Strawberry Orange Ice Pops Recipe

Name: Strawberry Orange Ice Pops
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3½ cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk; 1 cup orange juice; 2 oranges peeled and sectioned; ½ cup frozen strawberries; ½ cup fresh strawberries; 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (optional)

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk, divided
1 cup orange juice
2 oranges, peeled and sectioned, divided
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup fresh strawberries
2 scoops vanilla protein powder (optional)

Directions

For the strawberry layer: In a blender, combine 1 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, and 1 peeled and sectioned orange. Blend until smooth.
Pour the strawberry mixture into a glass jar and set aside. Keep refrigerated.
For the orange layer: In a blender, combine 1 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1 peeled and sectioned orange. Blend until smooth.
Pour the orange mixture into a separate glass jar and refrigerate.
If you are making the optional vanilla protein layer, combine 1 1/2 cups Almond Breeze and 2 scoops vanilla protein powder in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour the vanilla protein mixture into another glass jar and refrigerate.
To assemble the ice pops: Pour the strawberry layer evenly into ice pop molds. Freeze for 30 to 40 minutes.
Once the strawberry layer is set, pour in the orange layer, freezing again for 30 to 40 minutes after each addition. Continue until the molds are full.
For the vanilla protein layer (optional), pour it into the molds, freezing it solid. Freeze the entire ice pops until firm, about 6 hours total.
If you want to make regular popsicles without layers, blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4 to 6 hours.
Optionally, you can add fresh slices of strawberries to the molds before freezing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	88
Total Fat	1g
Saturated Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	56mg
Total Carbohydrate	20g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	13g
Protein	2g
Vitamin C	85mg
Calcium	200mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	331mg

Cook's Notes: If you prefer regular popsicles without layers, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth, and pour into popsicle molds. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours. You can also add fresh strawberry slices to the molds for added texture and flavor.

Create the taste of summertime with these refreshing popsicles filled with strawberries and orange juice. Perfect for a warm day or as a healthy treat, these Strawberry Orange Ice Pops are both delicious and easy to make.

History and Origin

The origins of ice pops can be traced back to the early 1900s. One story suggests that Frank Epperson, an 11-year-old boy, accidentally left a mixture of powdered soda and water outside with a stirring stick. When he found it the next morning, the liquid had frozen solid, creating the first popsicle. However, it wasnt until 1923 that Epperson patented his invention, naming it the "Epsicle." Over the years, ice pops have evolved, becoming a beloved summer treat enjoyed worldwide. The combination of fruits like strawberries and oranges is particularly popular due to the natural sweetness and refreshing flavors these fruits provide when frozen.

Regional Variations

Ice pops come in many regional variations, with different countries adding their local twist to the basic concept. In Latin American countries, popsicles known as "paletas" are often made with exotic fruits like mango, coconut, and tamarind. In the United States, the classic "popsicle" tends to feature fruit flavors, and often includes creamy or milky layers. The Strawberry Orange Ice Pops recipe were exploring today follows this American tradition with its sweet, fruity layers combined with a light almond milk base. In tropical regions, the pops are sometimes enhanced with a hint of lime or chili powder for a zesty kick.

How They Differ from Similar Treats

Strawberry Orange Ice Pops stand out from similar frozen treats like traditional popsicles and ice cream due to their healthier ingredients. While classic popsicles are made with sugary syrups or artificial flavors, these ice pops use fresh fruits, almond milk, and even protein powder to offer a more nutritious option. Unlike ice cream, which is rich and creamy, these pops are light and refreshing, making them an ideal snack for those looking to avoid heavy desserts. The use of almond milk instead of dairy also makes them a great choice for lactose-intolerant individuals or those following a dairy-free lifestyle.

Where They're Typically Served

Strawberry Orange Ice Pops are perfect for any warm weather gathering. They are often served at picnics, backyard barbecues, and pool parties due to their refreshing nature. They are also a favorite at kids' birthday parties and are sometimes even included in health-conscious cafes or juice bars as a light dessert option. Given their simple and natural ingredients, these popsicles are a great snack for outdoor events or as an after-school treat for kids. They can be stored in the freezer and enjoyed at any time, making them a convenient and healthy frozen option year-round.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that strawberries are the only fruit that have seeds on the outside? Each berry contains approximately 200 seeds!
Oranges, a key ingredient in this recipe, are packed with Vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and improve skin health.
Almond milk is a great dairy alternative that is low in calories and high in vitamins, making it an excellent base for frozen desserts like these ice pops.
The concept of freezing fruits into ice pops is believed to have originated in the 1900s, but fruit-based popsicles have been enjoyed by cultures across the globe for centuries in various forms.

FAQ about Strawberry Orange Ice Pops Recipe

Store the ice pops in the freezer in an airtight container or directly in the molds until ready to serve. This will help prevent them from getting freezer burn and maintain their flavor and texture.

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for both the strawberry layer and the fruit sectioning. However, the texture of the pops may differ slightly, with frozen fruit giving a thicker texture.

Yes, the protein powder is optional. You can simply skip that ingredient if you prefer a lighter recipe or if you don’t have protein powder on hand.

The ice pops can last for up to 1-2 weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container.

Yes, you can substitute almond milk with other non-dairy milks like coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can also use dairy milk if you don't require a dairy-free option.

If you don't have popsicle molds, you can use small plastic cups or even an ice cube tray. Just insert sticks into the molds once the mixture starts to firm up in the freezer after about 30-40 minutes.

To make regular popsicles without layers, simply blend all the ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Then pour the mixture into the popsicle molds and freeze for 4-6 hours.

Yes, you can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mango to the ice pops. Just make sure to blend them thoroughly so they mix well with the other ingredients.