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Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops
Spinach banana smoothie pops are the perfect solution for sneaking leafy greens into your family’s diet while enjoying a refreshing frozen treat. These vibrant green popsicles combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with nutrient-packed spinach, creating a healthy snack that kids and adults will love. At just $8-12 for the entire batch, these pops deliver exceptional nutritional value without breaking the bank.
Perfect for summer gatherings, after-school snacks, or post-workout refreshers, these frozen treats pack a powerful nutritional punch. Each pop contains vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron, and potassium while providing protein from Greek yogurt.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hidden vegetables make this treat incredibly nutritious while tasting like a sweet banana dessert
- Budget-friendly recipe costs less than $3 per serving compared to store-bought healthy pops
- Quick 10-minute prep time makes it perfect for busy parents and meal preppers
- Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, avoiding artificial additives and excess sugar
- Customizable base allows endless flavor variations to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs
Why This Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops Recipe Works
The magic lies in the banana’s natural sweetness completely masking the spinach flavor. Ripe bananas contain enough natural sugars to balance the earthy taste of leafy greens, while Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein.
The freezing process further mellows any vegetable taste, creating a dessert-like experience. This combination provides sustained energy from natural sugars, healthy fats, and complete proteins. The vibrant green color actually becomes appealing to kids who think they’re getting a fun, colorful treat.
Unlike store-bought options loaded with artificial colors and preservatives, this recipe uses whole food ingredients. The texture remains creamy rather than icy due to the yogurt’s fat content and banana’s natural thickness.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
---|---|---|
Fresh spinach | 2 cups packed | Provides vitamins A, C, K, iron, and folate |
Ripe bananas | 2 medium | Natural sweetness and creamy texture |
Plain Greek yogurt | 1 cup | Protein, probiotics, and creamy consistency |
Honey or maple syrup | 2 tablespoons | Additional natural sweetening |
Milk (any variety) | 1/2 cup | Helps blending and adjusts consistency |
Tools
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
High-speed blender | Ensures completely smooth mixture without leafy chunks |
Popsicle molds | Shapes the mixture into individual serving portions |
Wooden sticks | Creates handles for easy eating and serving |
Measuring cups | Ensures proper ingredient ratios for best results |
Choose baby spinach for milder flavor and easier blending. Overripe bananas work best as they’re sweeter and blend smoother. Full-fat Greek yogurt creates the creamiest texture, while plant-based alternatives work for dairy-free versions.
For more healthy smoothie inspiration, check out this Green Power Smoothie Recipe that offers additional green smoothie variations.
How to Make Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1. Preparation | Gather all ingredients on your countertop and ensure bananas are properly ripe |
2. Blending | In a blender, combine spinach, bananas, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and milk. Blend until smooth and vibrant green |
3. Taste Testing | Taste the mixture and add more sweetener if desired for optimal flavor balance |
4. Filling Molds | Pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing |
5. Adding Sticks | Insert sticks if your molds have them; if not, cover with aluminum foil and poke sticks through |
6. Freezing | Freeze for at least 4 hours until completely solid. To serve, run warm water over the outside of the molds for easy release |
The key to perfectly smooth pops is blending long enough to completely break down the spinach fibers. Start with spinach and liquid first, then add other ingredients for easier blending.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Freeze bananas beforehand for an extra thick, creamy texture that mimics soft-serve ice cream
- Add a pinch of vanilla extract or cinnamon to enhance the overall flavor profile
- Blend ingredients in stages, starting with spinach and milk for smoother results
- Fill molds only 3/4 full to prevent overflow when mixture expands during freezing
- Dip finished molds in warm water for 10-15 seconds for effortless removal without breaking
Serving and Storage Tips for Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops
Serving Tips
These pops are perfect for summer pool parties, kids’ playdates, or as a post-workout recovery snack. Serve them immediately after removing from molds for the best texture and presentation.
For special occasions, roll the pops in chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or mini chocolate chips before the final freeze. Create a “popsicle bar” by offering various toppings alongside the plain pops.
Store finished pops in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in parchment paper to prevent sticking together. Label with dates to track freshness and rotate older pops to the front.
For inspiration on more frozen treats, explore this Smoothie on a Stick Recipe for additional creative variations.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops
Using underripe bananas results in less sweetness and poor texture. Choose bananas with brown spots for optimal natural sugar content and easier blending.
Overfilling molds causes messy overflow during freezing. Always leave 1/4 inch space at the top for expansion. Insufficient blending leaves unpleasant spinach chunks that affect the smooth, creamy texture.
Removing pops too early results in soft, messy treats. Ensure complete freezing by waiting at least 4 hours. Forcing removal without warming the molds often breaks the pops or leaves them stuck.
Using old or wilted spinach creates bitter flavors and poor color. Fresh, bright green baby spinach provides the best taste and nutritional value.
You Must Know
- Always taste the mixture before freezing since you cannot adjust sweetness after the pops are frozen solid
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily than cold ones, creating smoother final texture
- Different milk types affect both flavor and freezing texture, with full-fat options creating creamier results
- Popsicle molds vary in size, so this recipe may yield 4-8 pops depending on your specific molds
Suggestions for Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops
Add frozen mango chunks for tropical flavor or blueberries for antioxidant boost. Protein powder transforms these into post-workout recovery treats perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
Create layered pops by freezing plain banana mixture first, then adding the green layer. This creates beautiful visual appeal for special occasions or picky eaters who prefer familiar colors.
Substitute coconut milk and agave for vegan versions, or use kefir instead of yogurt for additional probiotics. Chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acids and create interesting texture variations.
For more recipe inspiration, try our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for family dinner ideas, or explore our Keto Cloud Cake Recipe for more healthy dessert options.
FAQs:
No, the ripe bananas and honey completely mask the spinach flavor. Most people, including children, cannot detect any vegetable taste when the recipe is made correctly with sweet, ripe bananas.
These pops stay fresh for up to 3 months when stored properly in freezer-safe bags. For best quality and taste, consume within 6-8 weeks of making them.
While a high-speed blender works best, you can use a regular blender by chopping ingredients smaller first and blending longer. Add liquid gradually to help the blending process.
You can use regular yogurt, coconut yogurt for dairy-free options, or even silken tofu for vegan versions. Each will slightly change the texture and protein content.
Yes, these are perfect for toddlers over 12 months old. They provide essential nutrients in an appealing format. Just ensure honey is replaced with maple syrup for babies under 12 months.
Conclusion
Spinach banana smoothie pops prove that healthy eating doesn’t require sacrificing taste or fun. These vibrant green treats deliver essential nutrients while satisfying sweet cravings, making them perfect for families seeking nutritious alternatives to traditional frozen desserts.
With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple whole food ingredients, you can create a batch of these wholesome pops for under $12. They’re ideal for meal prep, special occasions, or daily snacks that both kids and adults will eagerly request.
Start making these nutritious treats today and discover how easy it is to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet. Your taste buds and body will thank you for this delicious, guilt-free indulgence.
More Easy desserts Recipes:
- Best Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe – No-Bake Delight
- Perfect Neapolitan Cupcakes with Tri-Color Swirl Recipe
- Perfect Gluten-Free Marble Cake Recipe | Easy Neapolitan
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake: Perfect Fall Recipe Guide
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📖 Recipe Card

Spinach Banana Smoothie Pops
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours freezing)
- Yield: 3 per serving 1x
Description
A delicious and nutritious frozen treat combining fresh spinach, ripe bananas, and Greek yogurt for a healthy smoothie pop that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk (any variety)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients on your countertop and ensure bananas are properly ripe
- Blending: In a blender, combine spinach, bananas, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and milk. Blend until smooth and vibrant green
- Taste Testing: Taste the mixture and add more sweetener if desired for optimal flavor balance
- Filling Molds: Pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing
- Adding Sticks: Insert sticks if your molds have them; if not, cover with aluminum foil and poke sticks through
- Freezing: Freeze for at least 4 hours until completely solid. To serve, run warm water over the outside of the molds for easy release
Notes
- Choose baby spinach for milder flavor and easier blending – you won’t taste the greens!
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and creamier texture
- Freeze bananas beforehand for an extra thick, creamy texture that mimics soft-serve ice cream
- Fill molds only 3/4 full to prevent overflow when mixture expands during freezing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popsicle
- Calories: 85 calories
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: spinach banana smoothie pops, healthy frozen treats, green smoothie pops, nutritious popsicles, kid-friendly snacks