Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles
Nothing screams summer like a popsicle, especially when it’s packed with the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake. These Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles are not only refreshing but also naturally sweetened, full of protein, and perfect for a healthy start or end to your day. Whether you're lounging in a hammock or chilling by the pool, these pops will be your go-to for a cooling treat. They’re easy to make, nutrient-dense, and satisfy your sweet cravings without the added sugar of store-bought popsicles.
Total Time: 6 Hours
Active Time: 10 Mins
Yields: 6 Servings
Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla yogurt (or plain yogurt with honey and a drop of vanilla extract)
1 cup cottage cheese (for that cheesecake tang and added protein)
1 ½ cups frozen strawberries (or raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries)
½ cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
1 tablespoon flax meal (optional, but adds fiber)
1 cup ice
½ cup crushed graham crackers (gluten-free if desired)
Method:
Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the yogurt, cottage cheese, frozen strawberries, milk, flax meal, and ice. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
Incorporate Graham Cracker: Pulse in half of the crushed graham cracker crumbs for a bit of texture. This will give the pops a bit of that beloved cheesecake crust flavor.
Fill the Molds: Pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds, filling them about ½ inch from the top. Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs over the top.
Freeze the Popsicles: Insert the sticks into the molds and cover with the mold's lid. If your mold doesn’t have a lid, cover it with aluminum foil and crimp the edges to keep the sticks in place. Freeze for 4-5 hours or until fully set.
Serve & Enjoy: Once the pops are frozen, remove them from the molds and enjoy immediately. Store any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for future enjoyment.
Tips & Notes:
Sweetener Options: If you’re using plain yogurt, feel free to add honey, maple syrup, or stevia for sweetness. A little extra sweetener can balance out the tang from the yogurt and cottage cheese.
Flavor Variations: You can easily change the fruit used in these pops to fit your preferences. Try using mango, peach, or blueberry for different flavor profiles.
No Blender?: If you don’t have a blender, you can use a food processor to make the mixture or even mash the fruit and combine it with the yogurt and cottage cheese by hand for a chunkier texture.
For Dairy-Free: Swap the dairy ingredients for almond milk, coconut yogurt, or any dairy-free substitutes you prefer.
Pairing Suggestions:
Perfect for Breakfast: These pops are nutrient-packed, so they can be enjoyed as a healthy breakfast. Pair them with a whole grain muffin or a slice of avocado toast for a balanced morning.
Snack Pairing: These pops also make an excellent snack paired with a handful of nuts or granola. They’re light, refreshing, and filling, making them a great mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
For a Refreshing Dessert: After dinner, serve these pops with a side of fresh berries or a lemon sorbet for a refreshing and light finish to your meal.
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