Beat the Heat with These Healthy Frozen Summer Treats!

Summer is here, and what better of a time to make some healthy homemade frozen treats that you and your family can enjoy! We wanted to find ways to beat the summer heat and still keep it nutritious.

Let’s take some everyday frozen favourites. We’ll be using ingredients that are better for you than their conventional counterparts. Not to mention our’s won’t have any added refined sugars. Below you will find four delicious recipes that aim to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a healthy dose of nutrition at the same time!

Don’t forget to share them with us by tagging @naturescanada

Cherry & Almond Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Bark

Our Cherry Almond Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Bark is so simple to put together! Not to mention, it tastes phenomenal. It also requires a little convincing to make on your own!
Our goal is to always provide you delicious recipes. Still, sometimes you want a quick recipe that only requires a few ingredients, and let me tell you, this is definitely one to keep in mind!
There are only six ingredients in this recipe. Two ingredients are pantry staples for most people. That means potentially only having to pick up four extra ingredients. If cherry and almonds aren’t your thing, or if you end up loving it so much you want more, we encourage you to get creative with fruit and nut combinations.
Course Dessert
Keyword Dairy Free Option, Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Freeze Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 23 minutes
Servings 16 pieces
Calories 80.1kcal
Author Sabrina Cellupica & Nicole Ensoll

Ingredients

  • 3 cups vanilla Greek yogurt or use plain and sweeten with honey
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup slivered almonds plus one tablespoon
  • ½ cup organic cherries plus one tablespoon
  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ tsp Nature’s Emporium Coconut Oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place slivered almonds on the baking sheet and toast for approximately 5-8 minutes or until golden brown, ensure they do not burn, set aside and cool.
  • Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to use for the bark and be able to freeze once prepared.
  • In a double boiler, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until fully melted and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together yogurt and cocoa powder until fully combined.
  • Then, mix in ½ cup of toastedslivered almonds and ½ cup of slivered cherries until fully combined.
  • Carefully pour the mixture onto parchment paper of the baking sheet and spread evenly, approximately 1-1 ½ cm thick.
  • Using a spoon, drizzle melted chocolate on top, using a spatula spread out evenly while still seeing the chocolate drizzle.
  • Using the remaining tablespoon of slivered almonds and tablespoon of slivered cherries, drizzle over the mixture evenly.
  • Place in the freezer for 4 hours or overnight. Remove and cut into chunks using a sharp knife. Enjoy!

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek Yogurt in the recipe above to Riviera Maison Yogurt Vegan Delight (Vanilla or Plain)

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 80.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.6g | Protein: 4.9g | Fat: 4.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Cholesterol: 4.9mg | Sodium: 16mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 4.7g

In previous recipes shared, we’ve used many different alternative flour options, but one we have yet to bring up is spelt flour. It’s an ancient grain rich in nutrients (rich in calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, selenium and niacin). Though it is not gluten-free, and is technically a variety of wheat, it does tend to be more digestible for most individuals.

Matcha & White Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream Sandwiches

In the past few years, artisanal ice cream sandwiches have popped up everywhere. These deliciously satisfying treats are a favourite of everyone! They are no longer just your simple chocolate cookie and vanilla ice cream combo.
While they may be popular and easy to access, why not try to whip together a batch of your own? Add a little healthy kick by including matcha into the cookie dough. While you’re at it, use spelt flour instead of all-purpose as the base!
Course Dessert
Keyword Dairy Free, Gluten Free Option
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Freeze Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 38 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 517.7kcal
Author Sabrina Cellupica & Nicole Ensoll

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 2 cups light spelt flour* see notes for gluten-free option
  • 1 tbsp Do Matcha Ceremonial-Grade Matcha Powder suitable for baking
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp Celtic Sea Salt
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar
  • ½ cup cane sugar
  • ½ cup butter alternative (we used Earth Balance Buttery Spread, adjust accordingly) melted
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Nature's Emporium Egg
  • 1 Nature's Emporium Egg Yolk
  • 2 bars Olivia Chocolate Artisan Vegan White Chocolate Bar with Coconut chopped

For the ice cream sandwiches:

  • 12 large scoops Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Naked Coconut Ice Cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Sift the flower into a small bowl. Then, add matcha, baking soda, and salt and mix together until flour turns light green.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the brown sugar, cane sugar and earth balance with an electric mixer until blended.
  • Mix the flour mixture into the creamed butter mixtureuntil the dough is blended. Do not over mix.
  • Fold in the white chocolate until thoroughly combined.
  • Place cookie dough onto baking sheet about 2 inches apart using approximately one heaping tablespoon per cookie.
  • Bake 15-18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned, then cool cookies for a few minutes on a baking sheet and transfer to a rack to completely dry.
  • Once completely cooled, add a large ice cream scoop of slightly melted Coconut Bliss Ice Cream between two sandwiches, spread evenly to cover the entire cookie.
  • Place another cookie on top, gently press together between your palms to form the sandwich, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 3 hours or overnight.

Notes

Due to the fact there is gluten present, someone who suffers from Celiac disease or has a severe intolerance or sensitivity to gluten is advised to replace the spelt flour. Replace it with a gluten-free alternative, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour. Don’t worry, they taste just as good!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 517.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 58.5g | Protein: 5.2g | Fat: 28.9g | Saturated Fat: 19.1g | Cholesterol: 26.9mg | Sodium: 185.6mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 39.5g

A fruity popsicle on a hot summer day is so crucial to keeping cool and quenching your thirst! Growing up, there was nothing better than biting into your favourite freezie colour and sitting on the dock at the cottage. At the same time, you take a break from swimming. However, unfortunately knowing what there is to know now about freezies and how much added sugar is in them, one wouldn’t be so inclined to grab one. Most added sugars in conventional products tend to spike our blood glucose levels. This spike sends our bodies on a wild rollercoaster of side effects. Over time, eventual long term issues occur.

Thankfully, making your own popsicles is a simple task. They require few ingredients and can be made quickly. It’s the freezing part that delays eating them! They still may contain some sugars when looking at the nutrition facts provided. However, we are making these solely with fruit and real fruit juice. Therefore, added sugars—especially refined white sugar, are not needed. They will still taste great and refreshing!

We’ve also helped to reduce the impact on your blood sugar. This is done by adding some chia seeds, which are excellent sources of protein, fibre and fat. All of which help to slow the digestion of sugars and reducing the impact on our blood sugar.

Raspberry & Pineapple Popsicles

Our favourite combination is combining both the tropical sweetness of pineapple and tarty taste of raspberries. If pineapple or raspberries aren’t your favourite, you can substitute any of your favourite fruits using the recipe below.
Course Dessert
Keyword Dairy Free, Gluten Free
Prep Time 20 minutes
Freeze Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 popsicles
Calories 81.9kcal
Author Sabrina Cellupica & Nicole Ensoll

Equipment

  • Popsicle molds

Ingredients

  • 2 cups organic raspberries
  • 1 tbsp coconut water
  • 2 ½ cups organic pineapple diced
  • 1 tbsp pineapple juice
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

  • In a food processor, blend raspberries with a little coconut water until you get a smooth puree. Start with 1 tbsp of coconut water and increase until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Then, move the puree into a bowl or cup with a spout to make it easier for pouring.
  • Rinse the bowl and blend the pineapple with pineapple juice. Again, start with 1 tbsp of pineapple juice and increase until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Using the popsicle molds, layer the raspberry and pineapple purees.
  • Freeze overnight and enjoy it as a refreshing treat on a hot summer day!

Nutrition

Serving: 1popsicle | Calories: 81.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.6g | Protein: 1.9g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 2.6mg | Fiber: 5.3g | Sugar: 9.2g

The reason these ingredients are usually included in conventional brands is because they create a longer shelf life. They also allow for a precise consistency or texture of the product. That might sound great in the grand scheme of things. Still, ultimately these preservatives and additives can often be harmful to our health. Holistic nutritionists prefer to keep things a lot more whole and straightforward in their diets. That’s where this delicious Nana Ice Cream comes in!

Bananas are such a super fruit, and they are not only rich in nutrients. The texture of them when you freeze them is similar to that of ice cream. It can definitely be a good substitute when you’re looking to clean up your diet, but still want the satisfying treat of ice cream. We’ve paired bananas with frozen peaches and mango, topped it with coconut flakes, and our all-time favourite candied pecan recipe. These pecans are so good that they can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. Try topping them on a salad or used in another dessert. Think cookies, brownies or pies! They have endless uses, so you can always make a double batch and store them in a mason jar in the fridge for about a week!

Peach & Mango ‘Nana Ice Cream Topped With Candied Pecans

Has anyone ever met a person who doesn’t love ice cream? Between the rich and sweet-tasting flavours, it’s easy to know why everyone is a fan!
However, many ice creams (or frozen desert) you find in the freezer of your average grocery store are full of nasty additives and preservatives. Many brands include at least one or more of these not so great ingredients, some of which are even difficult to read and pronounce: modified milk ingredients, corn syrup, polysorbate 80, carrageenan, artificial flavours. The list goes on.
What ever happened to pure ice cream?
Course Dessert
Keyword Dairy Free, Gluten Free
Prep Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 125.7kcal
Author Sabrina Cellupica

Ingredients

For the candied pecans:

  • 1 Nature's Emporium Egg White
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ¼ tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup organic pecans
  • 3 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp Nature's Emporium Cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp Celtic Sea Salt
  • tsp nutmeg

For the banana ice cream:

  • 1 cup frozen peaches
  • 1 cup frozen mangoes
  • 1 cup frozen bananas
  • ¼ cup coconut chips

Instructions

For the 'nana ice cream

  • Begin by peeling and slicing the bananas to freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend together the bananas, peaches, and mangos.
  • Process the fruit until smooth. It will look like crumbles at first but eventually blends to a smooth consistency.
  • Serve immediately or freeze leftovers and enjoy for a later time.
  • Keep cool in freezer and proceed to make candied pecans.

For the candied pecans:

  • Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix together egg white, water and vanilla extract in a bowl and beat until foamy. Pour in pecans and coat thoroughly.
  • Mix coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a plastic bag. Shake together to combine.
  • Add in pecans using a slotted spoon to remove excess egg white mixture and shake it really well to ensure all pecans are coated with the dry mix.
  • Place on parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool & top your 'nana ice cream!
    A white bowl filled with candied pecans being held by a hand on a white countertop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 125.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 23.8g | Protein: 1.6g | Fat: 3.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.7g | Sodium: 24.5mg | Fiber: 3.5g | Sugar: 16.5g

We hope you’ve been inspired to take your traditional favourite frozen treats and amplify them to the next level with some easy tweaks and healthy ingredients. Here’s to enjoying some sweet treats in the heat this summer!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us tagging @naturescanada always!

Nicole Ensoll, CNP

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