Butter Coffee Ice Pops
Beat the heat with these delicious Butter Coffee Ice Pops, a refreshing treat that combines the rich flavors of butter coffee with the coolness of ice pops. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up on hot days, these low-carb delights are not only satisfying but also packed with healthy fats to keep you in ketosis.
These ice pops are a fantastic way to enjoy your morning coffee in a new, exciting form. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful snack that aligns perfectly with your keto lifestyle. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or need a refreshing boost during a busy day, these Butter Coffee Ice Pops are sure to become your new favorite treat.
Recipe Details
The inspiration for these Butter Coffee Ice Pops comes from the classic butter coffee drink, which has gained popularity among those following the keto diet. Butter coffee is known for its ability to provide sustained energy and mental clarity, thanks to its combination of healthy fats and caffeine. By transforming this beloved beverage into a frozen treat, you can enjoy all the benefits while staying cool during the warmer months.
One of the key ingredients in these ice pops is unsalted butter. This ingredient is rich in healthy fats, which are essential for anyone on a keto diet. Healthy fats help to keep you satiated and provide energy without spiking your blood sugar levels. Additionally, the use of coconut oil adds another layer of healthy fat, making these ice pops not only delicious but also nutritious.
Another important component is brewed coffee, which provides a rich flavor and caffeine boost. Caffeine can enhance your metabolism and improve your focus, making these ice pops an excellent choice for a midday snack. The unsweetened almond milk adds a creamy texture without adding unnecessary carbs, keeping the recipe aligned with keto principles.
With only 2 grams of carbohydrates per ice pop, these treats are a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer them sweeter or with a hint of vanilla, these Butter Coffee Ice Pops are a versatile option for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle.
The Method
Creating your own Butter Coffee Ice Pops is a simple yet rewarding process. Start by brewing your favorite coffee and allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial because if the coffee is too hot, it can cause the melted butter and coconut oil to separate, leading to an uneven texture in your ice pops.
Once your coffee is cooled, combine it with the unsweetened almond milk, melted unsalted butter, melted coconut oil, erythritol, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This is where you can really make the recipe your own. Taste the mixture before pouring it into molds. If you desire a sweeter flavor, add more erythritol gradually, ensuring it dissolves completely.
When pouring the mixture into the ice pop molds, be careful to leave a little space at the top of each mold. This allows for expansion as they freeze, preventing spills and messes. If your molds come with sticks, insert them right away. If not, you can wait about an hour until the pops are partially frozen before inserting wooden sticks. This is a handy trick that helps keep the sticks centered.
Once your molds are filled, place them in the freezer for at least four hours. To release the ice pops easily, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. This will help loosen them without compromising their shape. Gently pull the sticks to remove the pops, and enjoy the refreshing taste of butter coffee in a cool, frozen treat!
Variations
Chocolate Butter Coffee Ice Pops
For a delightful twist, consider adding cocoa powder to your Butter Coffee Ice Pops. Simply mix in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder when combining your ingredients. This will give your pops a rich chocolate flavor while keeping them keto-friendly. You can also add a few chocolate chips for an extra treat!
Nutty Butter Coffee Ice Pops
If you love the taste of nuts, try incorporating some nut butter into your recipe. Adding 2 tablespoons of almond or hazelnut butter will enhance the creaminess and provide a nutty flavor. This variation not only adds taste but also boosts the healthy fat content, making your ice pops even more satisfying.
Spiced Butter Coffee Ice Pops
For those who enjoy a little spice, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to your mixture. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, whisking it into your coffee mixture. This will give your ice pops a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and coffee.
Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize your Butter Coffee Ice Pops further, here are some great substitutions:
1. **Sweeteners**: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute erythritol with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Both options are low-carb and keto-friendly, but be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as they can be sweeter than erythritol.
2. **Milk Alternatives**: If you want to switch up the base, consider using coconut milk instead of almond milk. Coconut milk will add a richer flavor and creaminess, enhancing the overall taste of your ice pops. Just ensure that the coconut milk is unsweetened to keep it keto-friendly.
3. **Butter Alternatives**: For those who are dairy-free, you can replace the unsalted butter with ghee or a plant-based butter alternative. Both options will maintain the healthy fat content while accommodating dietary restrictions.
FAQ
1. Can I use decaf coffee for these ice pops?
Absolutely! If you prefer decaf coffee, feel free to use it in this recipe. The flavor will remain the same, and you can enjoy these ice pops without the caffeine kick.
2. How long do these ice pops last in the freezer?
These Butter Coffee Ice Pops can last up to two months in the freezer. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
3. Can I add protein powder to the mixture?
Yes! Adding a scoop of your favorite low-carb protein powder is a great way to boost the nutritional value of your ice pops. Just mix it in with the other ingredients until well combined.
4. Are these ice pops suitable for kids?
While these ice pops are low in sugar and carbs, they do contain caffeine from the coffee. It’s best to serve them to older kids in moderation. You can also make a caffeine-free version using decaf coffee.
5. What if I don’t have ice pop molds?
If you don’t have ice pop molds, you can use small cups or muffin tins. Just pour the mixture into the cups and insert sticks once they start to freeze. This method works just as well!
Butter Coffee Ice Pops
Equipment
- Ice pop molds
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed coffee cooled
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 1 tablespoon erythritol or preferred keto sweetener
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by brewing your favorite coffee and allowing it to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial to avoid melting the butter and coconut oil prematurely.
- Mix the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooled coffee, unsweetened almond milk, melted unsalted butter, melted coconut oil, erythritol, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the sweetener is dissolved.
- Taste and Adjust: Before pouring into molds, take a moment to taste the mixture. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add more erythritol or your preferred keto sweetener, mixing again until dissolved.
- Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the mixture into ice pop molds, leaving a little space at the top of each mold to allow for expansion as they freeze.
- Insert Sticks: If your molds come with sticks, insert them now. If not, you can wait about 1 hour until the pops are partially frozen, then insert wooden sticks.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer and allow them to freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely solid.
- Unmold and Serve: Once frozen, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds to help release the ice pops. Gently pull the sticks to remove the pops from the molds. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of butter coffee in a cool, frozen treat!