Greek Yogurt Popsicles with Prickly Pear, Passion Fruit & Tahini Shell
Prickly pear and passion fruit are both tart and floral on their own, and together with Greek yogurt and kefir, they make a creamy, nutritious frozen treat that's as satisfying as it is refreshing.
Greek yogurt brings protein and may also contain live cultures; kefir adds tangy depth; and the combination keeps these popsicles creamy rather than icy. The tahini shell hardens on contact with the frozen popsicle, adding a thin, nutty crunch that pairs well with the fruity filling. A pinch of sumac on top brings a citrusy finish. Ten minutes of prep, a few hours in the freezer, and they're ready.
See the full process from blending the prickly pear mixture to dipping the frozen popsicles in the tahini shell, including how to get a clean second coat before adding the sumac.
10min
Prep time
9
Servings
Greek Yogurt Popsicles with Prickly Pear, Passion Fruit & Tahini Shell
Prickly pear and passion fruit are both tart and floral on their own, and together with Greek yogurt and kefir, they make a creamy, nutritious frozen treat that's as satisfying as it is refreshing.
Greek yogurt brings protein and may also contain live cultures; kefir adds tangy depth; and the combination keeps these popsicles creamy rather than icy. The tahini shell hardens on contact with the frozen popsicle, adding a thin, nutty crunch that pairs well with the fruity filling. A pinch of sumac on top brings a citrusy finish. Ten minutes of prep, a few hours in the freezer, and they're ready.
See the full process from blending the prickly pear mixture to dipping the frozen popsicles in the tahini shell, including how to get a clean second coat before adding the sumac.
Prickly pear and passion fruit are both tart and floral on their own, and together with Greek yogurt and kefir, they make a creamy, nutritious frozen treat that's as satisfying as it is refreshing.
Greek yogurt brings protein and may also contain live cultures; kefir adds tangy depth; and the combination keeps these popsicles creamy rather than icy. The tahini shell hardens on contact with the frozen popsicle, adding a thin, nutty crunch that pairs well with the fruity filling. A pinch of sumac on top brings a citrusy finish. Ten minutes of prep, a few hours in the freezer, and they're ready.
See the full process from blending the prickly pear mixture to dipping the frozen popsicles in the tahini shell, including how to get a clean second coat before adding the sumac.
Add Greek yogurt, kefir, pears and sweetener to blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour mixture through a strainer to remove the prickly pear seeds. Pour strained mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for 6-7 hours.
Tahini Hard Shell
Mix tahini, coconut oil, maple syrup and Kosher salt in bowl until smooth.
Once popsicles are frozen, remove from molds and dunk into the tahini hard shell mixture 2-3 times.
Sprinkle tahini shell with sumac and enjoy.
Tips & Recommendations:
Releasing the popsicles from the molds: Don't pull straight up on the stick. Run the outside of the mold under warm water for about 10 to 15 seconds, then gently twist and pull. If they don't release, give them a few more seconds in warm water, and they'll come out cleanly without breaking.
Dipping into the tahini shell: Work quickly. Dip each popsicle two to three times, letting the excess drip off between dips. The shell hardens almost immediately on contact with the frozen popsicle, so the second and third coats build up fast. Use a tall, narrow glass or jar to make dipping easier and reduce waste. Any leftover shells can be stored in the refrigerator and gently rewarmed before the next use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Greek yogurt to make popsicles?
Greek yogurt gives these popsicles a creamier, denser texture than juice or fruit puree alone. It also adds protein and can provide live and active cultures, so you're getting something more nutritious than a standard frozen treat. The natural tang of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness of the prickly pear and passion fruit without needing much added sugar.
What does kefir add to this recipe?
Kefir is a fermented dairy drink with a thinner consistency than yogurt, which helps the blended mixture pour smoothly into the molds. Like Greek yogurt, it can contain live and active cultures and adds a mild tangy flavor that complements the fruit. The combination of both gives these popsicles a layered creaminess that neither ingredient achieves on its own.
Why do Greek yogurt and fruit work so well together in frozen desserts?
The fat and protein in Greek yogurt slow down the formation of large ice crystals, which is what makes frozen desserts feel icy or grainy. Paired with naturally juicy fruits like prickly pear and passion fruit, the result is a popsicle with a smooth, creamy texture rather than a hard, icy one.
Why is tahini used for the shell instead of chocolate?
Tahini mixed with coconut oil behaves similarly to a chocolate magic shell; it hardens on contact with the frozen popsicle, but adds a nutty, slightly savory flavor that pairs naturally with the tartness of the fruit and the tang of the yogurt.
Are these popsicles a good source of dairy nutrition?
Yes. Between the Greek yogurt and kefir, each popsicle provides protein, calcium, and can provide live and active cultures. Greek yogurt in particular is one of the more protein-dense dairy options, making these popsicles a more nutritious frozen treat than most store-bought alternatives.
