I’ve grown to love the month of May. Weather wise, we just don’t know what we’re going to get. Some days it’s warm and sunny and other days it’s rainy and cool. Evening walks usually require a light jacket…or sometimes a heavier one when it’s raining and chilly…
Watching the days get longer and longer is also fun to do. I was previously never a big fan of the spring months because I only focused on the crummy weather, but I’m learning to enjoy the ups and downs that spring often brings. Plus, it’s my birthday month so I have to like it!
With warmer temperatures in mind, I have not one, not two, but three snack recipes for you today!
It’s almost the weekend and I think you should celebrate all your hard work. Or maybe whip up a couple treats for your mom on Sunday and share the love.
First things first.
I’m on a popsicle making kick.
After a trip to Costco earlier this week, I was reunited with one of my favourite purchases- a huge bag of frozen mango chunks! It appeals to my lazy, don’t-like-to-peel-mangoes side and it lasts forever.
I think you know what happened next.
I ripped open the bag of sweet potato chips as soon as we got in the door.
Oh, right, we’re talking about popsicles here. I think you know what I did after ripping open the bag of chips that Eric said we should save for my party.
Oops.
I blended up mango, banana, almond milk, and a touch of coconut extract. Check out that action shot!
I proceeded to make a huge mess while pouring and snapping pictures simultaneously.
Then, I waited. Very impatiently. That’s the worst part about making popsicles! Maybe next time I will make them overnight so I don’t keep checking them every half hour.
Well, they were worth the wait and then some. Creamy, sweet, tropical…and best of all, just 3 ingredients. Don’t have a popsicle mold? Just use ice cube trays or drink it as a smoothie. It’s a reeeeally good smoothie.
I’m thinking I have to make margarita popsicles too?
(note: recipes will be at end of this post)
Up next, berry parfaits made with banana soft serve. It’s one of our go-to healthy desserts during the warmer months. Granted, I will happily consume this even when it’s chilly outside, but it’s even more fun to cool down with after a warm evening stroll.
It’s made with processed frozen bananas, my fav Lightened Up Summer Granola, coconut, instant chocolate sauce, and fresh berries.
Finally, a chocolate raspberry smoothie, also for two! This just might be my favourite out of all of them. Super creamy with a lovely chocolate raspberry flavour.
If my mom lived nearby I would be making her this smoothie on Mother’s Day. John, I’m leaving this as your special assignment!
As I mentioned, I’ve been loving raw cacao powder lately. It has a really intense chocolate flavour and so many health benefits. Feel free to use cocoa powder if preferred. Both will work!
Looking for more easy snack recipes? Check out my 22 Ways To Get Your Vegan Snack Attack On Post.
3 Ready-in-a-Jiffy Warm Weather Snack Recipes
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Tropical Mango Banana Popsicles
Yield
6 popsicles
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or coconut milk)
- splash of coconut extract (optional)
Directions
- In a blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds (or ice cube trays) and freeze until set.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Easy Berry Parfaits
Yield
2 servings
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Ingredients
- 2 large frozen, ripe bananas
- 1-1.5 cups fresh mixed berries
- 1/2 cup Lightened Up Summer Granola, or other granola
- Shredded coconut, to garnish
- Easy Chocolate sauce: Heat & whisk together: 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp pure maple syrup, 1 tsp cocoa powder
Directions
- Peel and freeze your bananas until solid, preferably overnight. In a food processor, drop in the frozen banana chunks and process until creamy and smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. You can also give it a splash of almond milk to help it along. Nut butter is also a nice add in too.
- Add the banana soft serve, granola, and fresh fruit in layers in a couple glasses or parfait dishes. Pour the chocolate sauce on top and serve immediately.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie for Two
Yield
2 servings
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk
- 3/4 cup frozen (or fresh raspberries)
- 2 large ripe frozen bananas
- 2 tbsp cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1 tbsp chocolate + more for shaving on top
- 1-2 tbsp liquid sweetener (to taste)
- Shredded coconut, for garnish
Directions
- Add ingredients to blender (except sweetener and coconut). Add sweetener to taste, pour into glasses, and then sprinkle coconut and shaved chocolate on top.
Heavenly! I love how these are all treats yet so healthy. And I hear you about the weather in May – it’s just as crazy over here in Van!
Happy Birthday Month! I love May, it’s my birthday month as well (actually, my birthday is today!). I might just have to make the chocolate raspberry smoothie for dessert this weekend. I made your chocolate cupcakes with almond buttercream frosting for my birthday “cake” for today, so I cannot WAIT to try them. They smell so good!!
Looks like the popsicle mixture would be yummy as a pudding too!
All looks delish!
What the — ?! Why, for the love of Bono, did I never think of freezing mango puree??? Duh!
Thanks for the recipes! I’m a new mother and I will store those Popsicle in my mind for toddler years!
Too funny…I was just on White on Rice’s site the other day asking them about popsicle holders b/c I was searching Amazon trying to find “the perfect ones” for some popsicle-making of my own…and now I see yours. Great recipe!
What kind of popsicle-holders is that and do you like them?
YUM! I can’t wait to make these popsicles they look great. I love mango but often forego buying it because I don’t like peeling either.
I first thought that I read: “After a trip to Costa Rica last week” … WOW “she went to Cozta Rica last week and didn’t tell us?!” but then I saw the photos and realized my misread. Picking up frozen mango in Costa Rica would have been an interesting errand
Besides getting to view these amazing snacks, this post reminds me to do a search for those glass straws you use! I love them! Oh, and I need to freeze more bananas =)
Just bought (and peeled!) 10 mangoes! These popsicles are exactly what I need :)
I saw you were ripping into sweet potato chips. Have you ever tried/seen/ heard of the chipster from Epic Selections? It is amazing. No fat, all natura,l add your own seasonings-salt or just herbs. Check it out at epicureselections.com
No I havent but I will check it out sometime, thanks for the tip.
Awesome! This is the first recipe to make me want a popscicle mold! When I think frozen treat, I want creamy not juicy. As usual, you rock the most. Adding sun dried tomatoes and mango chunks to my grocery list.
I just this week started craving some warm weather foods. I never thought the day was coming! Thanks for the ideas.
Love how simple the recipes are! And that simple chocolate sauce looks delicious.
Chocolate/raspberry is an amazing combination, or chocolate and cherries. I can’t wait to make these! I know they will come in handy with this humidity
Angela, you need a Zoku popcicle maker!!! My brother got me one for my birthday last year, and it’s SO fun! Popcicles are read in like 60 seconds!!! :)
http://iheartvegetables.com/2011/08/10/the-coolest-thing-i-ate-wednesday/
wow that looks fun!!
Love your blog – been Esselstynized – father,mother and son since last August after seeing Forks over Knives – I love to cook – thanks for the recipes
Perfect timing! Just looking for more snack ideas. & Loving mangos these days.
Those mango popsicles sound so good right now!! I have a bag of frozen mango from Trader Joe’s that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with. What kind of popsicle mold do you use?
GAH, frozen mangoes are my favorite frozen treat! I eat them straight from the bag…you know, for entire meals :)