Winter Wonderland: Vegan & Gluten-Free Coconut Berry Popsicles

Even in the heart of winter, there's a certain magic in embracing the frost - especially when it comes in the form of our Vegan & Gluten-Free Coconut Berry Popsicles! These delicious frozen treats marry the tropical taste of coconut with the tart burst of freeze-dried berries, creating a flavour sensation that will transport your taste buds to a tropical island, even as you watch the snowflakes fall outside your window.

These popsicles aren't just a delight for the taste buds, they're also loaded with health benefits. Made with wholesome ingredients like coconut milk, desiccated coconut, and pure maple syrup, these popsicles pack a nutritional punch. They're a great source of fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, which means you can indulge your sweet tooth without a hint of guilt.

So why not bring a touch of tropical sunshine to these chilly winter days? These Coconut Berry Popsicles are easy to make, satisfying to eat, and might just become your new favorited dessert. Bundle up, stay cosy, and enjoy these delightful frosty treats. Ready to get started? Read on!

Health Benefits:

  1. Coconut: High in fiber and MCTs, it may offer a number of benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and digestion. Yet, it's high in calories and saturated fat, so you should eat it in moderation.

  2. Coconut Milk: It's a good source of several vitamins and minerals. It can also provide you with some beneficial fats.

  3. Coconut Oil: Known for its antimicrobial effects, it also contributes to increased calorie burning and a reduction in hunger.

  4. Maple Syrup: It contains a number of minerals, including manganese and zinc, and it's a natural, less-refined sugar source.

  5. Freeze-Dried Berries: High in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. They have a concentrated flavour and maintain a high level of nutrition due to the freeze-drying process.

Remember that while this recipe is a healthier version of a classic dessert, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups of desiccated coconut, unsweetened
  2. 1 cup of coconut milk, full-fat
  3. 3/4 cup of coconut oil, melted
  4. 3/4 cup of pure maple syrup
  5. 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  6. 1/2 cup of freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries, crushed
  7. A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the coconut milk, desiccated coconut, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.

  2. Stir in the crushed freeze-dried berries.

  3. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds, leaving a little space at the top for them to expand.

  4. Insert sticks into the moulds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.

  5. To serve, run the moulds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the popsicles, then remove them from the moulds

Remember that while this recipe is a healthier version of a classic dessert, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.