Decadent Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles: Your Ultimate Vegan Summer Treat

Prepare for an explosion of flavor where the robust essence of coffee harmoniously collides with the rich, luxurious depth of chocolate. These Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, a blissful escape that’s perfectly suited for those warm summer days. Whether you need a delightful pick-me-up during a busy week or a crowd-pleasing vegan treat for your next backyard gathering, these popsicles are sure to impress. With a double dose of indulgent dark chocolate and the profound coffee notes from premium coffee extract, resistance is futile!

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Nielsen-Massey. While I received compensation for this partnership, all opinions expressed and the recipe shared are authentically my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that enable Cake ‘n Knife to continue bringing you delicious recipes!

The Irresistible Duo: Coffee and Chocolate

Some flavor combinations are simply destined for greatness, a culinary match made in heaven that transcends ordinary ingredients. Think of classic pairings like creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly, the sophisticated blend of fine cheese and a bold wine, or the fresh simplicity of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. These are duos that elevate each other, creating something more wonderful than the sum of their parts. Among these iconic partnerships, coffee and chocolate stand out as a truly divine pairing, offering a symphony of rich, complex flavors that captivate the palate.

My personal love affair with the coffee and chocolate combo began in my college days. I distinctly remember bags of chocolate-covered coffee beans being my ultimate study snack. They were a constant companion on my desk, especially during those notoriously long night classes. I’d quietly munch on them, hoping for that perfect blend of energy and hunger satisfaction to carry me through endless lectures. It was more than just a snack; it was a lifeline, a little moment of joy in a demanding schedule.

This enduring passion for coffee and chocolate, often lovingly referred to as “mocha,” has inspired a multitude of recipes here at Cake ‘n Knife, including a warming mocha cocktail and delightful mocha cookies. It’s a flavor profile that’s incredibly easy to fall for—rich, full-bodied, and often with a subtle hint of bitterness that keeps your taste buds intrigued and wanting more. These Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles, however, have truly become my absolute favorite mocha creation to date. They capture the essence of this beloved blend in a refreshingly cool form, perfect for any time you crave a sweet, energizing treat.

Why You’ll Love These Mocha Popsicles

These aren’t just any popsicles; they are a celebration of flavor and texture, designed to delight and refresh. Here’s why these Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles are about to become your new summer obsession:

Unrivaled Flavor Harmony: The robust coffee flavor perfectly complements the slightly bitter yet luxurious dark chocolate. Each bite is a journey through creamy, rich mocha goodness, intensified by a second dip of glorious dark chocolate and a playful scattering of sprinkles. It’s a dessert that truly hits all the right notes.
Double the Chocolate, Double the Fun: We don’t just stop at mocha; we enhance it! The base of the popsicle already features cocoa, but a generous dip in melted dark chocolate takes this treat to an entirely new level of decadence. This creates a satisfying snap and an extra layer of chocolatey bliss.
Thoughtfully Vegan: Crafted with full-fat coconut milk and agave, these popsicles are completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly. This makes them accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this exquisite frozen treat without compromise.
Simple to Prepare: Despite their sophisticated flavor, these popsicles are surprisingly easy to make. With a food processor doing most of the heavy lifting for the base, and a quick melting process for the chocolate dip, you’ll have these delicious treats chilling in your freezer with minimal effort.
The Ultimate Summer Refreshment: What better way to beat the heat than with a cool, creamy, and flavorful popsicle? These mocha popsicles offer a refreshing escape, providing a sweet chill that revitalizes and satisfies.

The Secret to Intense Coffee Flavor: Nielsen-Massey Coffee Extract

A significant part of the full-bodied, authentic coffee flavor in these popsicles comes from an exceptional ingredient: Nielsen-Massey Pure Coffee Extract. Nielsen-Massey is renowned for its commitment to quality, and their coffee extract is no exception. It’s meticulously distilled from premium coffee beans, resulting in a rich, concentrated flavor that is unparalleled.

What makes this extract particularly remarkable for home bakers and dessert enthusiasts? Beyond its intense flavor, it offers incredible convenience. Unlike coffee beans or ground coffee, which can lose their potency and aroma over time, coffee extract boasts an impressive shelf life. You can keep a bottle on hand in your pantry for a “longgggg time,” and its vibrant flavor will remain perfectly intact. This means you’re always just a few drops away from infusing your recipes with deep, genuine coffee notes, without the need for brewing or worrying about staleness.

I’ve been a loyal advocate for Nielsen-Massey products in my baking for years, and now, they’ve become essential for my summer frozen treats. It’s genuinely astonishing how a small amount of this pure coffee extract can deliver such a powerful punch of flavor. Furthermore, all Nielsen-Massey products are all-natural and certified gluten-free, providing peace of mind. You won’t find any mysterious ingredients you can’t pronounce, nor will you need to fret about gluten if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. This dedication to natural, high-quality ingredients shines through in every recipe it graces.

Crafting Your Perfect Frozen Delight: Tips for Homemade Popsicles

Making homemade popsicles is a rewarding experience, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize flavors to your heart’s content. To ensure your Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Choose the Right Molds: There’s a wide variety of popsicle molds available, from traditional plastic ones with individual slots to silicone molds that make de-molding a breeze. Ensure your molds are clean and dry before filling.
Filling Molds Properly: Don’t overfill your popsicle molds. Liquid expands as it freezes, so leave a little room at the top (about 1/4 inch) to prevent overflow and make inserting the sticks easier.
Stir in Solid Ingredients Evenly: When adding mini chocolate chips or other solid mix-ins, stir them thoroughly into the mixture right before pouring into the molds. This helps distribute them evenly, preventing them from all sinking to the bottom.
The Stick Insertion Trick: For a clean look, let your popsicles freeze for about 1-2 hours until they are semi-solid but not completely frozen. At this point, you can easily insert the popsicle sticks straight without them leaning.
Patience is Key for Freezing: While the recipe suggests an initial two hours, followed by overnight freezing, allowing sufficient time is crucial for solid, well-formed popsicles. Don’t rush this step!
Easy De-Molding: If your popsicles are stuck in their molds, run the outside of the mold under warm water for 10-20 seconds. This slight warming will help release the popsicle without melting it.
The Double Freeze for Dipping: Freezing the popsicles on a parchment-lined baking sheet for an additional 2 hours after de-molding ensures they are extra cold and firm. This is vital for successful chocolate dipping, as it prevents the popsicle from melting too quickly and allows the chocolate to set almost instantly.
Chocolate Dipping Temperature: Ensure your melted dark chocolate is not too hot, but still fluid enough for dipping. If it’s too hot, it will melt the popsicle; if too cool, it will be too thick. A good temperature allows it to coat smoothly and set quickly.
Prepping for Sprinkles: Have your chocolate sprinkles ready before you start dipping. Once the popsicle is dipped, the chocolate sets very fast, so you’ll want to sprinkle immediately for best adhesion.

Following these steps will ensure your homemade Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles are not only delicious but also beautifully crafted, ready to be enjoyed by all.

The Recipe: Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles

Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles

These delightful mocha popsicles blend the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee, creating a perfect frozen treat to cool you off and satisfy your sweet cravings. Plus, they’re vegan!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

5 from 1 vote

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ingredients

1 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk
1/2 cup agave
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Nielsen-Massey Pure Coffee Extract
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup mini vegan chocolate chips
1 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan)
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 cup chocolate sprinkles

instructions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the full-fat coconut milk, agave, unsweetened cocoa powder, Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract, Nielsen-Massey Pure Coffee Extract, and a pinch of salt. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Transfer the pureed mixture from the food processor to a clean bowl. Gently stir in the mini vegan chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mocha base.
Carefully pour the mocha mixture into 8 popsicle molds, filling them almost to the top but leaving a small space for expansion. Cover the molds and place them in the freezer for at least two hours, or until the mixture is partially frozen.
Once the popsicles are semi-firm (after approximately 2 hours), insert a wooden popsicle stick into the center of each mold. Return them to the freezer and freeze overnight for optimal solidity.
The next day, gently remove the now fully frozen popsicles from their molds. If they are difficult to release, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds. Place the freed popsicles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return to the freezer for another 2 hours. This extra freezing step is crucial for ensuring they are very firm, which helps the chocolate coating set properly without melting the popsicle.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
Working quickly, dip each frozen popsicle into the melted dark chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately, sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles as desired before the chocolate sets. Place the dipped and sprinkled popsicles back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for an additional 30 minutes to an hour to allow the chocolate coating to fully harden before serving.

Category: Dessert

Essential Tools for Popsicle Perfection

To make these delicious Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles with ease and precision, you’ll want to have a few key tools on hand:

KitchenAid 9-Cup Food Processor with Exact Slice System: Indispensable for creating that perfectly smooth and creamy popsicle base.
Frozen Ice Pop Maker (Popsicle Molds): Crucial for shaping your popsicles. There are many varieties, so choose one that suits your style.
Perfect Stix Wooden Craft Ice Cream Sticks: The classic choice for holding your frozen delights.

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Enhance Your Popsicle Experience: Serving & Customization

While these Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles are absolutely perfect as is, there are always ways to elevate your serving style or customize the flavors to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:

Garnish Galore: Beyond classic chocolate sprinkles, consider coarse sea salt for a delightful sweet and salty contrast, or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and tropical notes. Crushed roasted nuts (like almonds or pecans) could also provide a wonderful crunch.
Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder added to the mocha base can introduce a subtle, exciting warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully. Alternatively, a hint of cinnamon or cardamom can add an exotic twist.
Coffee Intensity: If you’re a true coffee connoisseur, you can slightly increase the Nielsen-Massey Pure Coffee Extract by an additional half teaspoon for an even bolder coffee kick.
Different Chocolate Dips: While dark chocolate is specified, feel free to experiment with vegan milk chocolate or even white chocolate (ensure it’s vegan-friendly) for the dipping coat. Each will offer a different sweetness and flavor profile.
Layered Popsicles: For a more intricate design, try freezing the mocha base in layers with a pure chocolate or vanilla coconut milk layer in between. Allow each layer to set before adding the next.
Mini Pops: If you have mini popsicle molds, these make for adorable bite-sized treats perfect for parties or for portion control.
Enjoy with a Beverage: Serve these popsicles alongside a glass of iced coffee, a vegan hot chocolate, or even a shot of espresso for the ultimate coffee-chocolate indulgence.

More Flavorful Adventures with Nielsen-Massey

Whether you’re embarking on a baking marathon, whipping up a delicious dinner, or crafting exquisite frozen treats for a crowd, Nielsen-Massey extracts are your secret weapon for infusing dishes with intense, authentic flavor. Their range of high-quality extracts, from classic vanilla to unique citrus and coffee, can transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary culinary creations.

To discover more innovative uses and inspiring flavor pairings, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore the Nielsen-Massey website. You can also find a wealth of recipe inspiration and stay updated on their latest products by following Nielsen-Massey on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Dive into a world of pure flavor and elevate your cooking and baking to new heights!

These Dark Chocolate Dipped Mocha Popsicles are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to indulge in pure, simple joy. They represent the perfect marriage of rich coffee and dark chocolate, made accessible for everyone to enjoy on a hot summer day. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor the blissful taste of homemade, vegan perfection!