We wanted a nostalgic ice cream treat for our pool party and decided to recreate those classic gumball popsicles. After trying other frozen treats like chipwiches, drumsticks and birthday cake bars, the gumball idea felt perfect. Those old novelty bars—pink panther, Powerpuff Girls, SpongeBob—were so fun because of the little gumball reward at the end. When we found these tropical popsicle molds, Theresa had the brilliant idea to use the round mold cavities as coconuts on palm trees. The results were adorable and colorful, and they tasted great too. We also used the small gumballs as eyes on the toucan shapes—so cute! If you love playful, tropical treats, give these a try.
Tropical Gumball Popsicles
6
Ingredients
- Tropical popsicle molds
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk or milk of choice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (or flavor of choice)
- Food coloring
- Mini gumballs
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk and sugar over low heat just until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool, then stir in the vanilla.
- Divide the mixture into bowls and tint each portion with food coloring as desired. Fill the molds and insert sticks according to the mold’s instructions.
- Freeze at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Remove the popsicles from the molds. Use a small spoon to carve shallow dips where you want to place the gumballs. Add a couple drops of water to help them stick, then set the gumballs in place. Return the popsicles to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set.
- For molds with separate compartments (like a toucan’s wing or beak), fill those smaller sections with a chosen color and freeze them for about an hour before filling the rest of the mold with another color for a clean, multi-colored effect.
Photos by Jeff Mindell | Recipe by Theresa Rountree
SOURCES
Tables | Striped Placemats | Crazy Straws | Hot Pink Plates (similar) | Popsicle Molds | Pineapple Sunglasses | Flamingo Drink Floaty
These popsicles were a big hit — full of tropical flavor and playful color. With Jeff’s enthusiastic approval, they became an instant favorite at the party. Do you remember the gumball popsicles from your childhood? Which character or shape did you have?
Try them at your next summer gathering — they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.