Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by Stacy Averette
Last night we sat on the deck under the stars chatting about our day. He told me about his morning at the local hospital where he’s an assistant chaplain. I shared the projects I’d been working on at home. We laughed about our early afternoon slow-ride road trip in the ’65 Chevy and how I always seem to come home with more vintage treasures. We made a plan to finish up the mowing and yard work he’d started in the late afternoon and patted our full bellies from the supper we enjoyed on the deck. The day was busy and fun and I’d almost forgotten about the special treat I made that morning.
I clapped my hands and smiled as I announced, “How about a sweet surprise?”
Homemade Cherry Banana Popsicles were ready and waiting in the freezer. We were like little kids enjoying a sweet summertime treat! This frozen treat was so easy, so delicious, and much healthier and inexpensive than the store-bought version that I just had to share the recipe with you!
A Naturally Sweet Treat
Sugary desserts and treats used to be my downfall every time I tried to eat healthier. I still occasionally indulge in a sweet treat because my daughter makes THE BEST cakes and cupcakes you’ve ever tasted! But I know I feel better when I avoid eating too much sugar and save sugary treats for special occasions.
A few times I’ve bought the “healthier frozen fruit pops” at Walmart but they’re quite expensive so I started buying big bags of frozen fruit and making my own frozen dessert. I let the fruit thaw a bit, blending it until it’s a smooth consistency, and store it in a freezer-safe container to enjoy when I had a sweet tooth. I’d just scoop it out like ice cream into a bowl and enjoy.
I really wanted some of those plastic popsicle molds but the ones I found online were child-size and expensive. (I’m soooo frugal!) I knew if I waited patiently, I’d eventually find some at a thrift store or yard sale. And guess what?!
Last week, I found these cute “adult-size” popsicle molds at the thrift store for $0.79! A set of six with the drip tray/stick. I couldn’t pass them up! I had them washed and ready to go yesterday planning to find a recipe. I forget to look for one so I decided to wing it and use what I had in the freezer and fridge.
Here’s what I used: (Click here for a printable recipe.)
- a heaping cup of frozen cherries
- a heaping cup of frozen blueberries
- 2-3 frozen bananas
- 2- 5.3oz containers of vanilla Greek yogurt.
I tossed it all in a blender on high until it was mixed well, scraping down the sides a few times. I did a quick taste test before I added the mixture to the molds and couldn’t believe how naturally sweet and delicious it was!
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TIPS:
- I used the store brand of each of the ingredients to save money.
- I always have one or two bananas that get too brown to enjoy. They’re great for banana nut bread but I rarely make it anymore. Nowadays, I just remove the peel no matter how brown/black it is, toss the bananas into a sandwich bag, and into the freezer. Dark brown/black bananas are the sweet secret! You could use “fresh bananas” but they aren’t nearly as sweet.
- I would normally buy a large more economical container of yogurt but I happened to have the small containers sitting in the fridge. The Greek yogurt is optional but it does give it a creamy texture. If you don’t like yogurt, simply leave it out.
- And remember: You don’t need the popsicle molds to enjoy this sweet treat. Once it’s blended just spoon it into a freezer-safe container and you’re good to go! But in case you want your own molds I found the same groovy ones I have on Amazon for a great price!
I can’t wait to try this recipe with different combinations of fruit. Strawberry, mango, pineapple! This is going to be a sweet summer!
I hope you try this recipe and let me know how you like it!
I’ll be sharing some of my thrifted finds soon and how I use them in my home. Click here to be notified when I’ve written a new post.
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Mmmm…. I’m looking forward to trying this!