Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicle Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Treat

Eskimo Pies are a classic treat that everyone loves. The perfect fusion of creamy vanilla ice cream covered with rich chocolate is always a nostalgic dessert that can be made right at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your own homemade Eskimo Pie popsicles. We also have some frequently asked questions that will lead you to make the best version of this frozen delight.

What is an Eskimo Pie?

This is an Eskimo Pie, a super-popular ice cream dessert first introduced by Iowa pharmacist Christian Kent Nelson in 1920. The original version consisted of vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate. So-called because the name belongs to the cold, snowy regions, the term “Eskimo,” however, is considered derogatory by some Indigenous peoples today and has indeed been replaced by Inuit to define people from Arctic regions in much of North America.

Although the brand name Eskimo Pie is still somewhat of a household word, it’s not the same anymore. In fact, in 2020, the company behind the product renamed it “Edy’s Pie” to get more in tune with contemporary sensibilities. The difference in name notwithstanding, the very substance of the dessert-creamy, rich ice cream under a hard, chocolate shell-is pretty much the same.

Why Make Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles?

If you make Eskimo Pie popsicles at home, you have a certain amount of control over the ingredients and also customize the flavor to your taste. There are high-quality chocolate and organic ingredients, or you can even add some extra toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles. Homemade versions are healthier because they don’t contain artificial preservatives and can be made according to dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives.

And the best part? It’s really easy and fun to make Eskimo Pie popsicles at home, with which you can enjoy a frozen treat both nostalgic and modern.

Ingredients for Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles:

Ingredients for making your own Eskimo Pie popsicles are:

For the Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy cream – This will provide a rich, creamy base.
1 cup whole milk – For a smooth texture and lighter consistency.
½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetness to ice cream.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Base version to be reached for that genuine vanilla flavor.
Pinch of salt – For the perfect balance of the cream’s sweetness in its existence.

Chocolate Coating:

8 oz dark chocolate with at least 60% of cocoa
The higher, the more rich the chocolate will taste.
2 tablespoons coconut oil – To help the chocolate coating harden and give off a smooth, glossy finish.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar – for an added sweetness to the chocolate shell.
Optional Toppings (for that little extra something)
Chopped nuts-almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts For added texture and crunch
Sprinkles-for a fun pop of color
Shredded coconut for that tropical twist.

Preparation Equipment:

Popsicle molds: you can get popsicle molds in many different shapes and sizes. Alternatively, you can use small paper cups.
Wooden sticks: For the popsicle handles. You can source these online or use chopsticks if you do not have any popsicle sticks handy.
Microwave-safe bowl: To melt the chocolate.
Freezer: To freeze the popsicles until solid.

Making Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles Step-by-Step Instruction:

Step 1: Preparing the Ice Cream Base

Prepare Ingredients Combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk well until sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.

Chill Ice Cream Base: Chill the ice cream base before freezing for approximately 30 minutes. This will somewhat help in firming it up so that it will freeze faster.
Prepare the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving small gaps at the top to leave room for expansion as it freezes. Insert wooden sticks into the center of each mold. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until frozen solid. For added convenience, freeze overnight.

Step 2: Prepare Chocolate Coating

Melt the Chocolate: Take the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, break the chocolate into pieces, and then microwave at 30 seconds, stirring in between, till such time that the chocolate is melted completely. Add coconut oil and stir till smooth. You could add powdered sugar for a sweeter coating at this stage too, if you prefer.
Cool slightly: Let the chocolate melt for about 5 minutes before you use it to coat your frozen popsicles. This will prevent chocolate from getting too liquid when adhering to ice cream.

Step 3:Coat the Popsicles

Remove Ice Cream from the Molds: Take the frozen popsicles out of the molds by placing the outside of the mold under running warm water for a few seconds. You can then lift the popsicles out carefully, without cracking or breaking.
Dip in Chocolate: For each popsicle, grab the stick holding it in place and then dip it into the melted chocolate to cover it all over. You may do another coat for a thicker chocolate layer once that first coat is set.
Add Toppings (optional): Roll the coated popsicles in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut before the chocolate has a chance to harden to add texture and other flavors.

Step 4: Refreeze

Place the coated popsicles back on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to harden the chocolate coating.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chocolate is set, your homemade Eskimo Pie popsicles are ready to be devoured! Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month.

Tips to Make Great Eskimo Pie Popsicles Use only the best for your ingredients:

This is where the difference in the flavors in your ice cream and chocolate will bring. Richness in cream, milk, and dark chocolate will improve your Eskimo pie.

Chill Your Molds: Chill your popsicle molds before putting the ice cream base into it in the freezer so you will be able to have an easier removal process.
Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors, such as chocolate, strawberry, or coffee, to create a unique twist on the classic Eskimo Pie.
Cracking the Chocolate: To prevent the chocolate from cracking when you take a big bite, you have to dip the popsicles in the chocolate at room temperature. If it’s too hot, it will melt the ice cream below it; if it’s too cold, it’ll become too hard and might crack.

5 FAQs:

1. Can I make Eskimo Pie popsicles without dairy?

Yes, you can make dairy-free Eskimo Pie popsicles. All you need to do is swap heavy cream and whole milk for coconut milk or any other type of dairy-free milk you prefer. Choose dairy-free chocolate as well to make this whole treat vegan.

2. How long do homemade Eskimo Pie popsicles last in the freezer?

Homemade Eskimo Pie popsicles keep well in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to a month. Eventually, the chocolate will begin to lose its texture and the ice cream will become icy.

3. May I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the coating?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate if you want a milder, sweeter kind of chocolate taste. However, because the ice cream is so creamy, the dark chocolate actually gives a pretty nice richness that contrasts with the smooth and creamy flavor of the ice cream.

4. Why does my chocolate coating crack?

If you do not chill the chocolate a bit before dipping, you will get broken chocolate when you bite into your popsicle. You could also find that the coconut oil layer between the chocolate helps harden the chocolate or chocolate product with less of a brittle finish.

5. Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream base?

Yes! You can swirl in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, swirls of caramel or peanut butter, or whatever suits your fancy into the ice cream base before freezing. Just fold them in gently so as not to disrupt freezing.

Conclusion:

With the fun and rewarding experience of creating your very own Eskimo Pie popsicles, you’ll finally get in touch with the ingredients and flavors of your choice-most importantly, enjoy a treat that is made to suit your taste. Slaying the classic vanilla ice cream flavor and experimenting with any variation, homemade Eskimo Pie popsicles will surely hit big with everyone!