As a huge fan of both cold brew coffee and treats to beat the heat, I’ve found an innovative way to combine the two: cold brew coffee popsicles.
These popsicles are the perfect solution for coffee lovers looking to enjoy their favorite drink in a refreshing new form during the summer months. Not only do they offer a delicious caffeine boost ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up, but they also double as a delectable dessert.
Creating these popsicles at home is a simple and satisfying project. You’ll need a few key ingredients and supplies to get started and within a few easy steps, you can have your cold brew coffee popsicles freezing in no time.
What You Need For Coffee Popsicles
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial we have everything on hand, as the right ingredients and equipment will make this task not only possible but also enjoyable.
Ingredients
- Cold Brew Coffee: The best would be a high-concentrated cold brew coffee.
- Milk: A cup of milk will help give the popsicles a creamy texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and a velvety consistency.
- Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetness, you can add maple syrup to taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon will deepen the flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): For a bit of texture and chocolatey goodness, you can mix in a handful of chocolate chips.
Equipment
- Popsicle Molds: These are essential for shaping the popsicles. you’ll need about 8, depending on size.
- Popsicle Sticks/Wooden Sticks: One for each mold, to serve as the handle.
- Measuring Cup: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Freezer: Vital for freezing the popsicles until solid. It should be set to at least 0°F (-18°C).
- Tin Foil: This can be used to cover the popsicle molds if they don’t have lids.
By ensuring I have all these ingredients and equipment ready, you’re set to make delicious cold brew coffee popsicles with ease.
The Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee For Popsicles
- Smooth Taste:
Sipping cold brew coffee is a delight thanks to its smooth flavor. Unlike traditional hot brewing methods that can extract more bitter compounds, cold brew’s long steeping time at a cool temperature results in a milder taste. This is a primary reason why I find myself reaching for it, especially on warm days. - Less Acidity:
Cold brew coffee is naturally less acidic. This is a game-changer for me and many others who have sensitive stomachs. The lower acid levels in cold brew make it more pleasant to digest and can often allow those who experience discomfort with regular coffee to enjoy their cup of joe with ease.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles
I’m excited to share my love for the rich flavor and refreshing twist of cold brew coffee by turning it into delectable popsicles. Here’s how you can create this frozen treat with a combination of bold coffee and a touch of sweetness.
Step 1: Preparing the Cold Brew
First up, to get that deep coffee flavor, I make my own cold brew concentrate. It’s a simple process but requires patience. I typically steep coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for about 12-24 hours. The key is to keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator during this period. Once done, I strain the brew using a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to ensure no grounds end up in my popsicles
Step 2: Mixing Ingredients
After I’ve got my cold brew concentrate ready, I whisk it together with milk and sweetened condensed milk. To customize it, sometimes I add a splash of vanilla extract or a dollop of cream to get a luxurious texture. I taste the mixture at this stage to make sure it’s got the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor.
Step 3: Pouring and Freezing
Next, it’s time to pour the mixture into popsicle molds. I fill them up, leaving just a tiny bit of space at the top for the mixture to expand as it freezes. Then, I gently place wooden sticks into each mold. Now comes the hardest part – waiting. I let them freeze in the freezer for about 4-6 hours, although leaving them overnight ensures they’re thoroughly set.
Step 4: Unmolding and Serving
Here’s the fun part: unmolding! To make it easier, I run the mold under warm water for a few seconds. Then, I gently wiggle the popsicles out. If they’re stubborn, I might let them sit at room temperature for a minute. Once out, I can serve them as is, or sometimes I get fancy and dip them into melted chocolate or a dusting of espresso powder. And just like that, my cold brew coffee popsicles are ready to enjoy!
Coffee Popsicles Customization Ideas
When I make cold brew coffee popsicles, I think of each pop as a blank canvas to infuse with my favorite flavors. Here are some personal touches I like to add.
- Chocolate Chips:
I enjoy mixing in mini dark chocolate chips; they create a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the popsicle. - Vegan Varieties:
Using almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy lets me keep the popsicles vegan without sacrificing creaminess. I often switch between the two to keep my taste buds on their toes. - Sweetness Level:
I like to control the sweetness and have found that maple syrup is the perfect alternative sweetener. It pairs fantastically with the coffee flavor and is a healthier option.
By starting with these personal touches, the variations seem almost endless. I enjoy experimenting each time, never quite making the same popsicle twice.
Common Popsicle Problems
When making cold brew coffee popsicles, you might face a few common issues like popsicles not freezing properly or having trouble getting them out of the mold. I’ve put together some tips to help you solve these issues easily.
Popsicles Not Freezing:
- Check that my freezer is set to the correct temperature, typically at or below 0°F (-18°C).
- Ensure the popsicle mixture isn’t too thick with heavy additives like syrups which can affect freezing.
Difficulty Unmolding:
- Run the outside of the mold under warm water for a few seconds. This loosens them just enough to pull out.
- Avoid pulling too hard which might break the sticks; gentle wiggling can be effective.
- If they continually stick, consider lightly oiling the mold before pouring in my mixture.
Remember, patience is key — my popsicles need time to freeze all the way through, usually at least four hours, but overnight is best in my freezer.
Serving Suggestions
When I make cold brew coffee popsicles, I love to add a touch of fun, especially if I’m sharing these treats with friends or during a summer get-together.
I like to serve the popsicles with small plates and napkins. You never know, if your friends will need those. If I want to get creative, I dip the tips of the popsicles in melted dark chocolate and then into chopped nuts or sprinkles before freezing.
💡 Want to try something different?
Try making Mocha Iced Coffee Popsicles.
FAQ – How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles
Can you freeze cold brew coffee?
Absolutely! You can freeze cold brew coffee to create a refreshing snack or dessert. Just pour it into popsicle molds and let it freeze until solid. It’s a simple and delightful way to savor coffee during hot weather.
Is frozen coffee a thing?
Yes, frozen coffee is definitely a thing. Coffee popsicles, ice coffee cubes for blending into smoothies, or even iced coffee slushies are popular ways to enjoy coffee cold. Cold brew coffee popsicles take the essence of iced coffee and turn it into a grab-and-go frozen pop.
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