Creamy Chocolate Popsicles (Dairy-free)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan (no heat), add coconut milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt, then whisk to combine well, ensuring there are no clumps of cornstarch.
2. Heat the saucepan over medium-low to medium heat, whisking continuously. After the mixture comes to a slow boil, continue whisking and heating for 1 minute, until the mixture is slightly thickened and becomes a darker color.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the chocolate chips have melted completely and the entire mixture is well-combined.
4. Using a funnel or a pitcher, pour the mixture into the popsicle molds, leaving about 1/8 inch (3 mm) of space at the top for the popsicles to expand as they freeze.
5. Cover the popsicles and insert popsicle sticks about 3/4 of the way into the popsicles.
6. Freeze the popsicles in the freezer until frozen all the way through, about 6 hours or overnight.
7. (Optional) Before taking the popsicles out of the freezer, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil for the chocolate drizzle, either in a double boiler, stirring constantly, or in a microwave, stopping regularly to stir. Once the mixture is melted and smooth, remove from heat and set aside.
8. Prepare a baking tray (you can line it with parchment for easy clean up). Set the popsicles in their mold on the counter at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Then carefully pull them out of the mold and set them on the baking tray.*
9. (Optional) Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate coating on top of the popsicles, or dip the popsicles into the coating. If you're adding chopped nuts, add them quickly to ensure they stick to the chocolate. Return the popsicles to the baking tray and place the tray in the freezer for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to solidify.
10. Transfer the popsicles to a freezer-safe bag to store in the freezer (or enjoy right away)!

To make these popsicles refined sugar-free, use 3 tablespoons of agave instead of sugar and be sure to use refined sugar-free chocolate chips.

Since chocolate chips can vary in their sugar content, you may wish to adjust the amount of sugar you use in this recipe to taste.

For the best taste, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. See the post for my recommendations.

The chocolate drizzle makes enough to drizzle on the front and back of one batch of popsicles. If you want to fully coat your popsicles, you should double the chocolate drizzle recipe.

Popsicle molds vary, so the best removal method for your mold may be different. Some molds may need to be briefly run under warm water. With my silicone molds, I pull the edges away from the popsicles, then push the popsicles up from the bottom.