that is made from sucralose. It is calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar levels. However, there is some evidence that Splenda may have negative effects on health, including increasing the risk of cancer and harming gut bacteria.
So, as you can see, there are many benefits to each of these sweeteners. Again, it is a matter of personal preference as to which one you choose. I generally prefer honey or agave nectar, but all three of them work well in this recipe.
Alternatives to Yogurt
If you are looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk instead of yogurt. These alternatives will still provide some protein and calcium, but they will not contain as much as yogurt. Additionally, they may not be as thick or creamy.
If dairy is not a concern, but you don’t have yogurt on hand, heavy cream makes a delicious alternative, as well.
Strawberry and Banana Yogurt Pops
Ingredients
10-12 strawberries
1 banana (depending on your preference)
1/2 cup Non fat vanilla yogurt (non dairy also works)
1/2 cup honey, maple syrup or agave syrup
1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Rinse your strawberries to remove any dirt and/or bugs. Remove stems and leaves, and quarter them to make them easier for the blender later.
Peel your banana and slice into a few chunks.
Add your yogurt, sweetener of choice, bananas, strawberries and corn starch into the blender. The corn starch is added so that the popsicles end up creamy and not icy.
Blend all ingredients together until it reaches a smooth consistency. Then remove the lid and give it a taste. If necessary, add more sweetener until it reaches your preferred flavor. Blend again to finish mixing.
Once everything is satisfactory, pour your mixture into your popsicle molds. Add the lids, as well as the popsicle sticks about about ¾ of the way into the molds. Freeze for about 7 – 8 hours.
Once your popsicles are frozen, it’s time to unmold. Run the molds under warm water for a few minutes to loosen the pops, then push up from the bottom. Pull them out and admire your beautiful creations!
To store these, wrap them individually in wax paper, then place them all in a large freezer bag in the freezer. They will keep for several weeks, though I doubt they’ll last that long.
You’ll want to grab one of these every day of summer. Remember to drink whatever doesn’t fit in the molds as it’s a terrific smoothie!
Strawberry Banana Yogurt Pops
Ingredients
- 10 – 12 strawberries
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup Non fat vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup honey maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a blender.
- Once all ingredients are smooth, taste it.
- Add more sweetener at this time if necessary.
- Pour into molds
- Place on the mold cover and slide sticks in about ¾ of the way.
- Freeze for 7-8 hours.
- To unmold, run under warm water for 2-3 mins just to loosen the pops and push up from the bottom.