Sugar-free Fudgesicles That Taste Like the Real Thing!
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These homemade sugar free fudge pops are so rich and creamy, they taste like the real thing–like frozen chocolate pudding on a stick! They're also dairy-free, making these keto fudgesicles an oh so chocolatey perfect frozen treat for summer for everyone.
And since they're made with just a handful of simple ingredients, they're simple to whip up so the whole family can enjoy these Sugar-free Fudge Pops guilt-free anytime of year.
Fudgesicles were one of my childhood favorite treats–the smooth chocolate flavor tasted amazing and sooo chocolatey smooth. Like pudding on a stick. I mean, they're called pudding pops for a reason, right?
On the rare occasion that I bought something from the ice cream truck when I was a kid, those original fudge pops were one of my faves.
I still love them as an adult, but I've learned my lesson that sugar isn't good for any of us, so that's where these healthy fudge pops come in.
Why You Will LOVE These Fudgesicles
These sugar-free fudge pops are yummy, healthy, and easy to make. Plus the ingredients are things you likely have in your home–no need to do a bunch of special shopping for odd ingredients.
This busy mama doesn't have time for that usually, and I'm guessing you don't either.
They're also free of ingredients that well, aren't the best. You'll see what I mean. Here are the ingredients in one brand of sugar-free fudgesicles you'll find in grocery stores.
Nonfat Milk, Maltodextrin (Corn), Sorbitol, Polydextrose, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Less Than 2% Of: Whey, Palm Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Cellulose Gel, Mono And Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Malted Barley Extract, Salt, Guar Gum, Aspartame*, Polysorbate 80, Acesulfame Potassium, Polysorbate 65, Citric Acid Carrageenan, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Locust Bean Gum, Caramel Color.
Yikes, right? Just because you remove the sugar doesn't mean that you end up with something healthy. However, this recipe for keto fudge pops isn't full of questionable artificial sweeteners–instead, there's a lot of wholesome goodness. And they're way cheaper too. Gotta love it.
Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients you'll need. For the full ingredient list with amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.
- full fat coconut milk
- unsweetened cocoa powder (use carob for AIP)
- salt
- vanilla liquid stevia (see Recipe Notes for alternatives)
- lemon or key lime juice
- grass-fed gelatin (use agar for vegan version)
- unsweetened chocolate (optional; for garnish)
Directions
Here are the basic directions for the recipe. For the full instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.
Mix the first 5 ingredients in the bowl (Photos 1 & 2)
Pour into molds (Photos 3 & 4)
Freeze for 4-6 hours (Photos 5 & 6)
Are Sugar-free Fudgesicles Healthy?
In my opinion, these Sugar-Free Fudgesicles are quite healthy (especially when you compare them to store-bought sugar-free fudge pops and classic fudgsicles) because they contain no sugar and you can make them with any type of sweetener or milk you like.
They're also low in carbs. So much better than eating sugar-filled treats.
Can You Have Sugar-free Fudgesicles on a Low-carb or Keto Diet?
If you're a keto dieter, you should be able to enjoy the delicious taste of these chocolate ice pops without issues. Just remember to keep an eye on portion sizes if you're watching your carbs really closely.
What Popsicle Molds Work Best?
Choosing molds for these popsicles can be tough. There are so many good ones out there, but these molds have really good ratings on Amazon.
ecozoi Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds and Rack
Make your own Healthy Homemade Popsicles at home in this plastic-free and silicone-free mold. These molds are made from 304 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. Stainless is not only one of the best materials for your non-toxic kitchen, but it also helps your popsicles freeze faster too!
Recipe Notes & Substitutions
- Dairy-free Milk Alternatives: You can use any kind of non-dairy milk (or even regular milk), but of course the results will vary some. Coconut milk, cashew milk, and cow's milk will make the most creamy popsicles, but unsweetened almond milk is also a great choice. Here's how to make your own coconut milk if you'd like to do that. If you aren't avoiding dairy, you could use regular full fat milk or even heavy cream, or combine the two for an ultra creamy treat.
- Sweetener Alternatives: 36 drops of liquid stevia is about equal to 1/3 of a cup of sugar. For other sugar alternatives, you can use 1 1/4 – 1 3/8 teaspoons powdered stevia (estimate as best you can) and a dash vanilla extract instead. Use honey or maple syrup for AIP, but they are both sweeter than sugar so use about 1/2 – 3/4 the amount. Also, allulose is a GREAT sweetener to use. It doesn't crystallize and also helps frozen treats to not freeze up too hard.
- Thawing Tip: Let the fudge pops them sit out for 5-10 minutes before serving, if you can wait that long! Sticking the molds in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes will help them thaw lickety-split.
- Extra Protein: Feel free to add a few tablespoons of your favorite protein powder when blending the first five ingredients..
- AIP: Use organic carob powder instead of cocoa and an AIP sweetener like coconut sugar or pure monk fruit extract.
- Vegan: Omit gelatin or use organic agar in place of the gelatin.
More Healthy Ice Cream Treats
- Watermelon Popsicles – only 3 ingredients with 7 fun variations
- Strawberry Sage Popsicles – an unusually delicious treat
- Berries and Cream Popsicles – so rich and delicious
- Dark Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream – possibly the best chocolate ice cream you'll ever have
Dairy-Free Sugar-Free Fudgesicles–That Taste Like the Real Thing
Ingredients
- 13.5 ounces coconut milk (398 ml)
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder (use carob for AIP)
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 36 drops vanilla liquid stevia (approximately 1/3 teaspoon. See recipe notes for alternatives)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or key lime)
- 1 teaspoon grass-fed gelatin (use agar for vegan version)
- unsweetened chocolate (optional; for garnish)
Instructions
- Whisk first 5 ingredients in a bowl, large measuring cup, or batter bowl and adjust sweetness and flavors to taste.
- Dissolve gelatin in 4 tablespoons boiling water.
- Whisk gelatin or agar into coconut milk mixture until well combined.
- Pour into molds.
- Freeze for 4-6 hours.
- Grate unsweetened chocolate on top before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Dairy-free Milk Alternatives: You can use any kind of non-dairy milk (or even regular milk), but of course the results will vary some. Coconut milk, cashew milk, and cow's milk will make the most creamy popsicles, but unsweetened almond milk is also a great choice. Here's how to make your own coconut milk if you'd like to do that. If you aren't avoiding dairy, you could use regular full fat milk or even heavy cream, or combine the two for an ultra creamy treat.
- Sweetener Alternatives: 36 drops of liquid stevia is about equal to 1/3 of a cup of sugar. For other sugar alternatives, you can use 1 1/4 – 1 3/8 teaspoons powdered stevia (estimate as best you can) and a dash vanilla extract instead. Use honey or maple syrup for AIP, but they are both sweeter than sugar so use about 1/2 – 3/4 the amount. Also, allulose is a GREAT sweetener to use. It doesn't crystallize and also helps frozen treats to not freeze up too hard so that's a win win!
- Thawing Tip: Let the fudge pops them sit out for 5-10 minutes before serving, if you can wait that long! Sticking the molds in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes will help them thaw lickety-split.
- Extra Protein: Feel free to add a few tablespoons of your favorite protein powder when blending the first five ingredients..
- AIP: Use organic carob powder instead of cocoa and an AIP sweetener like coconut sugar or pure monk fruit extract.
- Vegan: Omit gelatin or use organic agar in place of the gelatin.
- These healthy fudge pops can be pretty intensely chocolate depending on the cocoa you use, so you might want to scale back on the cocoa or carob if you prefer something less dark.
- For even more chocolate, you can totally dip these Keto Homemade Fudge Pops in this Homemade Chocolate Shell for an amazing treat. Put the chocolate shavings on the fudge pop part or on top of the shell–or both!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
What's your favorite kind of ice cream treat?
You say we can sub in honey…yet don’t mention how much to use…any idea? Although…I do have some liquid stevia, not with vanilla in it, but…might try it, but if I don’t like it as much as I would honey I need a starting point to figure out how much to use.
Hi there! I just updated the recipe notes to help with this. Hope that helps and that you like them!
Thanks for sharing this!
Can I possibly substitute almond milk for the coconut milk. We are on a diet where we are to avoid coconuts. I realize it probably won’t be a creamy but just wondering if it might work. Thanks, Karen
Hi Karen – yes you can and good question. I just added that information to the post. Thanks for asking! There are a few other suggestions in there now too ;).
This looks great and just what I’m looking for. However, what I don’t see in the recipe is how many servings this makes? I realize it will vary based on the volume of the molds used, but it would be great if you added some assumptions in here for those of us doing the detailed diet math! (E.G. makes six 5 ounce popsicles)
Hi there. The information is in the post now – thank you!
Do you have a carb/calorie count?
Hi there – we’re working on it but having technical difficulties. Please for now use an online calculator that you trust and we hope to have it going soon. Thanks for your patience!
I would love to try these. I was wondering what the difference is if you would use just regular plain gelatin. Is it because of the protein? I was looking for grass fed gelatin today. I would have had to purchase some that cost about $23. That made me wonder if I couldn’t use regular gelatin. I understand you did say to use agar instead. I will have to look for that since I am on this new eating regimen. No sugar, grains, dairy. I did find out apparently my “grains” are just wheat and oat because I can use the other flours. I am at the very bottom of the learning curve. So please excuse all my questions. Thank you.
The issue is the quality of the ingredients. More and more I’m trying to eat really healthy food and sourcing of animal foods is important–questions are fine! I think gelatin will work better.
Are you saying it probably was my flax seeds?
Other question was is grass fed gelatin necessary as opposed to regular just gelatin? I do not know what regular gelatin is made from.
I think you are asking about the wrong recipe, right – the flax is for the flax bread.
Grass fed gelatin comes from Grass fed cows and it’s typically higher quality b/c the regular gelatin is from factory farms and they have bad practices like the use of regular antibiotics, etc.
Sorry. My mistake. I was talking fudgesicles. Thanks.
No problem :). No flax in fudgesicles and no gelatin in flax bread unless you are making gelatin eggs :).
Wondering if there is a way to keep this from freezing super solid after a few days in the freezer? It’s great with the pop molds, but I have tiny pints I use for excess and the mixture freezes so solid even after letting it sit out for a little bit. Can I add more gelatin? Or is there something else. Or is it impossible since it’s dairy free and without eggs.
Thank you! This recipe is amazing, my husband and I love it.
Hi there. One possibility is to add 1 T vegetable glycerine to the mix and then freeze. Sorry for the delay :). I hope it works. I haven’t tried it yet.