Summer and frozen treats go together like … well, actually nothing is a better match, if we’re being honest. If I had my way with the summer, I’d eat ice cream morning, noon and night until I could return to the crisp embrace of my beloved autumn. Back in the real world, we’re offering an arsenal of easy treats that are a bit healthier. This way, you can satisfy your sweet tooth whenever you like!
Fresh mint latte pops
The first in this trio of frozen treats is a play off of my favorite coffee: mojito from Philz, a Bay Area coffee legend. I didn’t even think I was a fan of mint and coffee until I tried the sweet and creamy concoction. The fresh mint makes all the difference and beautifully translates to a frozen pop that is the ultimate in refreshment. Be warned: The caffeine here is no joke! Simply blend cold brew, sweetened condensed milk to your liking, and add fresh chopped mint. Then, freeze into a heavenly refresher that cools down and pops up at the same time!
Fresh mint latte pops
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cold-brew coffee
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 12 mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine coffee and condensed milk until fully mixed. Taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Finely mince mint leaves and stir into sweetened coffee.
- Divide mixture into four 3-ounce pop molds and freeze for 1 hour.
- Add pop sticks and return to freezer for at least 3 more hours.
Notes
- If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, feel free to use cream and sugar. The consistency might be a bit icier.
- Try adding 2 teaspoons dried lavender instead of the mint for a lavender latte pop.
- After the first hour of freezing, the pops should be a bit slushy. Give them a quick stir with the stick before returning to the freezer to help distribute the flavors.
Banana Nutella bites
Up next are chocolate-dipped banana Nutella sandwiches that are perfect for portioning out the exact amount of decadence you want to enjoy. Simply make banana Nutella sandwiches, and dip them in chocolate for a delicious snack anytime you need a frozen treat.
Banana Nutella bites
Ingredients
- 2 bananas
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chunks
- 6 ounces Nutella (or to taste)
Instructions
- Melt chocolate chips in glass bowl.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons Nutella until smooth.
- Peel bananas and slice into thin coins about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use remaining Nutella to make sandwiches with banana slices.
- Dip banana Nutella sandwiches in melted chocolate mixture and set to rest on baking tray lined with waxed paper.
- Freeze banana bites on tray for at least 3 hours.
Notes
- Once your chocolate is ready, you'll have to work quickly -- so set up your tray and make your sandwiches before melting the chocolate.
- If melting the chocolate in the microwave, check after each 10-second increment, stirring the chips at each interval. If you don’t have a microwave, set the glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and stir the chips as they melt.
- Try sprinkling the bites with chopped nuts (toasted hazelnuts or salted almonds are particularly good).
- Let the bites cool to room temperature before putting them in the freezer to avoid blooming the chocolate.
MORE: Cocktails aren’t just for spirits: Check out these wine cocktail recipes
Copycat Dole Whip
And finally, because my Instagram feed is full of friends enjoying Dole Whip, I thought it would be fun to add some kick to a dairy-free, pineapple-licious treat with the simplest ever combo of piña colada flavors and the chili lime punch of Tajin.
Copycat Dole Whip
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen pineapple chunks
- 8 ounces coconut cream
- Tajin chili lime spice blend
Instructions
- Combine frozen pineapple and coconut cream in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Divide into glasses and top with a few shakes of tajin to taste.
Notes
- Fresh and canned pineapple don't yield the same texture, so stick with frozen.
- No one will be mad if you add rum to this.
MORE: This keto custard dessert recipe tastes just like chocolate cheesecake
Looking for a healthier frozen treat? Our Piña Colada recipe is keto and just as simple to make!