Introduction
This Blackberry, Pineapple, and Coconut Swirl Italian Ice Pops recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our household, especially during the hotter months when we crave something refreshing and tropical. The creamy coconut base, the tangy burst of pineapple, and the sweet, tart blackberries create the perfect combination for a healthy yet indulgent treat. We love how easy they are to prepare, and the vibrant swirl of colors adds an eye-catching touch to these frozen pops. These ice pops are a wonderful way to cool off and enjoy the flavors of summer.
The best part? These pops are not just delicious but also have a lovely balance of sweetness from the condensed milk and the natural fruit flavors, making them both refreshing and satisfying. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike and have quickly become our go-to treat when we have a crowd over. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a family movie night, or just need a little snack to cool off after a long day, these ice pops are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pineapple spears, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ (15 oz) can unsweetened coconut cream
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- Juice and zest from 2 limes
- 1 pound blackberries
Instructions
1. Make the Pineapple-Coconut Base:
- In a high-powered blender, combine the diced pineapple, coconut milk, coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour about ¼ of the mixture into a separate liquid measuring cup and set it aside. The remaining ¾ of the mixture can stay in the blender. Cover both portions and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the Blackberry Mixture:
- Place the blackberries into the blender and blend until smooth. Once blended, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
- Pour the strained blackberry puree into the reserved ¼ pineapple-coconut mixture and stir well to combine. This mixture will be the base for the berry swirl.
3. Assemble the Ice Pops:
- Using a funnel, start by filling each ice pop mold or sleeve partially with the pineapple-coconut mixture, leaving room for the blackberry mixture.
- Add a few tablespoons of the blackberry mixture to each mold, then top off with the remaining pineapple-coconut mixture, again leaving about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as the mixture freezes.
4. Create the Swirl:
- Insert a long, thin skewer or a chopstick into each ice pop sleeve. Gently swirl the mixtures together to create the beautiful swirl effect. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep the distinct layers while still allowing the colors to swirl together.
5. Freeze:
- Place the filled ice pop sleeves on a baking sheet, laying them flat in a single layer to ensure even freezing. Freeze for at least 6 hours or until the pops are completely solid.
6. Serve:
- Once frozen, carefully remove the ice pops from the molds. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing treat that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 ice pop
- Calories: 181 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 16mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on typical ingredients and may vary depending on brand or modifications.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freeze Time: 6 hours
Total Time:
6 hours and 15 minutes
Yield:
20 ice pops
Category:
Dessert, Frozen Treats, Summer Snacks
Method:
Blending, Freezing, Swirling
Cuisine:
Italian, Tropical
Diet:
Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Keywords:
Italian ice pops, blackberry ice pops, pineapple coconut pops, frozen fruit treats, homemade ice pops, summer popsicles, tropical desserts
How to Serve
- Serve Immediately: After the pops are frozen, take them out and serve right away for a cool, refreshing snack.
- Optional Garnish: For a fancy touch, serve the pops with fresh lime wedges or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- Make it a Party: These pops make a great addition to any summer BBQ, picnic, or pool party. Serve them alongside other tropical-themed dishes like coconut shrimp or fruit salad.
- Kid-Friendly Treat: These ice pops are perfect for kids. The bright colors and fruity flavor are sure to be a hit at any children’s party or family gathering.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Pineapple: For the freshest flavor, try to use fresh pineapple instead of canned. It adds a lovely, tangy note to the pops.
- Customize the Fruit: Experiment with different fruit combinations. Mango, strawberry, or even peach would pair wonderfully with the coconut base.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your pops a bit sweeter, feel free to add more sweetened condensed milk or a little honey to the mixture.
- Use Stainless Steel or Silicone Molds: For easy removal of the pops, try using flexible silicone molds or stainless steel sleeves. They’re perfect for a smooth, clean release once frozen.
- Vegan Version: To make these ice pops vegan, use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of the sweetened condensed milk, and make sure your coconut milk and cream are both dairy-free.
Recipe Variations
- Tropical Trio: Add a third tropical fruit, such as mango or passion fruit, to the swirl for an extra exotic flair.
- Vegan Version: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and agave syrup for a vegan-friendly treat. Use only coconut milk and coconut cream as the base, and skip the dairy.
- Berry Bliss: Instead of blackberries, you can use raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor. Or mix different berries to create a layered effect.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After removing the ice pops from the molds, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or a slice of fresh jalapeño to the blackberry mixture for a refreshing yet spicy surprise!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a Tropical Beverage: Pair these ice pops with a cool, fruity beverage like a coconut water spritzer or a refreshing iced tea to make a fun summer spread.
- Picnic Perfect: Pack these pops in a cooler for a refreshing treat at the beach, park, or hiking trip. They’re easy to transport and perfect for sharing.
- For Dessert: Serve these pops as a light, refreshing dessert after a barbecue or summer dinner party. They are sweet but not too heavy, making them the perfect end to a hot day.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: These ice pops should be kept in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain their texture and flavor. Store them for up to 2 weeks.
- Making in Batches: If you’re making a larger batch, simply double the recipe and store the extra pops in individual plastic bags or containers. You can even freeze extra blackberry puree separately to use for another batch later.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pineapple or blackberries, but fresh fruit tends to give a better flavor and texture in frozen treats.
2. How can I make the blackberry swirl more vibrant?
To enhance the color, you can add a little bit of blueberry or raspberry to the blackberry mixture for a deeper purple hue.
3. Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can use coconut condensed milk or a mixture of coconut milk and maple syrup to replace the sweetened condensed milk.
4. How do I make the ice pops smoother?
Make sure to blend the mixtures thoroughly. For an even smoother texture, you can strain both the pineapple-coconut and blackberry mixtures to remove any pulp.
5. What type of molds are best for these ice pops?
Flexible silicone molds or sturdy plastic molds work best. They allow you to easily remove the pops after freezing.
6. Can I add alcohol to make these adult-friendly?
Yes, you can add a splash of rum or coconut liqueur to the mixture before freezing for a fun adult twist.
7. How do I remove the ice pops from the molds?
Run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds or gently twist the silicone mold to release the pops.
8. Can I make these in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare them the day before and have them ready to serve for your guests.
9. Are these ice pops suitable for kids?
Yes, these ice pops are great for kids. They’re made with natural fruit and coconut milk, offering a healthier alternative to sugary store
-bought popsicles.
10. How long can I store these ice pops in the freezer?
These pops can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After that, they may begin to lose flavor or texture.
Conclusion
These Blackberry, Pineapple, and Coconut Swirl Italian Ice Pops are the perfect summer treat! They combine the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with the tartness of blackberries, creating a delightful frozen dessert that everyone can enjoy. Easy to make, refreshing, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to be a staple in your summer recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them by the pool, these ice pops will keep you cool and satisfied all season long!
PrintBlackberry, Pineapple, and Coconut Swirl Italian Ice Pops
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 20 ice pops 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Blackberry, Pineapple, and Coconut Swirl Italian Ice Pops are a refreshing, tropical treat that combines the sweet-tart flavors of blackberries with the creamy, tropical goodness of pineapple and coconut. Perfect for hot summer days, these ice pops are easy to make and incredibly delicious. A beautiful swirl of flavors that kids and adults will love, these frozen pops are dairy-rich yet naturally sweetened and filled with nutritious fruit.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple-Coconut Base
- 2 pounds pineapple spears, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ (15 oz) can unsweetened coconut cream
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- Juice and zest from 2 limes
For the Blackberry Mixture
- 1 pound blackberries
Instructions
- Make the Pineapple-Coconut Base:
In a blender, combine the diced pineapple, coconut milk, coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest. Blend until smooth.
Pour ¼ of this mixture into a liquid measuring cup and set aside. Place the remaining ¾ of the mixture into another measuring cup, cover, and refrigerate. - Prepare the Blackberry Mixture:
Blend the blackberries in the same blender until smooth. Strain the blackberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into the reserved ¼ pineapple-coconut mixture. Stir well to combine. - Assemble the Ice Pops:
Using a funnel, fill each ice pop sleeve partially with the pineapple-coconut mixture.
Add a few tablespoons of the blackberry mixture to each sleeve, then top off with the remaining pineapple-coconut mixture, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. - Create the Swirl:
Insert a long, thin skewer or chopstick into each sleeve and gently swirl the mixtures together to create a beautiful swirl effect. Be careful not to over-mix. - Freeze:
Lay the filled ice pop sleeves flat on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until fully frozen. - Serve:
Once frozen, enjoy your refreshing blackberry, pineapple, and coconut swirl Italian ice pops!
Notes
- Make ahead: These ice pops can be made the day before and stored in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Customize: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like mango, strawberries, or peaches to swap out or combine with the blackberry mixture for different flavor combinations.
- Serving size: The recipe yields 20 pops, but you can easily halve or double the recipe depending on your needs.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours freezing time
- Category: Frozen Treats, Summer Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blending, Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian, Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ice pop
- Calories: 181
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 16mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg