Traditional horchata is a popular sweet, grain-based drink, flavored with cinnamon. Though it originated in Spain, it is now commonly found in Latin America. Ancient horchata was made from barley, but today you will find this drink made from tiger nuts, sesame seeds, morro seeds or rice, depending on the region. Did you know…?
Horchata was originally used as a medicinal drink.
Highly nutritious and hydrating, it is known to stimulate lactation and can be used as a natural energy drink for nursing mothers.
Learn all you ever wanted to know about Horchata from our friends at the Food Network HERE.
We have taken the sweet warming flavors of traditional horchata and frozen them into this dairy free delight- Coconut Milk Horchata Popsicles!
What makes Coconut Milk Horchata Popsicles superior
While these sweet treats keep the traditional cinnamon and vanilla flavor, here are three reasons to reach for Coconut Milk Horchata Pops.
1. Short Prep Time
Traditional horchata is grain or seed based which requires soaking, grinding and straining. If you are following the SCD diet, as our family does, grains are not allowed. Lucky for us SCD’ers, THIS horchata is coconut milk based. All you need is a high-speed blender and your creamy horchata is ready in a fraction of the time.
2. Naturally sweetened
These healthy pops are sweetened with dates versus sugar. Fresh medjool dates are filled with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and interestingly, known to promote labor as well. If you love the sweet, caramely taste of dates, check out these other naturally sweetened treats.
This dairy-free, frozen treat is packed with so much delicious cinnamon vanilla flavor, that you’ll forget that it is actually filled with nutrition!
Choose the right coconut milk
Not all coconut milks are created equal. Most that you find in the grocery store contain gums or stabilizers. These ingredients are not allowed on the SCD diet. But whether you follow SCD or not, there is no need to put these unnecessary ingredients into your body. Here are some of the brands that I’ve been able to find near me. (I’m positive there are others too. Just readyour labels!)
The best popsicle mold
The truth is any popsicle mold will work. I’ve even used silicone muffin liners to make mini horchata cups. But this is the one that I have, and I LOVE it!
It creates gorgeous professional looking popsicles. It even comes with press and seal plastic coverings to make them look store bought and portable.
It is made of silicone, so you can push on the flexible bottom to help “pop” the popsicles out.
Rich and creamy, just like traditional horchata! These frozen treats are bursting with cinnamon and vanilla and naturally sweetened with dates- perfect for an afternoon energy boost!
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups coconut milk (no additives)
12–14 medjool dates
2 Tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4 hours or more. Enjoy!
Notes
If you are using a blender with a smaller size “smoothie” container, you may need to split the recipe in half so all of the ingredients fit.
These were great on a hot summer day!
★★★★★