| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: No cook time (freeze for 3-4 hours) | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 3g | 2g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 4g | 5g | 0.08g |
There’s something relentlessly seductive about the Elderberry Popsicles recipe. Harking back to childhood summers and sprinkler-strewn afternoons, these popsicles carry an extra punch of adult sophistication and a beautiful mesh of my Afro-Southern heritage. 
The Afro-Southern Connection
The Elderberry Popsicles recipe draws together the extravagance of an Atlanta summer with the subtly sweet and tanginess of West African fruits. Like many of us with roots grounded in more than one space, these delightful treats grapple with and celebrate a fusion of cultures.
For those unacquainted with the star ingredient, elderberry is a captivatingly unique fruit, bearing semblance both to the muscadine grapes of Georgia and wild berries often found in the forests of Nigeria. Similarly, these popsicles could arguably be considered a frosty analogue to asun, a spicy Nigerian goat meat dish, which also combines heat with sweet.
The Love for Elderberries
Why do I adore this recipe? The answer is simple – it’s all about the elderberries. They’re not merely flavourful, but also boast fantastic health benefits #(source). Bursting with antioxidants, elderberries are believed to boost the immune system, tame inflammation, and lessen stress, making these popsicles the perfect rejuvenation on a hot day.
Fussed with the creaminess of Greek yogurt and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and honey, these Elderberry Popsicles strike a delightful balance between health and indulgence. Fresh lemon juice provides a hint of acidic brightness, while the pure vanilla extract adds a cozy aroma reminiscent of homemade baking.
So, whether you’re concluding a family barbecue or just craving an always-welcome frozen treat, these Elderberry Popsicles fit the bill. Serve them alongside cornbread and okra stew, and revel in the magic blend of Southern and West African flavors – it’s a gastronomic journey worth taking.
Here’s to reviving childhood memories and creating new ones with the incredibly versatile Elderberry Popsicles recipe. It’s more than just a warm-weather respite; it’s a celebration of heritage, health, and delectable flavor.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of fresh elderberries
- 3 medium-sized ripe bananas
- 1 cup of natural Greek yogurt
- 4 tablespoons of pure honey
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 6 popsicle sticks
Method
Step One
Start by washing the elderberries thoroughly. Once clean, mash them using a masher or blend them slightly to release their juices.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, peel and mash the bananas until you get a smooth paste.
Step Three
Add the mashed elderberries to the mashed bananas. Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
Step Four
Next, add the natural Greek yogurt, pure honey, pure vanilla extract, and juice of 1 large lemon into the bowl containing the elderberry and banana mix. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is homogeneous.
Step Five
Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold. Each mold should be almost full to allow the insertion of a popsicle stick later.
Step Six
Freeze the popsicle molds for about 20 to 30 minutes until they are slightly set. At this point, place a popsicle stick into the center of each mold.
Step Seven
Return the molds to the freezer and let the popsicles freeze for 3-4 hours or until fully firm.
Step Eight
Once the popsicles have fully frozen, remove the molds from the freezer. Run warm water on the outside of the molds for a few seconds to make it easy to pull out the popsicles. Serve and enjoy!
