When mom bought that first plastic popsicle mold for your toddler self, little did she know she had purchased a tool for a lifetime. That’s right, the six-cylinder is not just for the cherry-stained treats of your youth. Its utilization yields masses of added creativity and joy (hello, it’s food on a stick) for endless areas of adult life. Here are ten ways to put your popsicle molds back in the game.
1. Yogurt Parfait Popsicles
Photo by Sophie Jacob
Trick your body into sneaking an ice-cream-for-breakfast treat before your 8 am. Layer your favorite fruit, yogurt, honey, granola, nuts, and anything else that suits your fancy. The best part? It keeps for weeks, so you can enjoy the frozen goodness even months after your favorite fruit season comes to an end. This raspberry-inspired recipe, as well as a higher-protein version, are a few of my all time faves.
2. Fig and Ricotta Cheesecake Popsicle
Photo courtesy of read.feedly.com
A sophisticated snack on a stick. Skip the pretentious serving process (and hours of labor) typical of homemade cheesecake and surprise your guests with these sweets. A blast from the past in presentation, but first class in flavor, the creamy base with fresh figs will deem you host(ess) with the mostess.
3. Protein Peanut Butter Fudge Popsicles
Photo by Megan Prendergast
You want ice cream, but you’ve gotta get those gym gains? Have we got the pop for you. This protein-rich blend of peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and protein powder yields the ultimate post-workout treat. Even gym rat shakes are better on a stick. Don’t wanna go to the trouble of whipping out your blender? No worries, here’s the 3-ingredient version.
4. Iced Coffee Popsicles
Photo courtesy of theviewfromthegreatisland.com
This is the cutest caffeine blast we ever did see. Shave some serious time off your morning routine by prepping a batch of coffee the way you like it and freezing it up for the mornings to come. No matter what creamer, sweeteners, or additional ingredients you spike your java with, this mold will hold.
5. Chai Tea Latte Popsicles
Photo courtesy of sprinkledwithjules.com
In case coffee isn’t your jam, is there a sweeter way to start your day than this? Layers of fragrant tea between stripes of sweet cream yield your favorite latte lusciousness on a stick — your own portable taste of the classic fall drink regardless of the season.
6. Mango Mojito Popsicles
Photo by Megan Prendergast
Taking “booze cruise” to a whole other level, these carrying-sized cocktails are my new favorite thing. The classic marriage of rum, lime, and mint is elevated by the fresh sweetness of mango, all fit on your own stick. Here are some tipsy tricks for the best summer treat.
7. Raspberry Sangria Popsicles
Photo courtesy of savvychef.com
Behold: another chance to lick up your liquor. Is there a more festive treat to RSVP to your first BBQ of the year? With only four ingredients, this summer staple is so easy, your beer pong partner could do it. Try this margarita-inspired version for those extra-festive occasions.
8. Milk and Cereal Breakfast Pops
Photo courtesy of inkatrinaskitchen.com
With Momofuku’s cereal milk soft serve trending, you can create a homemade taste sensation for your first meal of the day. Sweetly pink and extravagantly dusted with cereal, this nostalgic nosh will throw you back with flavor and presentation, the ultimate double whammy. For more unconventional flavors, check out this dynamic trio.
9. Chia Coconut Pudding Pop
Photo courtesy of theviewfromthegreatisland.com
As a 3-ingredient detox snack-to-go, I’m pretty much convinced there isn’t a time of day where this portable pudding is not a good idea. Through the serving of fruit, protein-packed chia seeds, and coconut milk’s fiber, this treat is ideal for every diet, every day. For a simpler option, try these fruit-blasted pops.
10. Cake Batter Pops
Photo courtesy of just-add-sprinkes.com
Have your cake and lick it, too. Forget your oven, give your popsicle molds some lovin’ and whip up these ridiculously easy treats (seriously, the hardest part is waiting for them to firm up in the freezer). Adorned with classic rainbow sprinkles and flavored with yellow cake mix, this pop rocks. Want more dessert for breakfast? These recipes are mom and tastebud-approved.