This recipe for red bean popsicles is my go-to because it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and creamy indulgence, reminding me of summers spent trying new and unique flavors. Plus, it’s both satisfying and fun to make, offering a hint of sweetness without being overly indulgent thanks to its natural ingredients.
I enjoy taking classic ingredients and using them to create something delightful. That said, these Red Bean Popsicles are not traditional.
While adzuki beans are used in many Asian desserts, they’re not what most people think of when it comes to ice pops. That said, if you try these out, I think you’ll find that they’re a refreshing and surprisingly addictive summer treat.
Ingredients
- Red Adzuki Beans: Rich in fiber and protein, these beans offer a natural sweetness and earthy flavor, making them a nutritious choice for desserts.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the bean’s earthy tones, adding a classic dessert taste.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creaminess and richness, enhancing the dessert’s texture and sweetness.
- Whole Milk/Coconut Milk: Offers a creamy consistency, making the popsicles luscious; choose coconut for a hint of tropical flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional but recommended for a smooth aroma and depth of flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup red adzuki beans, dried
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk or coconut milk (optional for creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the red adzuki beans very well under cold running water until the water is clear, discarding any debris or damaged beans.
2. In a medium saucepan, add the beans (that have been rinsed) to 4 cups of water. Use high heat to bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil.
3. After bringing the beans to a boil, lower the heat and keep the beans at a simmer. They will take from 1 to
1.5 hours to become tender, with occasional stirring and the addition of more water, if necessary, to keep the beans covered, ensuring the end result is more likely to be a tender bean than an undercooked one.
4. Empty the beans that you had cooking. Return the beans to the pan. To the beans, add some sugar (4 teaspoons) and salt (1 teaspoon). Stir well to combine.
5. Prepare the beans with medium heat while continuously stirring, until the mixture thickens and the sugar has dissolved completely.
6. Take the bean mix off the heat and allow it to cool for a bit; if you want a smoother texture, blend it.
7. In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk or coconut milk, and vanilla extract (if using).
8. Mix the cooled beans with the milk mixture until well combined.
9. Fill the popsicle molds with the mixture, and tap each mold gently on the counter to dislodge any air bubbles that may be trapped inside.
10. Place the sticks in the mixture and freeze for a minimum of 6 hours or until it has reached a solid state. To get the popsicles out of the molds, dip the molds briefly in warm water to loosen the popsicles inside. Then enjoy your refreshing red bean popsicles!
Equipment Needed
1. Colander or sieve
2. Medium saucepan
3. Stirring spoon
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Bowl (for mixing)
7. Blender (optional, for smoother texture)
8. Popsicle molds
9. Popsicle sticks
10. Freezer
FAQ
- Can I use canned red beans instead of dried adzuki beans?You can indeed use canned red beans as a time-saving substitute. Just be certain to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to your dish.
- How can I make these popsicles vegan?Change the sweetened condensed milk to coconut condensed milk and the whole milk to coconut milk.
- Do I need to soak the dried adzuki beans before cooking?No, this recipe does not call for soaking. You will be simmering them until softened.
- How long will these popsicles last in the freezer?You can keep these popsicles in the freezer for a maximum of 2 months. They should be in a sealed container to ensure they don’t suffer from freezer burn.
- Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet version?Certainly, you can modify the quantity of sugar to suit your taste. Yet, bear in mind that doing so could impact the texture and the balance of sweetness.
- What can I add for extra flavor?Enhancing the flavor is a simple step that can yield absolutely wonderful results. Adding vanilla extract is a nice touch, but you might also consider throwing in a pinch of cinnamon or even a spoonful of matcha powder to see how they affect the basic flavor of your protein pancakes.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use canned adzuki beans, drained and rinsed, in place of dried red adzuki beans to save time.
For sweetened condensed milk:
Substitute with either evaporated milk plus sugar to taste, or use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
Whole milk: Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative. For a richer flavor, you can also use coconut milk.
Granulated sugar: Use honey, agave syrup, or a substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie version.
Pro Tips
1. Soak the Beans Overnight To reduce cooking time and ensure even texture, soak the adzuki beans in water overnight before rinsing and cooking them. This helps soften the beans and can enhance their creamy texture in the popsicles.
2. Monitor Water Level Keep a close eye on the water level while simmering the beans. Add hot water as needed to maintain coverage and prevent the beans from drying out or burning. Consistent water level ensures even cooking.
3. Adjust Sweetness Taste the bean mixture after adding the sugar and adjust to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter popsicle, add a bit more sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
4. Blend for Smoothness For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the beans using an immersion blender or a stand blender after cooking them. This step can help achieve a creamy consistency that is more enjoyable in a popsicle.
5. Experiment with Flavors Consider adding other flavor extracts or spices to the milk mixture, such as almond extract or cardamom, to give the popsicles a unique twist.
Red Bean Popsicles Recipe
My favorite Red Bean Popsicles Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Colander or sieve
2. Medium saucepan
3. Stirring spoon
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Bowl (for mixing)
7. Blender (optional, for smoother texture)
8. Popsicle molds
9. Popsicle sticks
10. Freezer
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red adzuki beans, dried
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk or coconut milk (optional for creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the red adzuki beans very well under cold running water until the water is clear, discarding any debris or damaged beans.
2. In a medium saucepan, add the beans (that have been rinsed) to 4 cups of water. Use high heat to bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil.
3. After bringing the beans to a boil, lower the heat and keep the beans at a simmer. They will take from 1 to
1.5 hours to become tender, with occasional stirring and the addition of more water, if necessary, to keep the beans covered, ensuring the end result is more likely to be a tender bean than an undercooked one.
4. Empty the beans that you had cooking. Return the beans to the pan. To the beans, add some sugar (4 teaspoons) and salt (1 teaspoon). Stir well to combine.
5. Prepare the beans with medium heat while continuously stirring, until the mixture thickens and the sugar has dissolved completely.
6. Take the bean mix off the heat and allow it to cool for a bit; if you want a smoother texture, blend it.
7. In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk or coconut milk, and vanilla extract (if using).
8. Mix the cooled beans with the milk mixture until well combined.
9. Fill the popsicle molds with the mixture, and tap each mold gently on the counter to dislodge any air bubbles that may be trapped inside.
10. Place the sticks in the mixture and freeze for a minimum of 6 hours or until it has reached a solid state. To get the popsicles out of the molds, dip the molds briefly in warm water to loosen the popsicles inside. Then enjoy your refreshing red bean popsicles!
