Isn't it strange that you can have a house full of fancy cakes and other assorted desserts, and yet the thing that sometimes catches you off guard, you know, that one treat that just surprises you with its simplicity and taste, is something you just threw together in a matter of seconds on a whim...? Oh, wait you DON'T have a freezer full of cakes? Maybe I'm just talking about myself then ?, but I hope you know what I mean nonetheless... (and do come over and help me with those cakes, they're really piling up lately ?). Anyhow, these coconut cardamom pops were just that kind of recipe -- almost a non-recipe actually, since it's so basic -- but so delicious and refreshing I couldn't resist sharing.
Now... let's talk about the elephant in the room... you must be wondering what is up with those funny shaped pops, right? You see, I used to have this beautiful popsicle mold, you know, the one everyone uses for their pinterest popsicle recipe shares...? I'm sure you must have seen them. I recall really wanting that very specific mold back in the day (I get very particular on things like that sometimes... no other mold would do). Ended up hunting it down on amazon. Spent my year's blogging income on it ?, and couldn't have been happier when it arrived. I used it once, twice, and then it just sat in my cupboard forever... another useless kitchen gadget in the collection...
Fast forward a few years... and I may have used the mold a total of exactly 0 more times. I'm generally more of an ice cream over a popsicle kind of a person anyways, I thought. And it really seemed like considering the track record so far I'll never be making popsicles again. So I got rid of it. In fact, I was kind of happy not to see that box in the back of the cupboard again.... and then lo and behold: a popsicle craving! What to do...
I scrambled around my pantry and found some leftover tiny paper shot glasses and plastic spoons left... bingo. Not as sleek, or big, as the fancy pops from that mold, but it worked -- phew! Of course you don't have to follow my silly DIY lead here... just go ahead and use your mold if you prefer of course -- but beware, the recipe makes a very small amount -- I got 6 tiny pops, so if you were to use a large popsicle tray (like the one I mentioned above), you'll probably end up with just 2-3 pops max. I dig the minnies personally though.
Now back to coconut and cardamom... it's such a lovely combo. Very refreshing and comforting somehow, especially in combination with the caramely taste of coconut + nectar or maple syrup. If you're not a cardamom fan, use less, or omit altogether. But it is a beautiful thing -- hope you give it a try :) One quick note though, since we're on the subject: some of the cardamom tends to gather at the base -- that's normal -- I kind of liked the intense flavor going on there.
Enjoy the popsicles. Cheers!
Coconut Cardamom Pops
A refreshing vegan popsicle made with caramelly coconut nectar and cardamom. Uniquely spiced treat that's sure to delight. Gluten-free, refined-sugar free.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini pops
- Category: Ice Cream
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 can light coconut milk
- ½ cup coconut nectar (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp ground cardamom (or less to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together into a uniform mixture (I used my magic bullet). Pour into your popsicle mold (or paper cups). Freeze overnight or at least 4-5 hours and enjoy! (note, if using my makeshift paper cup & spoon way, stick the spoon in after freezing the pops for an hour -- that way they'll stand up firm in the center. When ready to eat, the paper cups just needed to be peeled away and discarded).
Elaine Watkins says
Wow!
This sounds really good and we LOVE Cardamom.
Thanks.
Audrey says
Thanks Elaine. Enjoy them! :)
Harvey Lee says
This is really very delicious. I made this recipe on my daughters birthday party last week and All kids loved it. I made it as per your instruction and it was really amazing. Thanks a lot for sharing this recipe and please keep sharing more recipes.
★★★★★
Audrey says
Thanks for sharing -- I'm so happy it worked for the party! :)
Anna Wright says
YUM YUM YUM!!! I made this recipe on my son's birthday party and people RAVED about it! I made it per your directions and it was wonderful.All kids loved it. I even gave you credit for making me shine! THANK YOU!
★★★★★
Audrey says
Oh, good! So happy to hear everyone liked these, Anna! :) It's such a simple recipe, but I love the flavors. Thank you for the feedback.
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
Ahh unitaskers--to buy or not to buy? I have a similar history with popsicle molds: want, buy, never use, get rid of, want again. I was actually quite recently going to finally cave and buy a new one. But I'm pretty sure I already have some paper cups around here somewhere so that seems like a much more economical plan. I'd rather spend on ingredients anyways :) Plus these remind me of childhood, I used to make paper cup pops with orange juice and chocolate milk all the time. This flavor sounds much much classier though :D I've never had cardamom on it's own without cinnamon, must try!
Audrey says
Hehe. I'm in the same boat -- tempted to buy, but scarred by my past history... so for now paper cups it is. If I do buy though, I'd buy much smaller ones than the ones I had before. And cardamom is so lovely on its own -- especially if you grind your own.
Natalia says
Those look so delicious! Such a simple yet a lovely recipe, thanks Audrey!
★★★★★
Audrey says
I love the simplicity of it the most :) -- these have been my go-to lately.
Lopa says
Can you use full-fat coconut milk instead of light, or does that affect the freezing/texture adversely?
Audrey says
Full fat would be totally fine -- richer and smoother :)
nadia says
Cardamom is the love of my life! It makes any dessert taste better! :D I like the idea of using shot glasses and plastic spoons! They definitely have that homemade feel to them.
★★★★★
Audrey says
Thanks Nadia -- it worked out well with the spoons. Glad to know I'll always have that as an e3mergency popsicle backup plan ?
Janine says
Such pretty Pops hon! Could I use something instead cardamon? I don't like it. I normally use more other spices. xoxo Janine
Audrey says
Of course -- cinnamon would be great for example. Or you could leave it out and add a bit of vanilla or espresso powder if you like.