Gluten-Free Vegan Cookie Dough Cashew Popsicles
Creamy frozen treats that capture the nostalgic flavor of raw cookie dough without any eggs or dairy. Soaked cashews create the rich, indulgent base while almond butter adds depth and maple syrup provides natural sweetness. Cacao nibs or chocolate chips deliver that essential cookie dough texture. Perfect for summer entertaining, kids' parties, or anyone following plant-based diets. The cashew base creates an unexpectedly luxurious mouthfeel that rivals traditional ice cream pops, making these a sophisticated alternative to store-bought frozen treats.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked for 1 to 2 hours, then drained
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons smooth almond butter
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips, roughly chopped if using dark chocolate chipsmini chocolate chips1:1vegan
sweeter taste
Instructions
- 1
Blend all ingredients except chocolate chips until very smooth
- 2
Add chips and pulse until just combined
- 3
Pour mixture into pop molds and freeze for at least 1 hour
- 4
Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours more until solid
- 5
Remove popsicles from molds and enjoy
Tips
Soak cashews in hot water to reduce soaking time to 30 minutes for quicker preparation.
Run warm water over mold exteriors for 10-15 seconds to easily release frozen popsicles.
Pulse chocolate chips briefly to avoid over-mixing and maintain distinct cookie dough texture.
Good to Know
Store in freezer for up to 2 months in airtight container or wrapped individually.
Can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in freezer until ready to serve.
Serve immediately after removing from molds, or let sit 2-3 minutes to soften slightly.
Common Mistakes
Soak cashews fully to avoid gritty texture in final popsicles.
Don't over-pulse chocolate chips to maintain distinct pieces throughout.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without soaking the cashews?
Soaking is essential for smooth texture. Use hot water to reduce soaking time to 30 minutes, or use a high-power blender for better results with unsoaked nuts.
What if I don't have popsicle molds?
Use small paper cups or ice cube trays. Cover with foil and insert wooden sticks through foil after initial freezing period.
How long do these keep in the freezer?
These popsicles stay fresh for up to 2 months when stored properly in airtight containers or wrapped individually to prevent freezer burn.