Here’s my simple coconut chia popsicle recipe, made with creamy coconut milk, healthy chia seeds, and just the right amount of sweetness – perfect for those warm summer days.
These popsicles have become my kids’ favorite afternoon treat, and I always keep a batch in the freezer. Plus, they’re so much better than store-bought ones since you know exactly what goes into them. Who doesn’t love a treat that’s both tasty and good for you?
Why You’ll Love These Coconut Chia Popsicles
- Healthy dessert option – These popsicles are packed with omega-3 rich chia seeds and natural ingredients, making them a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time.
- No cooking required – While they need time to freeze, the actual prep work is as simple as mixing ingredients together – no stove or oven needed.
- Diet-friendly – They’re naturally dairy-free, vegan, and can be made keto-friendly by swapping the agave for a sugar-free sweetener.
- Simple ingredients – With just 6 basic ingredients, these popsicles are easy to make and don’t require any special shopping trips.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can make a batch and keep them in the freezer for whenever you need a cool, refreshing treat.
What Kind of Chia Seeds Should I Use?
Black and white chia seeds are both great options for making these popsicles, and they’ll work equally well in terms of nutrition and gelling properties. Black chia seeds are more common and usually a bit cheaper at the store, while white chia seeds might look prettier in lighter-colored treats. Just make sure your chia seeds are fresh – they should have a mild, nutty smell and not taste bitter. Before using them in your popsicles, give them a quick check for any debris, and store any unused seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A helpful tip is to measure out your chia seeds before adding any liquid, as they can stick to measuring spoons once they get wet.
Options for Substitutions
These popsicles are easy to customize with several ingredient swaps:
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds are pretty important here since they create the unique texture, but you could use ground flax seeds – just reduce the amount to 3 tablespoons and expect a slightly different texture.
- Coconut cream: You can swap coconut cream with full-fat coconut milk, though your pops will be less creamy. Regular heavy cream works too if you don’t need them dairy-free.
- Agave nectar: Any liquid sweetener works here – try honey, maple syrup, or even simple syrup. Just add it to taste since sweetness levels vary.
- Strawberries: Feel free to use any berries or fruit you like – raspberries, blueberries, mango chunks, or peach slices all work great. Just make sure to cut them small.
- Toasted coconut flakes: You can skip these or replace them with chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or even mini chocolate chips for a different crunch factor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making chia popsicles is not allowing enough time for the chia seeds to properly gel – they need at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) to absorb liquid and create that perfect pudding-like consistency before freezing.
Another common mistake is forgetting to stir the mixture a few times during the first 30 minutes of setting, which can lead to clumped chia seeds settling at the bottom instead of being evenly distributed throughout your popsicles.
To prevent your fruit pieces from sinking to the bottom of the molds, wait until your chia mixture has started to thicken before adding the sliced strawberries, and give it one final gentle stir before freezing.
For the smoothest texture, make sure your coconut cream is well mixed (not separated) before combining with other ingredients, and consider blending half the chia seeds if you prefer a less seedy texture in your finished popsicles.
What to Serve With Coconut Chia Popsicles?
These coconut chia popsicles are perfect for a refreshing summer dessert or afternoon treat, and there are several fun ways to serve them! Try setting up a simple toppings bar with extra toasted coconut flakes, crushed macadamia nuts, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for dipping. Since these pops have a tropical vibe, they’re great alongside fresh fruit like mango slices, pineapple chunks, or more fresh strawberries. For a fun pool party or BBQ spread, serve these popsicles with other frozen treats like fruit smoothies or dairy-free ice cream to create a complete dessert station.
Storage Instructions
Keep Frozen: These coconut chia popsicles need to stay in the freezer to maintain their frosty goodness. Once they’re completely frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep their best quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Prevent Freezer Burn: To keep your popsicles tasting fresh and prevent ice crystals from forming, wrap each pop individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This extra step helps protect them from freezer burn and makes it easy to grab just one at a time.
Before Serving: When you’re ready to enjoy your popsicle, let it sit at room temperature for about 1-2 minutes. This helps soften it slightly and brings out the coconut flavor. If the popsicle is stuck in the mold, run the outside under warm water for a few seconds to help release it.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 360-480 minutes |
| Total Time | 370-495 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 70-80 g
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 8 strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar
Step 1: Prepare the Chia Mixture
Start by mixing chia seeds and water in a bowl.
Let the mixture soak for about 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the water and form a gel-like consistency.
Step 2: Combine with Coconut Cream and Sweetener
Once the chia seeds have soaked, add coconut cream and agave syrup to the chia seed mixture.
Mix everything well until it is fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Popsicles
Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of the coconut chia seed pudding into each popsicle mold.
Sprinkle a layer of coconut chips on top and gently press thin strawberry slices against the sides of the mold with your fingers to create a decorative effect.
Step 4: Fill and Freeze
Fill the molds to the top with the remaining chia pudding mixture.
Carefully insert a popsicle stick into the center of each mold.
Place the filled molds in the freezer and allow them to freeze for about 6 hours or overnight until they are solid.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the popsicles are fully frozen, remove them from the molds to serve.
Enjoy these refreshing and healthy treats cold, perfect for a hot day or a sweet snack!