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These homemade banana and berry popsicles are a delightful, healthy treat that you can enjoy anytime. Made with simple ingredients like bananas, berries, and strawberries, they are naturally sweet and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot summer day or looking for a guilt-free dessert, these popsicles are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

3 Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the popsicles, making them a perfect base ingredient.
200g (7oz) Frozen Berries (e.g., currants): These bring a tart contrast to the sweet bananas, offering a refreshing burst of flavor. You can use a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries depending on your preference.

Ice Cream Molds (6-8 pcs.): These will give your popsicles their shape and make it easy to serve them.
300-500g (11-17oz) Strawberries, Pureed: The optional strawberry layer adds a vibrant red color and an additional fruity flavor to the popsicles.
50g (1.7oz) Sugar (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter treat, add sugar to the strawberry puree. This is optional and can be adjusted based on your taste.

5g (1 tsp) Pectin or Agar: These are used to thicken the strawberry puree and help it set properly. Pectin is more commonly used in fruit jams, while agar is a vegan-friendly alternative derived from seaweed.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bananas:

Start by peeling and slicing 3 ripe bananas. The ripeness of the bananas is key, as it enhances the sweetness and flavor of the popsicles.

Lay the banana slices on a tray or plate and freeze them for about 1 hour. Freezing them before blending helps to achieve a creamy, ice cream-like texture when pureed.

2. Make the Banana Puree:

Transfer the frozen banana slices into a blender or food processor.

Blend until you get a smooth, creamy puree. This puree forms the base of your popsicles, providing both sweetness and a rich, creamy consistency.

3. Combine with Frozen Berries:

Add 200g (7oz) of frozen berries to the banana puree. The berries add a burst of tartness and a beautiful color to the popsicles.

Blend the mixture until the berries are fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and evenly colored.

4. Fill the Ice Cream Molds:

Spoon the banana and berry mixture into the ice cream molds, filling them almost to the top.

Gently tap the molds on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
Place the molds in the freezer and let them freeze for 2-3 hours, or until completely solid.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Layer (Optional):

While the first layer is freezing, puree 300-500g (11-17oz) of fresh or frozen strawberries in a blender until smooth.
If you want a sweeter flavor, add 50g (1.7oz) of sugar to the puree and blend until dissolved.
Stir in 5g (1 tsp) of pectin or agar to the puree, then transfer the mixture to a saucepan.

Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to activate the thickening agent.

6. Add the Strawberry Layer:

Once the banana and berry layer is fully set, carefully pour the cooked strawberry mixture over the top of each popsicle in the molds.

Return the molds to the freezer and freeze for another several hours until the strawberry layer is solid.

7. Serve the Popsicles:

When you’re ready to enjoy the popsicles, take the molds out of the freezer.

To release the popsicles, you can run the bottom of the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them.
Serve immediately and savor the refreshing, fruity flavors!

Tips for Success:

Mix and Match Fruits: Feel free to get creative with the fruit combinations. Mangoes, peaches, or pineapples are all excellent choices that pair well with bananas.

Add Creaminess: For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon or two of yogurt or coconut milk to the banana puree before freezing. This will give the popsicles a richer taste.
Sweetness Levels: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. If you’re using very ripe bananas, you may find that no additional sugar is necessary.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):

Calories: 80-100 kcal

Total Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 2mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugars: 14g (varies with added sugar)
Protein: 1g

These popsicles are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy treat. They are also rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, thanks to the fruit content.

Storage Tips:

In the Freezer: These popsicles can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, keep them in their molds or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.
Avoid Refreezing: Once a popsicle has been taken out of the freezer and starts to melt, it’s best not to refreeze it, as this can affect the texture and taste.

Possible Questions & Answers:

1. Can I use different types of molds?

Yes, you can use any ice cream mold you have on hand. Silicone molds are particularly easy to use because the popsicles are easy to remove once frozen. You can also use small paper cups with wooden sticks as an alternative.

2. What can I use instead of pectin or agar?

If you don’t have pectin or agar, you can skip the strawberry layer or use gelatin if you’re not concerned about keeping the recipe vegan. However, remember that gelatin requires a different preparation method.

3. How can I make these popsicles more filling?

To make the popsicles more satisfying, you can add a small amount of protein powder or chia seeds to the banana puree before freezing. This will increase the protein and fiber content, making them a more filling snack.

4. Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or granola into the mixture before freezing for added texture and flavor.

5. Are these popsicles suitable for kids?

Yes, these popsicles are a great option for kids. They’re naturally sweetened with fruit and can be a healthier alternative to store-bought ice creams that are often high in sugar and artificial ingredients.

Final Thoughts:

These homemade banana and berry popsicles with an optional strawberry layer are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them according to your taste, dietary needs, and what fruits you have on hand. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert, a cooling snack, or a fun activity to do with kids, these popsicles are a fantastic choice!