Worldwide Ice Pop Variations: Delicious Recipes from Seven Countries
Crave a Global Twist on Frozen Treats? Dive In with These 7 Ice Pop Recipes!
Love yourself a good frozen dessert, especially when the temperatures rise? These seven easy ice pop recipes are just the ticket! Inspired by popular treats from various corners of the globe, these recipes offer flavor journeys to the Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Korea, and India. No need to book a flight - simply roll up your sleeves and step into your kitchen. (And if Spain calls your name, don't forget to try sangria popsicles and slushies!)
Quick Tech Tip: Skip the fancy (but pricey) freezer pop molds, and opt for readily available wooden popsicle sticks. Homemade popsicle molds made from waxed paper cups (Dixie cups) work wonders too! If you're planning to use smaller molds, expect to end up with more pops - plan ahead!
Now, choose your desired flavor destination and explore the world of ice pops!
1. Spicy Mango Paletas
Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Latin America with these delightful, dairy-free ice pops. Fresh mangoes take center stage, while cayenne pepper delivers a touch of heat. For a milder sweet treat, leave out the cayenne. Get our Spicy Mango Paleta recipe.
2. Tropical Halo-Halo Ice Pops
Taste the vibrant flavors of the Philippines, encapsulated in every bite! This Filipino classic combining ube ice cream, shaved ice, mung beans, corn, fruit, and more may seem too ambitious to replicate as popsicles - but we've simplified it for you! Give our Tropical Halo-Halo Ice Pop recipe a shot.
3. Sweet Melon Delight
South Korea's beloved Melona pops served as the inspiration for these summery treats starring honeydew melon. A hint of sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt - it doesn't get more refreshing! Give our Sweet Melon Ice Pop recipe a try.
4. Red Bean Treasures
With a love for sweet red bean desserts, we're taking you right across Asia! From China to Japan, Thailand, and beyond, indulge in these creamy pops packed with mashed adzuki beans. Buy canned beans or check your local Asian market - or use ready-made sweetened red bean paste, if you prefer a smoother bite. Get our Red Bean Ice Pop recipe.
5. All-Day Energy Boost
Meet the twisted cousin of Vietnamese coffee - these ice pops deliver a punch of strong black coffee and sweet condensed milk. Warning: caffeine alert! Pop one for breakfast, if you dare. Get our All-Day Energy Ice Pop recipe.
6. Boba Delight
Ready to switch things up and enjoy bubble tea in an icy form? The thawing tapioca pearls promise a delightful chewy texture as the creamy black tea-flavored pops melt. Get our Boba Delight recipe.
7. Fragrant and Dreamy Malai Kulfi Ice Pop
Inspired by traditional Indian kulfi, these ice pops impress with unparalleled creaminess, thanks to sweetened condensed milk and whole milk. Finished off with saffron, cardamom, and a sprinkle of roasted pistachios, these treats offer an exquisite taste of India. Get our Fragrant and Dreamy Malai Ice Pop recipe.
A Closer Look at Boba Ice Pops
Crafting boba ice pops is a fun twist on traditional bubble tea. Here's a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:- Tapioca Pearls: 1/2 cup- Flavored Liquid: Use your favorite flavorings, like fruit juice, tea, or coffee.- Other Ingredients: Water, ice cubes, popsicle sticks
Instructions:
- Cook the Boba Pearls: Boil a large amount of water and add the tapioca pearls. Cook until they float to the surface, then reduce heat and continue cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Drain, Rinse, and Cool: Once done, drain and rinse the boba under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Allow the boba to cool.
- Prepare the Flavored Liquid: Cook down the flavorings of your choice until thickened.
- Mix and Freeze: Combine the cooked boba with the cooled liquid and mix well. Fill popsicle molds and insert popsicle sticks, then freeze.
- Optional: Add a bit of starch or cornstarch to thicken the liquid, to avoid the boba settling at the bottom.
- Experiment: Use any flavors that tickle your fancy - the world is your oyster!
- Taiwanese-style popsicles can be easily made at home with our Mango and Cayenne Popsicle recipe, taking you on a journey to East Asia with a unique blend of sweet mangoes and a hint of spice from the cayenne pepper.
- For a taste of the Philippines, make our simplified Taiwanese-Style Halo Halo Ice Pops recipe, encapsulating the vibrant flavors of the Philippines in every bite.
- If you're craving something refreshing and inspired by popular South Korean desserts, give our Melon and Cream Ice Pop recipe a try, delivering a delightful fusion of honeydew melon, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
