Plum Smoothie Pops: A Burst of Summer in Every Bite
Creamy yogurt and vibrant fruit combine for a naturally refreshing frozen snack.
When summer heats up and stone fruit is at its peak, nothing satisfies quite like a homemade frozen treat. Plum smoothie pops combine the sweetness of ripe plums with creamy yogurt and a splash of lime, creating a popsicle that’s both nourishing and refreshing. Whether you’re seeking a wholesome after-school snack, a dessert for a backyard party, or simply a way to preserve that fleeting, juicy plum flavor, this recipe offers a vibrant twist on classic ice pops. Read on for a complete guide to making these delightful treats, expert tips, flavor variations, and serving ideas.
Why Homemade Popsicles?
Store-bought popsicles may be convenient, but homemade varieties boast several advantages:
- Fresh Ingredients: Handpick each component for superior flavor and nutrition.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the amount and type of sweetener to your preference or needs.
- No Artificial Additives: Enjoy treats free from unnecessary stabilizers and dyes.
- Creative Freedom: Mix and match fruits, yogurts, and flavorings for endless variations.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup sugar – Just enough to complement plum acidity without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup – Prevents crystallization, yielding ultra-smooth pops.
- 1 lb assorted plums – Pit and chop; a mix of varieties adds complexity.
- 8 teaspoons fresh lime juice – Brightens the overall flavor.
- 6 oz plain yogurt – Adds creaminess and a gentle tang.
- 1/4 cup water – Used for the sugar syrup base.
Optional Add-Ins
- Honey or agave syrup (to replace sugar, if desired)
- A pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon for warm spice notes
- Extra chunks of fruit for added texture
- A splash of orange juice for additional brightness
How to Make Plum Smoothie Pops
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let cool completely. This syrup helps keep the popsicles smooth and scoopable even after freezing.
- Purée the Fruit:
- Add pitted and chopped plums to a blender along with the cooled sugar syrup and lime juice.
- Blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier texture, pulse lightly and leave some fruit pieces intact.
- Incorporate the Yogurt:
- Transfer the plum purée to a large mixing bowl and fold in the yogurt until well combined. This blend yields a creamy consistency with a delicate tang.
- You may taste and adjust sweetness or tartness at this point by adding more sugar or lime as needed.
- Fill the Molds:
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving approximately half an inch from the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Insert sticks, cover, and set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze Thoroughly:
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the pops are firm and solid all the way through.
- To unmold, dip the mold briefly in warm water for easy release.
Step-By-Step Table of Recipe Workflow
| Step | Description | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare Sugar Syrup | Simmer and cool sugar, corn syrup, and water | 5 min |
| Purée Plums | Blend with syrup and lime juice | 5 min |
| Mix Yogurt | Fold yogurt into plum purée | 2 min |
| Fill Molds | Pour mixture and insert sticks | 3 min |
| Freeze | Let pops set until solid | 4 hrs |
Tips & Techniques for Perfect Plum Pops
- Use ripe plums for the most robust flavor and sweetness. Darker flesh varieties yield beautiful color and depth.
- Adjust sweetness according to the tartness of your plums; feel free to taste the purée before freezing.
- Layer flavors by swirling in extra yogurt or folding in other fruit purées for a marbled effect.
- Freeze fully to ensure pops are solid and won’t break when unmolded.
- Unmold gently by running warm water over the outside of the molds to prevent shattering.
Variations to Try
- Plum-Berry Pops: Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the plums before blending for a punch of color and antioxidants.
- Spiced Plum Pops: A pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon enhances flavor complexity.
- Creamy Coconut-Plum Pops: Swap yogurt for coconut cream for a non-dairy twist.
- Roasted Plum Pops: Roast quartered plums at 350°F for 20 minutes before pureeing to deepen the natural sweetness.
- Plum & Rosewater Fusion: Add a touch of rosewater for a fragrant, floral undertone.
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Serving and Storage Suggestions
- Serve popsicles as a light dessert, afternoon snack, or post-workout treat.
- Present over crushed ice for outdoor parties or picnics.
- Pack individually in plastic wrap or storage bags for easy grabbing from the freezer.
- Best enjoyed within one month to maintain peak flavor and texture.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
| Calories | Sugar | Protein | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 kcal | ~15g | 2g | 4 hrs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen plums instead of fresh?
Yes, both fresh and frozen plums work beautifully. Thawed frozen plums can simplify prep and maintain the pop’s fruity flavor profile.
Do I have to peel the plums?
There is no need to peel the plums; the skin blends smoothly and contributes color and nutrients. For a lighter texture, strain the purée through a sieve before mixing with yogurt.
How can I make these popsicles dairy-free?
Swap the yogurt for coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The result will still be creamy and luscious.
What if I don’t have popsicle molds?
Use small paper cups or ice cube trays. Insert wooden sticks or plastic spoons once the mixture is partially frozen for makeshift handles.
How long will the plum smoothie pops last in the freezer?
For best quality, enjoy within one month; after that, popsicles may lose their bright flavor or develop ice crystals.
What other fruits pair well with plums in popsicles?
Plums pair delightfully with berries (blueberries, strawberries), peaches, apples, or mangoes for a medley of summer taste.
Inspiration: Beyond the Classic Plum Pop
Let your creativity shine! Use this method as a base for an array of fruit pops. The combination of a sugar syrup, fruit purée, and yogurt is endlessly adaptable — try nectarines, apricots, or even cherries in place of, or alongside, plums. Infuse the syrup with herbs like basil or mint, or add a swirl of honey for floral notes. With practice, you’ll develop your own signature pop recipes tailored to your taste and the bounty of each season.
Related Recipes and More Ideas
- Spiced Plum Popsicles: Layer purées of roasted plum and spiced yogurt for a bold flavor contrast.
- Peach-Plum Swirl Pops: Blend equal parts of peach and plum purée for a colorfully marbled effect.
- Smoothie in a Glass: Skip the freezing step and pour the plum-yogurt blend over ice for a refreshing breakfast smoothie.
Explore More Summer Treats
- Try out classic homemade ice cream and learn the distinction between ice cream and custard.
- Bake seasonal fruit cobblers using summer berries or stone fruit.
- Discover easy after-school snacks to pair with your pops, like trail mix and fruit dips.
- For a cooling twist, create a sundae by serving broken pops over a scoop of vanilla yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
Savor Summer, One Pop at a Time
Nothing encapsulates the essence of summer quite like a plum smoothie pop. Fruit-forward, creamy, and infinitely adaptable, these pops bring together the pleasures of healthy snacking and homemade nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solitary afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen. So, gather your freshest plums and take the plunge — chilling refreshment is just a freezer away.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a829/plum-smoothie-pop-1/
- https://benandbirdy.blogspot.com/2013/08/plum-popsicles.html
- https://keeshaskitchen.com/plum-smoothie/
- https://www.anediblemosaic.com/roasted-plum-rose-popsicles-with-cardamom/
- https://www.fullcircle.com/recipes/1044/perfect-plum-popsicles
- https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/dinosaur-egg-popsicles-recipe/
- https://lovegrowswild.com/2015/06/smoothie-popsicles/
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g830/popsicle-recipes-0709/
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