It’s half term and the weather is finally heating up, which means it’s time for some sweet (but healthy) half term treats that help kids to keep cool in the sun.
Whilst shop bought ice creams and ice-pops are convenient, they are often packed with sugar and other artificial nasties. Once you realise how easy it is to make your own – and how tasty they are – you’ll be hooked!
Here are a few of my favourite frozen treat recipes. Enjoy!
Homemade Banana and Blueberry Ice Cream
This ice cream is super creamy, packed with superfood blueberries and goes a terrific purple colour!
Ingredients
- A large handful of frozen blueberries
- 1 frozen banana, chopped
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A dash of almond milk or coconut milk, or some plain yoghurt or silken tofu for extra creaminess.
Method
Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until you get an ice-cream consistency – the mixture may jump around a bit initially, but keep going – eventually it will go creamy. It may help to add a little more liquid, and give it a scrape down the sides.
Homemade Spinach and Avocado Ice Cream
Green ice cream? That’s right! And hidden away inside is a handful of superfood spinach. Your kids will never know.
Ingredients
- 230ml coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 avocado
- A handful of frozen spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 120ml plain yogurt
Method
Halve the avocado, remove the stone and scoop out the flesh. Add this, along with the other ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth. Pour the mixture into a freezer friendly container and freeze for at least two hours before serving.
Orange and Mango Ice Pops
These tangy treats are made with just three fresh and fruity ingredients!
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas, chopped
- 350ml fresh orange juice
- 2 chopped mangos fresh or frozen
Method
Mix all the ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into lolly moulds and freeze. If you’re craving a little extra sweetness, try adding ½ teaspoon of stevia or xylitol.
Strawberry Smoothie Ice Pops
It doesn’t get much better than an ice pop that tastes like your favourite strawberry smoothie!
Ingredients
- 1 banana, chopped
- 1/2 cup 1 handful strawberries
- 120ml plain yogurt
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional)
Method
Mix all the ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into lolly moulds and freeze.
