If you love the rich, smooth taste of coffee but want a refreshing twist to beat the heat, this Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles Recipe is just what your summer dreams called for. Combining the deep, bold flavor of cold brew coffee with the sweet creaminess of vanilla and condensed milk, these popsicles are a delightful way to enjoy your caffeine fix in frozen form. Every bite is like a mini coffee break, perfect for relaxing afternoons, sharing with friends, or treating yourself to something special that’s both simple and sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in balancing boldness, sweetness, and creaminess in your popsicles. The coffee provides that unmistakable robust flavor, while the sweetened condensed milk adds luscious sweetness and smooth texture, and the vanilla extract rounds it all out with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 cup cold brew coffee: The heart of this recipe, cold brew delivers a rich and smooth coffee base without bitterness.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious sweetness and a creamy texture that perfectly complements the coffee.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant, sweet vanilla note that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Balances the richness and makes the popsicles creamy but light.
How to Make Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
Start by whisking together your cold brew coffee, sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla extract, and milk in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform — the sweetened condensed milk will dissolve beautifully, creating that silky texture you’re aiming for. This step sets up the perfect creamy coffee flavor in each pop.
Step 2: Pour Into Molds
Next, carefully pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, filling each about three-quarters full. This leaves just enough space at the top to avoid any overflow as they freeze and expand. Using popsicle molds will give you that classic shape and make the popsicles easy to enjoy once frozen.
Step 3: Insert Popsicle Sticks
Now, insert the popsicle sticks into each mold. Make sure they are centered and stable, so when the mixture freezes, they stay in place and provide a sturdy handle for your pops. This step is crucial to keep your popsicles looking professional and easy to hold.
Step 4: Freeze Until Solid
Place the molds in the freezer for at least 4 to 6 hours to let your popsicles set completely. Patience here is key — the longer they freeze, the firmer and more refreshing they become. Overnight is even better if you want to prepare them ahead for a summery surprise.
Step 5: Unmold and Enjoy
When you’re ready to enjoy, run warm water over the outside of the molds for about 10 to 15 seconds. This loosens the popsicles just enough to slip them out cleanly without any mess. Then, hold onto that delicious, creamy Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicle and savor every cooling bite!
How to Serve Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your popsicle experience with some simple garnishes. A sprinkle of finely ground coffee or cocoa powder on top adds a little extra punch and texture. You might also drizzle some caramel or chocolate syrup over the pops for added sweetness and visual appeal. For a fresh touch, a few mint leaves on the plate bring a pop of color and a complimentary flavor twist.
Side Dishes
These popsicles are a fantastic standalone treat, but pairing them with light, complementary snacks can make your coffee break even more special. Think along the lines of almond biscotti, shortbread cookies, or fruit salad with citrus notes to balance the creamy coffee richness. A small bowl of mixed nuts also works wonders, offering a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests or just elevate a solo indulgence, consider serving the popsicles in chilled coffee mugs or cute glasses with a splash of cold milk at the bottom. Alternatively, stick a few into a rustic wooden board decorated with coffee beans and edible flowers for a charming, Instagram-worthy presentation that invites compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since these popsicles are frozen treats, leftovers should always go back into the freezer right away to maintain their texture and flavor. Keeping them tightly covered or stored in an airtight container will prevent them from absorbing any freezer odors and keep them tasting fresh for days.
Freezing
You can freeze these Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles Recipe treats for up to 2 weeks without a loss in quality. Just make sure they’re stored in molds or wrapped individually to avoid freezer burn, so each popsicle stays creamy and delicious.
Reheating
While these popsicles are meant to be enjoyed frozen, if you happen to want to soften one quickly, a brief 15-second warm water rinse does the trick before eating. Because they contain milk and coffee, microwave reheating is not recommended as it can spoil the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
While cold brew coffee offers a smooth, less acidic flavor ideal for popsicles, you can use regular brewed coffee chilled in the fridge as a substitute. Just be aware the taste might be slightly sharper, so you may want to adjust sweetness accordingly.
What type of milk works best for this recipe?
Any milk will work—whole, skim, or your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk all complement this recipe beautifully. Non-dairy options may impart a subtle flavor twist and affect creaminess slightly.
How sweet are these popsicles?
Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk, these popsicles have a lovely, rich sweetness that balances the bitterness of coffee perfectly. If you prefer them less sweet, you can reduce the condensed milk slightly or opt for unsweetened milk alternatives.
Can I add chocolate or caramel flavors?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce to the mixture before freezing can introduce delightful variations. You can also swirl sauces inside the molds for a marbled effect.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Because it contains caffeine, these popsicles might not be ideal for young children. However, older kids and teens who enjoy coffee flavors might appreciate them as a special treat in moderation.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles Recipe is a fantastic way to reinvent your coffee routine with a fun, refreshing twist. It’s simple, approachable, and full of flavor — perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own during warm days. Give it a try and discover how wonderful coffee can be in popsicle form!
Print
Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles combine the bold, smooth flavor of cold brew coffee with creamy sweetened condensed milk and a hint of pure vanilla. Perfectly refreshing and easy to make, this frozen treat is ideal for coffee lovers looking for a cool twist on their favorite beverage.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cold brew coffee, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Fill the Molds: Pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds, filling each mold about three-quarters full to allow room for expansion when freezing.
- Insert Sticks: Place popsicle sticks into each mold, making sure they are stable and upright.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer and freeze for 4 to 6 hours or until the popsicles are completely solid.
- Release and Serve: To remove the popsicles from the molds, run warm water over the outside of each mold for 10 to 15 seconds, then gently pull out the popsicles and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond, oat, or regular dairy milk.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.
- Make sure not to overfill the popsicle molds to prevent spilling during freezing.
- The vanilla extract can be substituted with vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor.
- These popsicles are best enjoyed within one week for optimal freshness and flavor.
