Fruit or Smoothie Ice Blocks
What visions do you have when you hear the word summer?
For me it takes me straight back to my childhood – long days outdoors, swimming, the beach, that salty residue on your skin at the end of a glorious day, laughter, friendship and so much more.
I remember riding home from school on a hot summer’s day, dumping my school back at the front door and heading straight to the freezer for a cool lemon ice-block. The cold sweet treat was heaven and instantly transported me to my happy place!
My kids today crave that same experience. We walk home from school and they head straight to the kitchen looking for a refreshing treat. And whilst a lemon ice-block or a calipo (one of their favourites) is something they love, it’s not something we keep in our freezer. We indulge in those outside of the house. Instead we make our own home made ice-blocks and they are so easy, and it’s something my kids absolutely love. Best of all there are no limits to how many they can eat.
There are two kinds of ice-blocks we make.
Fruit or Smoothie Ice Blocks
Ingredients
- 2 mangoes
- small handful of raw cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup coconut water the cashews make it creamy and the coconut water helps break down the mango pulp and adds a delicious subtle sweetness.
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup mixed berries (frozen is fine)
- handful cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup coconut water
Mango Smoothie
Banana Berry Smoothie
Method
- With the banana berry smoothie I placed half of this in the mould and then topped with mango smoothie to create this below berry banana and mango ice-block.
- To make an ice-block with two flavours the key is to make the smoothie mixture thick – that way the two flavours don’t blend together in the mould.
- Add some ice, or use frozen fruit to make the smoothie thick.
There are two kinds of ice-blocks we make.
FRUIT JUIICE – your favourite fruit, juiced at home (not store bought) popped into ice-block moulds. It’s that simple.
SMOOTHIES – These take a tiny bit more effort as there is a recipe involved and some blending required, but below are two super simple ones you can wizz up anytime.
Ice Block Molds – There are so many molds you can buy and relatively low cost. Kmart has plenty. You could try Ikea or any kitchen store. Below are the two I use. Most of them come with plastic sticks but sometimes I like to use paddle pop sticks. ENJOY!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired you to make your own homemade ice-blocks for your kids?
The inspiration for making homemade ice-blocks for my kids comes from the nostalgia of enjoying ice-blocks on hot summer days during my own childhood. I wanted to create similar fond memories for my children and offer them a healthier alternative to store-bought ice-blocks.
Can you provide a simple recipe for making fruit juice ice-blocks?
Absolutely! Making fruit juice ice-blocks is incredibly simple. Here's a basic recipe: 1. Choose your favorite fruits and juice them at home (avoid store-bought juices, if possible). 2. Pour the fresh fruit juice into ice-block molds. 3. Insert sticks or handles into the molds. 4. Place the molds in the freezer and let them freeze until solid. 5. Enjoy your homemade fruit juice ice-blocks!
What types of molds do you recommend for making these ice-blocks?
There are various ice-block molds available, and you can find them at stores like Kmart, Ikea, or kitchen supply stores. I personally use molds with plastic sticks, but you can also use paddle pop sticks for a nostalgic touch.
What are some other creative flavors or combinations you've tried for homemade ice-blocks?
I've experimented with various flavors and combinations for homemade ice-blocks. Some fun options include: - Berry Blast: Blend mixed berries with yogurt or coconut milk for a creamy and fruity ice-block. - Tropical Paradise: Mix pineapple, mango, and coconut milk for a taste of the tropics. - Choco-Banana: Blend ripe bananas with cocoa powder and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a chocolatey treat. - Green Goodness: Create a green smoothie ice-block with spinach, pineapple, and coconut water for a healthy twist.
Are there any tips or tricks for making two-flavor ice-blocks without the flavors blending together?
To make two-flavor ice-blocks without the flavors blending together, ensure that the smoothie mixture is thick. You can achieve this by adding ice or using frozen fruit to make the smoothie base thick. Pour one flavor into the mold, then add the second flavor on top, and it should create distinct layers when frozen.
