If you absolutely adore the rich, bold flavors of coffee combined with the creamy decadence of chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Mocha Pops Recipe. These delightful frozen treats are the perfect way to cool down on a sunny day while still getting a little caffeine kick and an indulgent chocolate hug all in one bite. Imagine luscious chocolatey coffee ice pops that deliver a smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla that rounds everything out beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dessert or a refreshing midday pick-me-up, this Mocha Pops Recipe hits every note perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Mocha Pops Recipe are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and that classic mocha allure. Each item plays its part, whether it’s adding depth, smoothness, or just the right touch of sweetness.
- ¾ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso: This is the star flavor, lending a robust, aromatic coffee base that awakens the palate.
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy): Creaminess is key, and your choice of milk brings the ice pops to luscious, smooth perfection.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Unsweetened, rich cocoa powder adds that unmistakable chocolate depth without overshadowing the coffee.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the mocha treat just enough to make it delightfully satisfying.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla introduces warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the mixture slightly for a creamier texture, especially helpful if you want a bit more body.
- Pinch of salt: A tiny pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and bitterness perfectly.
How to Make Mocha Pops Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering your brewed coffee or espresso, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt. Add them all to a blender or a mixing bowl. This combination is the heart of your Mocha Pops Recipe, where the intense flavors will begin to marry.
Step 2: Blend or Whisk Until Smooth
Use your blender on a medium setting or whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and all the cocoa and sugar have dissolved. This step ensures the mocha mixture is velvety and homogeneous, without any gritty cocoa powder bits.
Step 3: Pour Into Popsicle Molds
Carefully pour the mocha mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a little headspace to allow the pops to expand as they freeze. This is an important step to prevent spills or messes in the freezer.
Step 4: Insert Sticks and Remove Air Bubbles
Place the sticks into each mold and gently tap the molds on your countertop. This helps release trapped air bubbles that could give your pops an uneven texture.
Step 5: Freeze Until Solid
Freeze the mocha pops for at least 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This patience will reward you with perfectly solid and easy-to-eat mocha popsicles.
Step 6: Release and Enjoy
To remove the pops from the molds, briefly run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. This loosens the pops without melting them, making it a breeze to enjoy your frozen mocha treat.
How to Serve Mocha Pops Recipe
Garnishes
Although these mocha pops are irresistibly delicious as-is, you can dress them up with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the experience. Adding a mint leaf on the side also gives a fresh contrast to the rich mocha flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your Mocha Pops Recipe alongside a light biscotti, some crunchy almonds, or a fresh berry salad. These pairings add texture and brightness, making your mocha pops feel like an elegant mini-dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, dunk half the mocha pops in melted dark chocolate and then roll in crushed nuts or shredded coconut before freezing again briefly. Or try layering the mocha mixture with a creamy vanilla yogurt in your molds for a pretty marbled appearance that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover mocha pops (though unlikely!), keep them frozen in an airtight container or tightly sealed popsicle molds to prevent freezer burn and preserve their flavor and texture.
Freezing
The Mocha Pops Recipe freezes wonderfully and can be stored for up to two weeks. Cover your molds or pops with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to avoid absorbing odors from other freezer items.
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be enjoyed frozen, so reheating is not necessary or recommended. However, if you’d like a warm mocha drink instead, you can use the base mixture before freezing to heat up on the stove or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee in this Mocha Pops Recipe?
Absolutely! Decaf coffee works perfectly if you want to enjoy these mocha pops without the caffeine buzz but still crave that full coffee flavor.
What’s the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps thicken the mixture slightly, giving your mocha pops a creamier, more satisfying texture. It’s optional but highly recommended if you want a richer mouthfeel.
Can I substitute non-dairy milk?
Yes! Almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk all work wonderfully here, each adding their own subtle flavor and creaminess to the mocha pops.
How long does it take to freeze the Mocha Pops Recipe?
Plan for at least 4 to 6 hours to freeze properly, but overnight freezing is best for perfectly solid and easy-to-pop treats.
Can I make this recipe without a blender?
Definitely. Simply whisk the ingredients together vigorously until smooth, making sure the cocoa powder is fully incorporated.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the pleasure of biting into a luscious, icy Mocha Pops Recipe when you need a refreshing yet indulgent treat. With incredible coffee and chocolate flavor, ease of preparation, and endless opportunities to personalize and garnish, these mocha pops easily become a fast favorite for anyone who loves a little coffee in their dessert. So go ahead, whip up a batch and share the joy with friends or savor them solo—you’ll be hooked.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 popsicles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mocha Pops are a delightful frozen treat combining rich brewed coffee, creamy milk, and chocolatey cocoa powder. These easy-to-make popsicles offer a refreshing pick-me-up anytime and are perfect for coffee and chocolate lovers looking for a cool dessert.
Ingredients
Mocha Pops
- ¾ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender or a bowl, add the brewed coffee, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch (if using), and a pinch of salt. This combination forms the base of your mocha pops.
- Blend or Whisk: Blend the mixture in the blender or whisk well in a bowl until the cocoa powder and sugar are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Fill Molds: Pour the smooth mocha mixture into popsicle molds, making sure to leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.
- Insert Sticks: Place the popsicle sticks into the molds and gently tap the molds on a surface to release any trapped air bubbles for a better texture.
- Freeze: Place the filled molds in the freezer and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or until the popsicles are completely solid and frozen through.
- Remove from Molds: To easily release the popsicles, run the molds quickly under warm water for a few seconds. Gently pull the popsicles out and enjoy your mocha-flavored frozen treat.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk including almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Cornstarch is optional but helps thicken the mixture slightly for a creamier texture.
- Adjust the sugar amount based on your desired sweetness and the strength of the coffee.
- Be sure the coffee is cooled before mixing to avoid melting the pops prematurely.
- Store popsicles in the freezer and consume within 1-2 weeks for best texture and flavor.
