Caramel Nectarine Popsicles

I didn’t own popsicles molds until I started developing this recipe.

Popsicles have just never been on my radar as a snack to make at home. It always seemed to me like making popsicle mix would be a hassle, or that I would get too impatient while they were in the freezer, or that I wouldn't have room in my kitchen for popsicles molds or that I just wouldn't be that into the final product. Although the point about kitchen space still holds true, these popsicles definitely were not a pain to make, did not test my patience and were deliciously worth my time and effort.

I got the idea for this recipe from a fan of the blog, who wanted to see some popsicles on the site. Your wish is my command, friend. With summer coming in hot and nectarine season just beginning, I couldn't think of a better time to make these puppies. The tang of the plain yogurt, combined with the salty caramel and ultra sweet nectarines make the perfect treat for a hot day, or any day really.

For the caramel sauce, I included my favorite caramel sauce recipe from the Spruce Eats. If you’d rather not turn on a burner, store-bought caramel sauce, or even honey or maple syrup, works just a well. Alternatively, you could omit the sweetener entirely. The nectarines are sweet enough to contrast the tang of the yogurt on their own, but the sweetener just adds an extra layer of decadence. Either way, these pops are simple scrummy.

Let me know what you think of the recipe and don’t forget to follow the sustainability tips below!

Yield: about 8 popsicles (more or less depending on mold size)

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: about 7 hours

Ingredients

For the Popsicles

• 4 medium nectarines

• 3/4 cup plain full-fat yogurt, divided

• A few tablespoons caramel sauce, recipe below

For the caramel sauce

(Note: I like this recipe because it uses milk, which I always have in the fridge, rather than cream, which I don't usually stock. Feel free to use your favorite caramel sauce recipe or storebought caramel sauce in its place. This recipe yields about half a cup of caramel, but you will only need a few tablespoons for the popsicles. Drizzle the extra caramel on ice cream or cake, add it to your coffee, or eat it plain if you're feeling frisky.)

• 1/2 cup of sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 tablespoon butter

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps

For the caramel sauce

(If you're not using store-bought caramel)

1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and water, being careful not to get any sugar on the walls of the pan. Put a lid on the saucepan and let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid but do not stir. Let caramel boil until golden brown, rotating pan as needed for even cooking.

2. Remove pan from heat and whisk in butter. Once combined, very slowly add in the milk, just a tablespoon or so at a time. The caramel will likely boil rapidly when the milk is added, but don't fear— just keep whisking. After milk is fully incorporated, place the saucepan back over medium heat until sauce has thickened slightly, about a minute or so. Transfer caramel to a separate container and set aside to cool for about an hour.

Putting it all together

1. Once the caramel is mostly cool, chop nectarines into 1-inch pieces and place them in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until nectarines are mostly broken down, but still slightly chunky.

2. Layer nectarines, yogurt and caramel, to taste, evenly between popsicle molds. Run a knife through the popsicles to create a marbled effect. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight. When ready to eat, run popsicles molds under a trickle of warm water to loosen. Eat up!

Sustainability Tips

• Nectarines: Ideally, get the nectarines from your back yard or buy them from a local farmer you know and love. Buying locally can help support your neighborhood economy and ensure that your nectarines didn't emit as many greenhouse gases during travel. Another great option here would be buying organic nectarines.

• Yogurt: Since yogurt comes from cows, which are just terrible for the environment, make sure you buy your yogurt from a brand you trust. I like to buy dairy from B Corp companies (like Stonyfield!) because I know they're held to a high environmental standard.

• Caramel: Making your own caramel means that you can choose where the ingredients are coming from. Buying fair trade is your best bet for the sugar, and buying from a B Corp or local farmer are your best options for the dairy products.