Paleta Recipes to Keep You Cool!
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on Sep 05, 2021
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With summer coming to an end, I’m sharing my favorite paleta recipes of the season. In my house these are paletas, but you can call them popsicles or ice pops. Whatever you choose to call them, they are the perfect frozen delight for hot summer days!
For those of us in hot-weather climates, this is a welcome change…but we know many are trying to squeeze out every last drop of summer. These paletas are a refreshing snack or after dinner sweet, and there are so many ways to make them!
What Are Mexican Paletas?
Paletas are one of my favorite parts of summer, and for good reason. While they’re similar to American popsicles, one thing that truly sets paletas apart is that they’re made with fresh, real ingredients. You won’t find a lick of artificial coloring, preservatives, or HFCS in these bad boys.
The word paleta can be roughly translated to “little stick,” which references how you get these tasty frozen treats to your mouth. While fresh fruit paletas are perhaps more widely known in the culinary world, the flavors vary widely and can be either juice or milk based.
Once you get started on making these yummy ice pops, you’re not going to want to stop! So let’s get started, shall we?
Equipment Needed For Making Paletas
When it comes to making Mexican paletas, you don’t need a ton of fancy kitchen equipment. That said, you’ll need some basic items and freezer space. Each recipe will be a little different, but if you have the following items you should be covered. I have linked my favorites kitchen appliances and gadgets below:
- Basic kitchen utensils (e.g. whisk, spatula, funnel)
- Saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Popsicle molds
When it comes to the actual paletas molds, I find that variety is fun. Start with one shape and build your collection as necessary! I like this shape, this shape, this shape, and for quick paletas in minutes try this pop maker.
My Favorite Paleta Recipes
Paletas are one of those wonderful treats that you can customize in literally millions of ways! If you need some inspiration to get you started, here are some of my very favorite paletas recipes:
Chili Mango Paletas (Mexican Popsicles)
Paletas de Jamaica y Canela + Paletas de Melón
Dairy-Free Paletas de Horchata
Paletas de Tamarindo
Paletas de Piña con Chamoy
Paletas de Aguacate y Coco (Avocado and Coconut Popsicles)
Paleta de Papaya y Coco (Papaya and Coconut Popsicle)
Strawberry Margarita Popsicles
Reduced Sugar Pineapple & Strawberry Paletas
Horchata, Limon, Sandia, Coco, and Jamaica – Oh my! You can find all of these recipes in our printed Muy Bueno cookbook.
My Favorite Paletas “Cook” Books
If you need even more inspiration for making your very own Mexican paletas, don’t you fret! I told you there were millions of flavor opportunities to make your own popsicle dreamland and I wasn’t kidding.
I recommend checking out the books below. Both women offer dozens of delicious recipes to get your paleta game on point!
Frequently Asked Questions
While I always recommend consulting a certified health professional about any dietary advice, I’m confident in saying that paletas can absolutely be incorporated into a healthy diet.
Since they are made from fresh, real ingredients and have no artificial preservatives or colors, I feel good about serving these sweet treats to my family – in moderation, of course.
Honestly, it depends on the paleta. Certain ingredients like grapes and avocados should never be fed to dogs. That said, as long as the ingredients are Fido-safe, they can get in on the frozen action too!
If you want to make a pet sized snack, I recommend omitting the popsicle sticks and freezing them in ice cube trays instead.
It sounds just like it looks – pa-LEH-ta!
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Mexican Paletas
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced, ripe fresh fruit, (strawberries, pineapple, papaya, mango, watermelon, etc.)
- 1/2 cup superfine sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Place half of the fruit and all of the sugar, water, and lime juice into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon remaining fruit into each popsicle mold, then add the blended mixture, leaving about ½-inch of headspace for expansion.
- Insert a popsicle stick into each mold and freeze until pops are solid, about 6 hours or overnight. To release ice pops from molds, run the bottom of the molds briefly under cold water.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are approximate and will change depending on the type of fruit you use.
- Instead of granulated sugar, use brown sugar, piloncillo, stevia, agave nectar, or artificial sweetener. Or omit sweetening altogether.
- Add some spice such as Tajín. Mango or watermelon with chili-lime seasoning are traditional and a favorite.
- Try other flavor boosters such fresh mint, edible flowers, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Make boozy popsicles spiked with a splash of alcohol.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If I don’t have fresh lemon/lime for the popsicles, can I use store bought juice? How much?
Hi Melanie! Which recipe are you trying to make? I always recommend fresh, but in a pinch you can use store bought. Quantity depends on which recipe you are trying to make.
Congratulations on all of your well-deserved success! Every one of those paletas look amazing and so refreshing!
You are so darn sweet Lori! Mil gracias 😉
Oh man…… they all looks sooo tasty:-P
Congratulations on three years of blogging! Love all these paleta recipes to celebrate!
yay paletas.. I just got new molds so this is perfect for me. Congrats on 3 years and all your success friends.
There goes the birthday gift idea I had for you. LOL! Love you amiga! Thank you for your support!
Lovely recipes. Thank you.