Juicy Popsicles with Non-Fat Greek Yogurt & Blueberries in the Filling
Summertime. The perfect season to enjoy ice creams in its myriad of creative flavors, the additions of fruit, nuts, candies and the variety of edible presentations. However, ice cream can be laden with calories and be quite fattening. How to cool down with a tasty treat during these warmer days? Another alternative, of many, popsicles made with fresh fruits, juices, low-fat or non-fat yogurts…maybe a splash of a liqueur!
Popsicle Molds Are Not Created Equal
Retailers are offering different types of creative popsicle molds and features. While I reminisce about childhood icy treats in the form of fudgesicles, creamsicles and sweet n sugary colorful pops with wooden sticks nearing the end of an enjoyable mouth-numbing experience – creating my own posed questions to consider:
- How many popsicles are needed at a time (a family of several children, guests or just me and hubby)?
- Features of the mold. I want the option to easily have a middle section of the popsicle to add yogurt, other filling treats or another inside flavor.
- How large are the molds? I’d like to sometimes add slices of fruit.
- How easy is it to unmold the popsicle when I’m ready to serve?
- Use and need of wooden popsicle sticks versus molds with reusable handles. This was an important consideration for me. I didn’t want molds that required the use of wooden sticks… for environmental reasons, future expense and inconvenience should I run out of sticks.
- Some molds have built in cup-shaped bases in the handle that are suppose to catch drips. While this is a great idea, I found that if you’re not keeping an eye on how quickly your icy treat is melting into the drip tray, one slight tip of your hand has your sweet icy treat all over your shoes and clothes. Sticky.
The molds I used are from the Martha Stewart line of products and I’m very happy with the selection. I would’ve preferred a traditional popsicle shape, but I really liked that there’s an optional inside cavity for each popsicle mold so that I can easily create filled popsicles.
For my first go at popsicles, I found many recipes puréeing fresh fruits and adding sugar to create the popsicle body. Also, some recipes used for making granitas work well for frozen pops too. I tried it first with straight juice, filling it with non-fat Greek yogurt, adding blueberries as additional frozen treats within the pop. The results:
- Used straight juice without adding sugar. When the juice is frozen, it becomes even more tart. Hence most recipes adding sugar.
- I’ve become a Greek yogurt convert. The texture is creamy and it taste lusciously rich. I’ve come across recipes calling for Greek yogurt, but could never locate it in local markets so would instead substitute low-fat, plain yogurt. It’s becoming more popular in stores and I have been told that Costco is also carrying these protein-laden treats. It must have been my lucky strike, because a couple of days while looking for said Greek yogurt I found it. The last two on the shelf with my name on it!
- Using the non-fat yogurt leaves a slightly drying feeling on your tongue. If you’re making these for guests or children in mind, using the low fat or regular versions of Greek yogurt may be a creamier choice when the yogurt is frozen.
- When the juice in the mold freezes, it will slightly expand. Leave room at the top of your mold to accommodate for expansion.
- I mixed blueberries into the Greek yogurt. However, when the blueberries are frozen and your enjoying your popsicle, the blueberries are tart and strangely textured.
Serves 6
Orange and/or Cranberry Juice
Filling
6 ounces plain Greek yogurt, non-fat or low-fat
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
18-24 fresh blueberries
6 Popsicle molds (with tubing insert to easily add filling OR you can layer the yogurt)
- In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, sugar and vanilla extract. Gently add blueberries.
- If you are using popsicle molds with tubing inserts, fill the mold with your choice of juice 3/4 full. Place the tubing insert in the mold (this will create a cavity in your frozen juice popsicle) and set in freezer for at least 1 hour or until the juice is solid. Remove the tubing insert that’s in the mold. Using a small spoon, fill with Greek yogurt mixture, dropping at least 3-4 blueberries in each cavity. Place popsicle handle/cap securely on top of the mold and freeze until completely set.
- If your molds did not come with a tubing insert, fill the mold with 1/2 juice. Place molds in freezer for at least 1 hour or until the juice is solid. Fill 1/4 more of the mold with Greek yogurt and drop in blueberries. Place popsicle handle/cap securely on top of the mold and freeze until completely set.
To remove popsicle from the mold, follow the directions it came with for unmolding. You can alternatively set the popsicles out for 5 minutes and run the molds under warm/hot water for 10 seconds to shimmy the popsicle out of the mold.
I have some other great ideas and flavors I’m working with and look forward to sharing them on TeenieCakes.com soon!
Greek Yogurt
So what’s all the fuss about Greek Yogurt. If you’re interested in healthier alternatives, I encourage you to research more on the pros and cons of Greek Yogurts vs. Regular Yogurts for your dietary needs. These are some of the things I’ve been reading:
Pros
- Greek yogurt is higher in protein (can be more than double that of market brands).
- Lower in carbohydrates.
- Lower in sodium.
- Creamier and thicker consistency.
Cons
- Regular yogurt can have 2 – 3 times more calcium than Greek yogurt.
- Greek yogurt can be higher in fat and calories.
Disclaimer: I’m not a dietitian or nutritionist. If you are interested in the health benefits of Greek yogurt, please consult with a dietitian, nutritionist or start your personal research.
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the info on popsicle molds. The Greek yogurt filling must make popsicles a lot more interesting.
Your welcome Carol – I’m pretty excited by using Greek yogurt now and have been happy with those popsicle molds. =)
Yogurt pops are the best but you’ve made these so much more sophisticated and grown-up, than the one-dimensional “mixed fruit and yogurt then freeze” pops of my childhood. I will always love the pops that my mom made me but these seem like something I could bring to her now and we’d both enjoy!
Hi wannafoodie – I hope you’ll give it a try…they turn out so good. Also, just made another batch yesterday, using Dole’s fruit juice and non-fat, strawberry yogurt w/fruit on the bottom (by Chobani). It turned out really good (will add this to Teenie notes!).
These are nothing less than perfect! And I love Greek yogurt too:) A perfect summer treat…
Thank you Magic of Spice – it’s a refreshing and tasty combination. ;)
Good to know those are good popsicle molds. Of course, I trust everything Martha Stewart makes :) I love love love the idea of making the pops with Greek yogurt. Perfect for horribly hot nights like this one!
Hi Sues – Me too about Martha Stewart’s line of products. Sounds like Summer weather has arrived where you are. Send some our way please! =)
Hi Christina
your images are spectacular!! and those pops look oh so good!! Greek yogurt is my new love, and I can only imagine how good those pops are….
thanks for cooling me off a bit!
Dennis
Thank you so much, Chef! It sounds like the weather is sweltering where you are. We haven’t been seein’ the sun much here on the Coast!
Very elegant looking pops! The addition of thick, smooth yogurt give this a great protein kick.
BTW…it was very nice to get your first visit at my culinary journey too ;o)
Thanks for sharing and flavourful wishes,
Claudia
Hi Foodessa – you’re right, I like the way you worded that “protein kick” — it’s my bad..I apologize for not visiting sooner. Have a great weekend! ;)
yumm! I’m a big fan of thick yogurt. Love your teenie notes :)
Hi Shree – How’s your new camera? Thank you about the “teenie notes” ;)
I too have just started reading about and had my first Greek yogurt. It’s pretty good.
I’ll probably interchange eating both regular and Greek yogurt for the health benefit tradeoffs both give. Great idea these popsicles and using yogurts.
Hi Samantha – that’s a great idea. I just may do that too!
This is such a great idea! What a smart, healthy way to jazz up popsicles :) I also really like your pro/con list on Greek yogurt. I haven’t had too much of it, but have heard a lot about it and your post helped me understand a bit more. Thanks! :)
Hi Baking Serendipity and thank you. It is another alternative regular yogurt, as they both have their benefits. I like ‘em both, but like the idea of the creamy Greek version for baked goods and dips :o)
Can’t go wrong with Greek yogurt and blueberries. This is going to be a real winner at home..I can eat the screen :)
Cheers,
Gera
Thanks Gera – Please…let me know how they turn out and what you used to fill the molds.
I discovered Greek yogurt not too long ago and I love it. It is so rich and creamy, great for posicles and smoothies. These popsicles look like a real treat! I’ll have to get some of those molds.
Mmmm. Like that idea of Greek yogurt in smoothies. Refreshing! Thanks Biren.
Wow, nice work! These look amazing! I need to start doing this!!!
Simply Life …so easy and quick. Will take a bit more time if you start with your own fruit and process, but that’s half the fun! ;)
Lovely flavours. I love making my own too.
Hi Penny: I enjoyed making ‘em too. Doesn’t get any easier. The most difficult aspect is waiting for it freeze and be ready!
oh first I thought you bought them somewhere! adding yogurt in the middle is really a great idea, love Greek yogurt, I use it to replace fromage blanc. Great job Cristina!
Thanks citronetvanille: Bought ‘em? I do buy ice cream even though I have an ice cream maker. This was my first try at popsicles. I’ll try it next time by pureeing my own fruit and see how that goes. =)
Those so remind me of being a kid! The addition of the yogurt, especially the greek variety – perfect! I actually eat the honey flavor greek yogurt from Trader Joes everyday! :-)
Hi Lisa – Yes, popsicles take me back to carefree younger days living with Mom and Dad and bein’ a kid. Yum…you said honey-flavored Greek yogurt? I’m heading over there this weekend to look for that. Thanks for the heads up!!
YaY for Greek yoghurt!!! I always look out for it! These are beautiful and so timely for our sticky icky mid year weather! Lovely, lovely photos, as usual!
Hi Denise – humid in Singapore? Popsicles are probably more welcoming than ice cream in muggy weather. Let me know if you give ‘em a try for your boys.
Looks delicious
I make them the same way and we love it
Hi Torviewtoronto: Any tips you discovered or flavor combinations you would recommend? ;)
What a great way to have a healthy frozen treat! These look so delicious and creamy.
Thanks roxan! Making them at home makes you feel more like you have control of its contents and what’s in ‘em.
The Bunkycooks have been enjoying the addition of Greek yogurt at the stores. It is definitely smoother and minus much of the sugar. I brought my popsicle molds to the mountains and have been trying to decide what to make. Yours look so good! I will have to make these first. What a perfect healthy treat!
Hi Bunycooks – you have special popsicle molds? Can’t wait to see ‘em!
I too am a recent Greek yogurt convert. I can’t believe I missed it all these years. THIS IS INGENIOUS!!
Me too! I heard about it, didn’t really know about some of the pros and cons, but couldn’t find it in the local markets until recently. ;)
One word: genius. I love greek yogurt, but I’ve never thought of using it to make popsicles. I’m already drooling!
Monet – the Greek yogurt filling is a nice surprise! For a more creamier version (because the non-fat version lacks the creaminess), use low-fat or regular, plain Greek yogurt. ;)