Vanilla Date Caramel Popsicle

Vanilla Date Caramel Popsicle

These frozen vanilla date caramel popsicles are refined sugar-free, sweetened with Medjool date caramel chunks and crunchy almond bits.  This tasty dessert gives you all the textures you need; the creamy yoghurt base, the chewy sweet caramelly Medjool dates, and the crunchy almonds here and there.   Dates are a traditional Middle Eastern fruit that can be eaten by themselves or within desserts.  They are full of nutrients and are a great addition to the children’s diet, in moderation, of course.

Serves:  4

Dietary: Suitable for vegetarians, egg-free, wheat-free and gluten-free

Contains: milk (yoghurt), nuts (almonds)

May contain: sulphites (dates)

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 2 minutes

 

INGREDIENTS
250 g Greek yoghurt, full fat
3 Medjool dates, pitted
1 Medjool date, pitted, chopped small
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
4 almonds, chopped small
¼ cup + 1 Tbsp water

 

METHOD

  1. In a small saucepan, add 3 of the pitted dates with water. Cover with lid and simmer on medium heat for 2 minutes until dates have softened.
  2. Use a handheld blender or transfer the date and water mixture into a blender and purée until smooth, set aside.
  3. Mix Greek yoghurt, date purée, vanilla extract, chopped almonds, and date in a bowl.
  4. Whisk to combine.
  5. Pour mixture into four popsicle moulds.
  6. Freeze for at least 6 hours to overnight.

 

This recipe has been donated by Serena Ammache, Student Nutritionist.

 

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Per serving: 97 g
Total calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 6.6 g
Saturated Fat:  3.0 g
Carbohydrate: 21.0 g
Total sugar: 19 g
Fibre: 2.1 g
Protein:  7.6 g
Salt: 0.11 g

 

NUTRITION FACTS

  • No refined sugar is added to this recipe. The dates and yoghurt provide enough sweetness.
  • Greek yoghurt provides the essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair and calcium for healthy teeth, bones, and muscle function in children.
  • Medjool dates help in digestion because of their high fibre content.
  • Naturally a low-sodium recipe.

 

VARIATIONS

  • You can substitute Greek yoghurt with any milk-free alternative (coconut, soy, almond yoghurt, etc.) and replace the full-fat yoghurt with a low-fat one for a low-fat/calorie diet.
  • If you don’t have access to fresh dates, you can use tinned apricots or sweet fruits.

 

Reviewed by Kathy Lewis, R.Nutr., Registered Nutritionist

 

© 2021 The Caroline Walker Trust