Talk about refreshing!!! These strawberry balsamic popsicles are just what you’ve been missing this summer. Sweet from the strawberries with wonderful savory notes from the balsamic vinegar 🙂
One of the districts at our beach is called the ViBe. Every Saturday of the summer (and every 3rd Saturday of the rest of the seasons) the ViBe puts on a farmer’s market with something for everyone. My two favorite things to eat there are the sausage on a stick and the strawberry balsamic popsicles.
Joysicles is a popsicle vendor who sells very unique popsicle flavors. I’m not even that much into popsicles (I’d pick ice cream over them normally), but her strawberry balsamic popsicles are the best I’ve ever had! It’s the combination of sweet and savory (almost like an umami flavor) that really makes these so yummy.
I took it upon myself to try and recreate that flavor. I did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself.
WHY STRAWBERRY AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR?
Of course you could leave the balsamic vinegar out and just have strawberry popsicles, but why would you? The balsamic is what creates the umami flavor, not to be confused with UNAGI (any Friends fans out there? Haha!! That’s one of my favorite Friends episodes of all time). Balsamic vinegar also brings out the sweet flavor of the strawberries. They really complement each other.
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS?
There are only four ingredients in these strawberry balsamic popsicles:
- Strawberries
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sugar or honey for sweetness (adjust based on sweetness of your strawberries)
- Black pepper (might sound odd, but trust me it works). You can leave this out if you so desire.
ARE THESE POPSICLES GLUTEN FREE?
Yes they most certainly are gluten free! I can’t have anything with gluten in it, so I would never make something that isn’t gluten free.
strawberry balsamic popsicles faq’s
It’s very easy to remove the popsicles from the mold. Just run them under hot water for a few seconds and they’ll pop right out!
They can be kept for 2-3 months.
Yes, any shape or size of popsicle molds will work for this recipe. I happened to have these rocket shape popsicle molds, but you could use literally anything. Target often has cute popsicle molds during the summertime in their dollar section, but if you can’t find any locally, you can always order one from Amazon. These ones are perfect!!
To cool off from these hot temps this summer, try these Strawberry Balsamic Popsicles that are the perfect blend of sweet and savory!
Strawberry Balsamic Popsicles
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, washed, stemmed and sliced
- ¼-½ cup (50-100 g) granulated sugar or honey will vary depending on sweetness of berries
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or more to taste–I like to add more because I really like the flavor of the balsamic to come through)
- ¼-½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix sliced strawberries with sugar or honey in medium bowl and let sit for about 15 minutes until the strawberries are macerated (soften and soaking in liquid created by the sugar).
- Put strawberries with liquid in blender and process until smooth. If desired, strain through fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Pour strawberry mixture back into bowl and add ¼ cup (4 tbsp) balsamic vinegar and 1-2 grinds of black pepper and taste. If a more pronounced vinegar flavor is desired, add more, one tablespoon at a time, until desired flavor is reached. Add more pepper if desired.
- Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours. Unmold by running under hot tap water. Serve immediately. Popsicles will keep in freezer for about 1-2 months.
Adapted from Epicurious’ Balsamic-Strawberry Pops