It’s the season for frozen desserts! Summer heat brings cravings for cold and sweet treats. Typical ice cream and popsicles can be high in added sugar and fat, which is bad for heart health. But fear not: consider making frozen treats at home for you and your family! Today, we have three simple recipes with healthy ingredients and no added sugar, and they taste just as good. The instructions are simple, so bring your kids into the kitchen!
Frozen Grapes
Ingredients:
- Grapes (green or red)
Instructions:
- Rinse the grapes and pull them off the stems.
- Allow water on the surface of grapes to dry, or lay grapes on paper towels and dry off the water.
- Place the grapes in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze them for at least 6 hours, until grapes become solid.
- Serve frozen.
Frozen Banana Pops
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Optional- nut butter of choice
Instructions:
- Peel the bananas and cut them in half.
- Insert a popsicle stick or fork into the cut end of the banana.
- Optional: warm your choice of nut butter in the microwave in 10-second intervals, until it becomes more fluid. Drizzle nut butter over the bananas.
- Line bananas on a tray, cover, and place into the freezer. Freeze for at least 6 hours.
Berry Yogurt Bites
Serving: 6-8 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of berries of choice (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Instruction:
1. Mash the berries or cut up into small pieces, then mix in the yogurt. Alternatively, combine ingredients using a blender or food processor.
2. Divide into equal portions into 6-8 paper muffin cups.
A. Optional- place a popsicle stick into each cup.
3. Place cups in the freezer and let yogurt freeze until set, about 3 hours.
Yogurt can be a great source of calcium and protein. For more protein, use greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
What is your favorite summer treat? Leave a comment below!
