These Strawberry Cream Paletas, also known as Mexican Popsicles, are a breeze to make, wonderfully healthy, and the ultimate summer treat! Whether you have fresh or frozen strawberries on hand, you’re just moments away from a taste of pure refreshment. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite way to beat the heat.
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, the craving for something cool and delicious kicks in. While sometimes a rich dessert like a decadent cake is what you desire, often you just need something light, flavorful, and guilt-free to enjoy. That’s where these incredible strawberry cream paletas come into play, offering a taste of Mexico right in your kitchen.
Enter this simple yet satisfying Strawberry Cream Paletas recipe! It’s your ticket to a healthy and delicious treat, perfect for any day of the week.
easy berry popsicles
What Exactly Are Mexican Popsicles or Paletas?
Paletas are the quintessential Mexican ice pops, bursting with fresh fruit flavor. Traditionally, they are crafted from simple ingredients: ripe fruit, a touch of sugar, and a liquid base of either water or cream. This simplicity is what makes them so incredibly appealing and refreshing, especially in warmer climates.
The beauty of paletas lies in their straightforward preparation. You simply blend your chosen ingredients, pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and freeze until solid. The result? A vibrant, flavorful, and utterly satisfying frozen treat.
In researching the perfect paleta recipe, you’ll find a delightful array of variations. Some recipes stick to the basics – fruit, sweetener, and liquid – while others incorporate a wider range of ingredients, sometimes including elements that might not be pantry staples for everyone.
Initially, this recipe started as a blend of strawberries, sugar, and heavy cream, creating a rich and undeniably delicious paleta. And while that version is still wonderful, this updated recipe takes a healthier turn without sacrificing any of the creamy texture or intense strawberry flavor.
This recipe streamlines the process even further: just puree sweet strawberries with a hint of sweetener and a splash of lemon juice. Then, combine this vibrant mixture with protein-packed Greek yogurt, and freeze it all in your favorite paleta molds – stainless steel molds are highly recommended for ease and durability (these are my favorite).
Essentially, these strawberry paletas are a delightful transformation of a healthy fruit-and-yogurt breakfast into a frozen dessert. Now you can indulge in a sweet treat any day, completely guilt-free!
*Excuse me while I go grab the last paleta from my freezer – pure bliss!*
fresh strawberry cream paletas
Choosing the Best Molds for Your Mexican Popsicles
My paleta-making journey began with a basic plastic popsicle mold set from Ikea. They served their purpose, but a few years ago, I decided to invest in a superior stainless steel set, and I opted for this particular one.
It was a game-changer!
Now, I can effortlessly create six paletas at once, and even after years of frequent use, the set remains in excellent condition. I’ve even managed to keep almost all of the original wooden sticks that came with it! (If you ever need replacements, you can easily order more here.)
Paletas are a constant presence in my freezer, so these stainless steel molds get a lot of action. A great feature is the built-in drip guards at the top, which are incredibly handy when enjoying your popsicles, though they are removable if you prefer.
Cleaning is a breeze too. A quick rinse right after use, and if needed, a little scrub with a cleaning brush (like the ones that come with water bottles) keeps them perfectly clean.
If you are truly passionate about paletas and want to explore a wider world of flavors and techniques, you might find a dedicated paletas recipe book to be a fantastic resource!
paleta molds
Essential Tips for Perfect Homemade Paletas:
- Authentic paletas often feature delightful chunks of fruit. For a chunkier texture in your strawberry paletas, simply use a potato masher or pulse the strawberries briefly in a blender or food processor. If you prefer a smoother consistency, strain the fruit puree through a fine-mesh sieve before combining it with the yogurt.
- Strawberries were my fruit of choice this time, leading to these delicious strawberry paletas, but feel free to use any fruit that inspires you. Get creative by incorporating herbs like basil, which pairs wonderfully with strawberries, or a dash of spice, like chili powder with mango, for an exciting twist.
- Fresh or frozen strawberries both work beautifully in this recipe. I’ve experimented with both and achieved fantastic results each time.
- If honey isn’t your preferred sweetener, substitute with your favorite alternative. Options like white sugar, brown sugar, golden syrup, or agave nectar all work wonderfully.
- No popsicle molds? No problem! Get resourceful and use shot glasses or even an ice cube tray to make mini-popsicles that are just as delicious.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen), hulled
- 2 Tbsp honey (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Place the hulled strawberries in a food processor.
- Add honey, vanilla extract (if using), and lemon juice (if using).
- Pulse until the mixture is smoothly pureed.
- In a bowl, combine the strawberry puree with the Greek yogurt and gently stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly into your popsicle molds. Place in the freezer for at least 3 hours, or until completely frozen.
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Craving More Paletas?
Explore these other delightful ice pop recipes, all made with wholesome Greek yogurt!
Tangy Lemon Curd Paletas
Lemon curd ice pops – a perfect balance of tartness and creaminess, utterly irresistible!
Vibrant Rote Grütze Paletas
Rote Grütze ice pops
Rote Grütze ice pops! Experience the flavors of a popular German red berry “pudding” transformed into a refreshing summer popsicle!
Indulgent French Hot Chocolate Paletas
French Hot Chocolate Paletas – rich, velvety, and intensely chocolatey for a truly decadent treat!
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