Healthy, Frozen Desserts for the Summer

When it comes to beating the summer heat with a healthy treat, nothing says "summertime” like a cold popsicle or a delicious ice cream. Although these little indulgences are delicious and satisfying, many people are trying to be more mindful of the foods they eat. We have great news! You can enjoy a cold dessert this summer while nourishing your body! Incorporating healthier and cleaner ingredients can help you find the balance between indulgence and nourishment. Consider trying one of these fun recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings while staying cool this summer and being mindful of what you’re putting into your body.

PB&J Popsicles:

• Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups of blueberries
  • 1 Cup of strawberries
  • 1Tbsp of vanilla
  • 1/2 Cup milk of choice
  • 3/4 Cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 Cup agave nectar

• Instructions:

  • Blend all ingredients thoroughly in a blender
  • Pour into mold & freeze until solid
• Original Recipe

Strawberry Yogurt Pops:

• Ingredients:

  • 12 oz Greek yogurt (0-4% milk fat)
  • 2 Cups of diced strawberries
  • 1/4 Cup of honey OR maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp of lemon juice
  • 1 tsp of vanilla

• Instructions:

  • Blend all ingredients thoroughly in a blender
  • Pour into mold and freeze
• Original Recipe

Banana Ice Cream

• Ingredients:

  • 2½ Cups of sliced FROZEN bananas
  • Optional 1-2 tsp of maple syrup or honey

• Base Instructions:

  • Blend frozen bananas with the addition of maple syrup or honey until smooth

• Flavor Variations (all variations use the base recipe +ingredients listed below):

  • Vanilla (1 tsp vanilla extract)
  • Strawberry (1 cup frozen organic or regular strawberries)
  • Berry (1 cup frozen mixed berries)
  • Green Dream (1 tsp spirulina + 1-2 tsp matcha)
  • Chocolate (2 Tbsp cacao or cocoa powder)
  • Chocolate Nut Butter (2 Tbsp cacao powder + 2 Tbsp nut butter)
  • Peanut Butter (2-3 Tbsp peanut butter or other nut butter of choice)
  • Sea Salt Caramel (4-6 soaked pitted dates + healthy pinch sea salt)

• Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced fresh fruit (such as kiwi, banana, or berries)
  • Cacao nibs
  • Nut butter
  • Shredded coconut
• Original Recipe

Whether you choose the PB&J popsicles, strawberry yogurt pops, or banana ice cream, making these desserts at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the sweetness and texture to your liking. For example, using frozen bananas as the base of your ice cream will avoid the added sugars and artificial ingredients commonly found in store-bought treats. Incorporating a plant-based milk adds creaminess without the need for dairy. This simple substitution not only caters to those with lactose intolerance but also provides a dairy-free alternative that's lighter on the stomach. Tips like that provide a fun and easy way to experiment in the kitchen while promoting a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy your new favorite summer treat and keep cool this summer!

Taralee Loveridge, Clinical Dietitian at the Well-Being Center