We were not joking when we said we picked way too many strawberries on our trip to Washington Farms. Since we both individually felt the need to fill our buckets up to the brim with strawberries, we knew were had to create quite a few recipes to work our way through them. First, we made a delicious Fresh Strawberry, Arugula and Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing, then we baked a Vegan Strawberry Crumble, and now we are giving you this amazing recipe for Strawberry Nice Cream Bars. By now, we are hoping, you’ve heard of nice cream; the delicious healthy, dairy-free alternative to good ole’ fashion ice cream. And we are also hoping that you haven’t gotten sick of strawberries yet, but honestly, who gets sick of strawberries?!
If you live in Atlanta like we do, you know the humidity has set it and there is nothing better than food that cools you down. Well we lied, there nothing better than some good AC during these hot and humid times but cool foods come in a close second. Since these bars are made with whole food ingredients and minimal additive sugar, we love to enjoy them at all times of the day. Whether that’s during the day right after a long walk outside with our dogs or after dinner as we sit and relax on our porch, they are always the perfect cool treat. 
After reading our previous strawberry featured posts, you already know that strawberries are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants, anti-aging flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. So lets talk about coconut milk for a second. To some coconut milk has gotten a bad rep because of how calorie and fat dense it is, but it is actually one of the world’s healthiest foods. Coconut milk is abundant in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) fatty acids, specifically lauric acid that’s easily absorbed and used by the body for energy. We all know how important healthy fats are for us; they improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, aid in weight loss, help build muscle, and helps prevent joint inflammation and arthritis. Coconut milk also contains electrolytes, that will help you stay hydrated during the hot summer months. The combination of electrolytes and healthy fats improves digestion and relieves constipation by nourishing the digestive lining. On top of the abundant health benefits, coconut milk tastes so good, so there is really no reason why anyone should avoid it. We just suggest that it is consumed in moderation due to it being so high in calories.
Now that you know all the health benefits these nice cream bars have, its time to whip up a batch and see how good they taste! They are the perfect summer dessert and are so easy to make for any dinner party or BBQ you will have this summer. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Fresh Strawberry Nice Cream Bars
- Yield: makes 4 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Recipes
Description
These vegan nice cream bars are the perfect solution to a hot summer’s day!
Ingredients
1 frozen banana
6 ounces full fat coconut milk
1-ounce orange juice
1 –2 T maple syrup
Chocolate coating:
1/2 cup Dairy Free Chocolate Chips, we love Enjoy Life Brand
1 tsp. coconut oil
Instructions
1.) Add frozen banana, strawberries, coconut milk, maple syrup and orange juice in a blender and process until smooth.
2.) Pour equally into four popsicle molds and place in the freezer for about 8 hours or overnight.
3.) If you choose to drizzle chocolate over them (and who wouldn’t?), remove the popsicle from the mold by running it under hot water for a second. This will loosen it from the mold and should pull right out. Then place them all on a cookie sheet that will fit in your freezer and refreeze for about an hour (to make the chocolate coating).
4.) To make the chocolate coating, place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl and melt in the microwave in 30-35 second intervals, stirring in between to melt the chocolate. Be careful not to overheat it as this will burn the chocolate and you will need to start over again.
5.) Pull the popsicle out of the freezer and drizzle the melted chocolate over on top and enjoy!
Notes
*Will need a popsicle mold that holds at least four ice pops.
