Sugar-free Lime Popsicles (low carb & dairy free)

These Sugar-free Lime Popsicles are so creamy, light, refreshing and slightly tangy–they are the perfect treat for summer or anytime.

They also work for almost any special diet–they’re dairy free and low-carb, and can be made vegan too!

Today I have another fabulous warmer weather treat for you — Key Lime Coconut Milk Popsicles.

As the weather gets warmer, my mind turns to days at the pool, being outside more, and of course, cold treats.

Popsicles and My Childhood

I have memories of making all kinds of popsicles when I was a young girl.  We had a set or 2 of plastic molds and my mother or I (I loved spending time in the kitchen) would pour in juice or juice blends to make cold treats for warmer days.

We even tried putting juice in small Dixie® cups with toothpicks stuck in the bottom of them, and when we were really desperate for a fast refreshing treat, we would fill up ice cube trays with juice, put some plastic wrap over the top and poke toothpicks through the plastic wrap.

Those options didn’t work so well, but they tasted good and were cheaper than a visit to the ice cream truck (plus they were more readily available).

Of course, the common fare over the summer is those freezer pops — you know — those long plastic baggies filled with water, sugar, artificial flavoring and LOADS of artificial color — basically enough that your tongue will change colors that will hold for at least a day.

Ick.

Anyhow, today I have the perfect remedy for your desire for a warm weather treat that is:

healthy
low carb
won’t break the bank and
won’t turn your tongue blue :).

Key Lime Coconut Milk Popsicles.

First of all, before we get to the recipe….

What is a Key Lime?

I love limes, but key limes have been something that is showing up more in stores and cookbooks, so let’s talk about what they are.

I honestly, until recently, didn’t know that there was such a difference between regular limes and key limes, so here is what I learned.

A key lime is very similar to a regular lime, but it is a citrus hybrid, yielding a fruit that, compared to the regular Persian lime (citrus x latifolia) is:

• smaller
• seedier
• has a stronger aroma
• has a thinner rind
• is sweeter

Its name is associated with the Florida Keys where you can find many Key Lime treats and drinks.

They key lime is typically green when picked, but yellow when ripe.

So while you could for sure use regular lime juice for this recipe, the flavor will be much enhanced if you use true Key Lime instead.

The base of this recipe is coconut milk (the kind in the can — not the box), which is light and not overpowering in flavor. Add a kick of lime, balanced with some liquid stevia and you have a cold, refreshing treat.

Adding the gelatin will make the popsicles creamier — without it your popsicles will be harder and icier in texture but still amazing.

Agar agar powder can be substituted for the gelatin although I have not tested this.

Whichever version you choose you will not be disappointed!

Over time the popsicles might harden in the freezer.

If this becomes an issue just let them stand for 5 minutes before serving.

And of course, if you are like me, you are always on the hunt for more healthy summer ice creamy treats.  So here are more to help with your cravings:

More Dairy-free Ice Cream Treats:

• Chocolate Almond Chip Coconut Milk Ice Cream
• Sugar-Free Dairy-Free Fudgesicles
• Mint Chocolate Chip Coconut Milk Ice Cream
• Mocha Chip Ice Cream
• Lemon Poppyseed Ice Cream
• 3-Ingredient Strawberry Sage Popsicles
• Low-Carb Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes
• Watermelon Popsicles – just 3 ingredients with 7 fun variations!

What You Will Need

You will need the following things to make this recipe:

• Coconut Milk – Homemade Coconut Milk can work as well.
• Key Lime Juice
• Lime Zest
• Liquid Stevia (or Stevia Extract Powder)
• Gelatin or Agar-Agar
• Of course you could use any mold you like, but these are the ones you need to get the shapes in these images.

Instructions

1. Whisk first 4 ingredients in a bowl or large measuring cup adjust sweetness and flavors to taste.
2. Dissolve gelatin in 4 tablespoons boiling water.
3. Whisk gelatin into coconut milk mixture until well combined.
4. Pour into molds.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours.

Recipe Notes

• Homemade Coconut Milk will work well as a make-your-own option for coconut milk.
• You can use 1/2 teaspoon (16 scoops) stevia extract powder – adjust to taste, instead of liquid stevia (see How to Use Stevia). Use 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar for AIP.
• For a vegan option, you can substitute organic agar powder for the gelatin.
• This recipe is naturally keto, low-carb, paleo, and THM:S

What is YOUR favorite summer treat?