10 Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat
10 Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat
Keep everyone cool with homemade popsicles and ice creams made for hot days.
Oh, summer in full swing—when the AC is cranked, kids beg for popsicles at 10 a.m., and our freezer becomes the MVP of the season. As a mom of three, I’m constantly searching for snacks that cool us down and feel a little nourishing. I want treats we can all enjoy—yes, including the littles—without needing a sugar crash or hidden ingredients.
That’s why I pulled together these 10 recipes from Rily: simple to whip up, freezable ahead of time, and crafted with ingredients that feel as good as they taste. Think hydrating coconut pops with ginger to fight off nausea, creamy dairy‑free scoops that delight both kids and adults, playful smoothie floats, and even high‑protein sandwiches for when you need something more filling.
Each recipe is approachable, doable—even with sticky fingers around—and brings joy in every frozen bite. These are the kind of treats I feel great about serving: they’re made with real food, natural sweetness, and plenty of smiles. So grab your popsicle molds, dust off the ice cream scoop, and let’s dive into some frozen fun that will keep everyone chill—even if the summer heat is full blast outside!
Banana Yogurt Popsicles
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Creamy and naturally sweet, these popsicles blend coconut milk, frozen banana, sheep yogurt, dates, cashew butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into a velvety treat. My children loved the flavour, and I appreciated the protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. They’re easy to make—blend and freeze in paper cups or molds—and perfect when I want something nourishing without added refined sugar. These popsicles are a snack I feel comfortable serving any time, especially on hot days when simplicity and nutrition matter most.
Carrot Orange Popsicles
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Bright and vibrant, these popsicles blend carrot, orange juice, kefir, and Greek yogurt into a kid-safe combo of sweet and creamy. When the midday heat hits, these are a mother’s lifesaver—nutrient-rich and refreshing. The yogurt adds protein and probiotics while the carrot and orange provide beta‑carotene and vitamin C. Blending veggies into popsicles is my secret hack for sneaking in produce—without arguing—to beat the heat thoughtfully.
Electrolyte Majik Popsicles
Recipe by Megan Horsley
A magical blue stick packed with hydration: blue‑green algae for antioxidants, pink Himalayan salt for minerals, and maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. These popsicles are perfect after watermelon sessions at the park or soccer games in the sun. My kids adore them for their colour, and I rely on them to replenish electrolytes without reaching for sports drinks. They feel a little special but are also ridiculously practical on muggy afternoons.
Summer Fruit Popsicles
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Just six ingredients—peaches, nectarines, raspberries, and a splash of maple syrup—freeze into these juicy, fruity sticks that feel like sunshine in a mold. They’re a celebration of summer fruit, naturally sweet and completely free from artificial flavours. Quick to make, fun for little hands, and mess-free: these popsicles became our go-to for picnics and pool days, delivering real, seasonal fruit in the simplest, coolest form.
Matcha Coconut Ice Cream
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Three ingredients, no ice‑cream maker needed: coconut milk, maple syrup, and matcha. This vegan ice cream is smooth, subtly caffeinated, and gently sweet. It’s become my afternoon ritual—scoop some, savour the green tea flavour, and enjoy a nourishing pause in the madness of mothering. Matcha's antioxidants are a bonus, and the creaminess comes from coconut milk—so it’s indulgent yet wholesome.
Dairy‑Free Neapolitan Ice Cream
Recipe by Megan Horsley
All the childhood nostalgia, now dairy-free and sugar-free. This loaf-pan ice cream layers coconut cream with three flavours—chocolate (cacao), vanilla (banana), strawberry—made entirely from natural ingredients. Every flavour block delivers creamy richness, delight, and simplicity. I appreciate that it uses whole foods, no added refined sugar, and my kids love scooping out each section. It feels like summer tradition, just healthier.
Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream Floats
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
A fun twist on a soda float: fresh strawberry syrup meets rich coconut milk ice cream and sparkling water. It’s fizzy, sweet, and refreshingly grown-up—yet playful enough for kids. The antioxidants and vitamin C in the strawberries make it feel extra feel-good. We make these when we entertain: they’re spoonable, sippable, and endlessly charming under the sun.
Strawberry Chocolate Semifreddo
Recipe by Megan Horsley
A stunning no-bake treat with avocado, coconut cream, cacao, frozen strawberries, and a lemony swirl—served frozen like a rustic ice cream cake. It’s elegant yet simple, naturally sweetened and rich with healthy fats. Perfect for summer dinners when I want an easy dessert that’s impressive and nourishing. My kids adore the strawberry‑chocolate combo, and guests always ask for recipe requests.
High Protein Ice Cream Sandwich
Recipe by Megan Horsley
A gluten‑free cookie sandwich filled with creamy, cottage‑cheese-based ice cream offering about 20 g of protein per treat. These keep well frozen and immensely satisfying. When my kids want an "ice cream sandwich," I love reaching for this: high in protein, no refined sugar, and still a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for hungry moms too—because sometimes biggest families need biggest snacks.
Strawberry Rhubarb Popsicles
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Bright, tart-ruby rhubarb swirled with sweet strawberries and creamy coconut milk—frozen into refreshing, dairy-free popsicles perfect for scorching days. My kids love the layers, and I appreciate how it uses seasonal produce with minimal added sweeteners. With just fruit, coconut milk, and maple syrup, it’s a wholesome treat that doubles as self-serve cooling therapy during backyard playtime. It’s easy to make ahead, and the colourful pops bring joy to little hands—and big ones too!
