These strawberry, balsamic and black pepper popsicles take a gorgeous summer flavor with delicious savory notes and turn it into a tasty popsicle.
Nothing says summer more to me than a huge bowl of fresh, sweet, perfectly ripe strawberries. I picked up a couple of large punnets of locally grown strawberries on a weekend away. Strawberry, balsamic and black pepper is such a classic combination. It sounds like a weird popsicle flavor but honestly don't knock it till you've tried it. The combination also makes a great topping on a classic vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Strawberries: I use beautiful fresh, ripe strawberries when they are in season on this recipe. You can sometimes get 'jamming' strawberries more cheaply which are a little less pretty but would work fine in this recipe. This is also perfect for using up over-ripe strawberries that are nearly past being useable.
Granulated (white) sugar: adds a touch of sweetness, especially if your strawberries are a little under-ripe.
Balsamic vinegar: a dark vinegar with a classic sweet and sour taste.
Freshly ground black pepper: provides a peppery bite to these popsicles. Black pepper that's freshly ground gives the best flavor.
How to make strawberry balsamic popsicles
Hull the strawberries and cut them in half. Add to a small pot with sugar, balsamic and black pepper. I use freshly ground black pepper here. It's worth it to get the fresher, more bitey black pepper flavor. You could use pre-ground black pepper at a pinch but you won't get the same depth of flavor. I don't recommend using ground white pepper. It has a different flavor and I imagine will taste weird in these popsicles. Let me know if you've tried it and it tastes good!
Cook strawberries with the lid on, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved and strawberries are soft.
Allow to cool. Put the mix into a deep bowl you can use an immersion blender and blitz until smooth, or use a food processor. Strain mix to make sure there are no large lumpy bits left.
Hot tip: make sure you have checked there is enough room in your freezer for your popsicle moulds Before you pour in the mix, or there will be tears!
Pour into popsicle molds and add a stick. Freeze overnight or until set.
Remove from popsicle molds and enjoy!
Looking for more delicious dessert recipes?
Why not try making my
Strawberry, balsamic and black pepper popsicles
Equipment
- Popsicle molds and sticks
- Immersion blender with chopping attachment or food processor
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups (750gms) fresh ripe strawberries
- 3 table spoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 table spoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Hull the strawberries and cut in half
- Add to a saucepan with the balsamic and sugar and pepper
- Cook over a low heat with the lid on, stiring occasionally, for about five minutes
- Allow to cool
- Blitz until smooth and strain
- Pour into popsicle molds and add sticks
- Freeze for four hours or until set
- Remove from molds and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate based on an online database. The nutritional content of ingredients may vary by brand. If you require accurate nutritional information, you should calculate this based on the specific brands and products you are using.
Jaimie
Fantastic!! Strawberry and balsamic go beautifully together but I have never even considered it as a frozen treat. Beautiful recipe, I can't wait to try!