Paletas de Coco (Coconut Popsicles) is a very refreshing dessert that requires no cooking and one that even your children can prepare.
Why we ❤️ it
It's always summer in the Dominican Republic: Time for some refreshing Paletas de Coco (coconut popsicles)
I know it's not really summer year-round, and that -- much as we'd like to pretend they don't -- the laws of nature do apply to our two-thirds of an island. But for all practical purposes, it's always summer in the DR.
For those who spent their childhood in the Dominican Republic a couple of decades ago, this evokes memories of summer fun, simple pleasures, and carefree childhood. Didn't we all buy coconut ice pops in baby food jars from neighborhood ladies for a few cheles? Or walk to our neighborhood heladería or colmado to buy the popular paletas de coco (or helado de coco)?
Coconut popsicles
What is a paleta?
Paleta is the Spanish word for an ice pop, or a popsicle.
And here, just like anywhere, paletas are one of children's favorite treats. Perhaps more so here because it's a great way to cool down during our very warm summers.
About our recipe
This is not rocket science, paletas are very easy to make. It's great if you have popsicle molds, but your kitchen is full of stuff you can use to make paletas: small cups, glasses, jars, paper cups, etc.
Creamy coconut pops can be made vegan, dairy-free, and even low-carb. Check the recipes for our ideas to fit these into your diet.
See lots more popsicle and ice cream recipes!
Recipe
[Recipe + Video] Paletas de Coco (Coconut Popsicles)
Ingredients
- 2 cup evaporated milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, (optional)
- 2 cup coconut milk
- ¾ cup sugar (white, granulated), (or to taste)
Instructions
- Mix milk, vanilla and coconut milk. Add sugar to taste.
- Pour the mix into popsicle molds, insert sticks and freeze.
- When frozen hard remove from the molds and enjoy instant summer!
Tips and Notes
Vegan coconut popsicle recipe
Vegans and lactose intolerants can use soy or almond milk instead of milk.Low-carb / keto coconut popsicle recipe
Diabetics and those on a low-carb diet can use sweetener instead of sugar, and use whipping cream instead of evaporated milk, all of which I have tried with success.Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutritional information.
Published , and last revised
Where do I get the molds!
What kind of coconut milk? Sweetened or unsweetened? Or should i use canned coconut milk?
Hi, I'm Puerto Rican and I grew up eating coco helado as a child which I haven't had in a very long time since I moved out of New York. I have an alarming question, I bought Chaokoh Coconut milk but I'm wondering is it supposed to smells so disgusting?… Read more »
These are the best! I could eat them every day!