Vegan Strawberry Chia Seed Popsicles (V+GF): a 3 ingredient recipe for delicious, refreshing strawberry popsicles bursting with chia seeds. Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo.
Here in Maine, the summer’s pretty mild. The cool breeze is a thoughtful friend; the rainy days still happen with some frequency. In fact, next week is predicted to be completely rainy. Wait, is it summer yet? For real? 😉
But it wasn’t long ago that Erik and I were experiencing vastly different weather. It was a mere four summers back when we had moved into our little apartment in San Diego. We had just spent some time living in Boston (I know, we move a lot), and were craving some much needed Home Sweet Home.
So there we were, happy as clams, sweating like ice-cold drinks on a summer day, moving in box after box of stuff. Our sweet studio apartment had no bedrooms, but lots of books and lots of bakeware. Like, for realsies A LOT. Side note: who needs 3 bundt pans, anyway?
It was 95 degrees outside. The sun was high in the sky, and everywhere you looked, you saw people in shorts and sunglasses. I kinda think clouds might just be allergic to San Diego. They creep in for a day or two, then run away scared and deflated from the sun exposure. Or something.
My mom and my sisters were all there to help us move in. Well, my mom was there in her official capacity as Move-in Day Supervisor. That’s an important and critical role, you know?
Anyway, all of us were moving things in and out of the apartment. On the THIRD floor, with no elevator (!!!!). Good stuff went in, things being deemed as “crap you don’t need when you’re a real adult” going back out. I don’t think any of us noticed anything unusual as we did this move. We were all just trying to focus on not passing out on the staircase and wiping sweat out of our eyes (and not back in).
Someone had turned on the ceiling fan. No, there was no air conditioning. But that’s okay, because soon, my sister Penny promised, we would go get ice cream and popsicles. That’s the perfect big sis for you: offering you treats and rewards for helping you move your crap (let’s be honest, it was crap).
Eventually, everyone started looking real worse for wear. Penny and Jenny had determined (and slightly pissed off) looks on their dust-stained faces. Erik had exchanged his manly long shorts for skimpy swim shorts that may or may not have been passed along to him from my mom (hey, ventilation is key, ya know?). Monica, the only one foresight-y enough to wear moisture-wicking workout clothes, had resorted to tying her hoodie around her waist. Dude. Around her waist, 90s-style. I, myself, was sporting a particularly attractive raccoon-eye look from the simply delightful eyeliner I thought it’d be a good idea to put on that morning.
Basically, we all looked like sh… shampoo! Like we needed shampoo. Yes. That’s what I was saying.
So we finally finished, giving those bootcamp workout folks something to feel ashamed about. We all retired on any non-pokey surface available. There’s a futon mattress tossed slightly askance near the door (Monica and Penny). The floral couch had exactly 1.5 people’s worth of seating (me and Erik). Some boxes may or may not have collapsed from sheer unsuitability as chairs (my mom… succeeding after smooshing like five boxes full of fragile crap). And… standing, for the very athletic Jenny.
Then something funny happened.
One second, we’re talking about getting strawberry popsicles, chocolate chip ice cream, and a vacation to make up for this nonsense. The sun was shining ever so brightly. It’s two o’clock in the afternoon. We’re making plans for dinner.
And the next… we’re asleep.
Some time after, I blurrily open my eyes, searching the room for that digital red display. It’s 8:04pm. It’s… 8:04PM!!!!!! Monica and Penny are sound asleep on the edge of the futon. My mom has somehow joined them, and also managed to mostly overtake the futon. Erik is curled up, like a newborn kitten, snoozing pleasantly on a mattress he’s fashioned out of all the smooshed boxes my mom thoughtfully “made” for him. I’m draped across the couch, over some books and hangers (ouch). Jenny, ever so athletic, has nodded off, but is still partially standing/propped up by some very strategically placed boxes.
It’s pitch black outside. And the ceiling fan is lazily turning about. I pry the clothing hangers out of their carefully made grooves in my thighs, blow the hair out of my eyes and wobble my way to standing. One by one, I wake everyone up. They’re disoriented, sleepy, confused. We get ourselves sorted. Lock up, and go for ice cream, of course. Then dinner. All is well, bellies are full.
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Months later, Erik and I are settled in. We got a good thing going with our studio-living routine. We know where all of the grocery stores are, and where to go to get good Chinese food.
But the same thing keeps happening. We’re working at home, chatting about family stuff, or watching TV… when we fall asleep. We keep thinking it’s because it’s too hot. It’s a 100 degrees, and we turn on the fan. The fan should help right? But there we are, sitting, working, chatting, and simultaneously covered in a pool of sweat. What gives?
Almost a year later, Erik thinks something is wrong with the fan. He’s standing precariously on a shaky plastic chair, dusting the sucker off. He pulls on all of the chains, pokes at assorted buttons. He thinks that there’s a setting to make it go faster so we can stop fainting from heat.
Finally, I tell him, he’s got to go online, look up the exact model and, yup: FIND INSTRUCTIONS. Go figure. Our lives are just like a 90s car commercial, where the dad refuses to look up directions.
Erik’s looking online while I type away, doing work-y stuff.
*Gasp!
Erik: “What???”
Me: “What?”
Erik: “Uh…”
Me: “Yeah?”
Erik: “The thing is… the fan…”
Me: “Nice update. Can I go back to work now?” (I’m mean when I’m hot.)
Erik: “The fan…”
Me: “If I finish early, we can go get popsicles! How does that sound?? Then maybe we can go for a walk…”
Erik: “The fan!!!”
Me: “And pick up some Chinese food!! Oh, and let’s go watch a movie too. Wouldn’t that be awesome? But I gotta finish this first…”
Erik: “The fan is SET TO HEATER MODE!!!!!!”
Me: “It’s gonna take like a million years–WHAT????? What do you mean it’s SET TO HEATER MODE???? That’s not a thing!! Is that a thing?”
Erik: “It’s a thing. Dude. It’s a thing!!!”
Me: “Are you serious?!?!? Why didn’t you–you’ve heard of this? Why didn’t you tell me???”
Erik: “I so did not know this was a thing. I mean, I might’ve heard about it before… but, you know.”
Me: “Uh, clearly I don’t. OMG, is that why we keep passing out???”
Erik: “Yes.”
It was the fan all along. It’s always the ones you least expect. After we changed the setting, we went out for popsicles and decided to never touch the fan again. And we went happily along, not passing out, the rest of the time we lived there.
So, whether you’ve turned your fan to the heat setting or not, I invite you to enjoy these refreshing, non heat-mode attached, Vegan Strawberry Chia Seed Popsicles. They’ll cool you off, even if you’re not making it way hotter than it really is. 🙂
These Vegan Strawberry Chia Seed Popsicles are:
- made with just 3 ingredients
- cool, refreshing, and delicious
- vegan, gluten free, dairy free
- super easy to whip up in your blender
- packed with strawberry flavor
- boosted with chia seed goodness
- free from heat-setting fans
So what do you think? Are you up for some strawberry, frozen-treat YUM this summer? Make a batch and enjoy the pleasure of homemade popsicles. I’ll see ya at the beach.
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- 5 cups fresh ripened strawberries, sliced and packed*
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Add strawberries and maple syrup (if needed) into a blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
- Pour strawberry mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add chia seeds. Whisk until just incorporated.
- Pour the strawberry chia seed mixture into a popsicle mold. Make sure to leave about ¼” of space at the top of the mold to allow the popsicles to expand in the freezer. Insert popsicle sticks into the mold, or follow instructions for your mold.
- Freeze for 6-8 hours.
- Remove from freezer. Allow to thaw for a few minutes. If needed, run popsicle mold under a bit of lukewarm water to help the popsicles loosen.
- Place the popsicle mold on a flat surface and wiggle the popsicles out. Enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer. Wrap popsicles in wax paper or plastic to prevent them from sticking to each other. Keep for 1-2 weeks.
- More frozen treat recipes (all vegan+gluten-free): chocolate peanut butter banana popsicles, 3 ingredient blueberry coconut popsicles, chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie, chocolate shell ice cream sandwiches.
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Chocolate + Peanut Butter = Love. Try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Popsicles (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free).
Blueberries and coconut cream YUM! Try my Vegan Blueberry Coconut Popsicles (Gluten Free, Dairy Free).
What’s your favorite popsicle flavor?
I can’t wait to hear your responses.
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
I absolutely LOVE these popsicles! And only 3 ingredients? Yes please! These look super easy to make for Summer! 🙂
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
I’m so happy that you do, Marsha! Three cheers for the summer. 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
OMG…. hahahahahahahahahaha! Seriously, the whole time I was reading I kept thinking, “I bet their fan is rotating the wrong way”! I can’t believe you guys had it like that for SO long! That’s awful… and hilarious. 😉 Your story reminded me of college and moving in and out of apartments on the third floor with no elevator… that shhh it real. A real pain in the ahhh. Thankfully now you guys live in a cooler place. And you know how to operate a fan! <3 Thanks for sharing that story, Demeter, I needed my fix of giggles for the day. Now popsicles! YAY! These are sooo pretty and the flavor is so on point! Strawberries and chia seeds?!! HECK YES! Love love love these, my dear! Bring on the heat because I will be totally prepared with a dozen or two of these! Pinned! Cheers, lady! xoxo
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Oh gurl, if only you were there to help us! Lolol. I had NEVER even heard of that mode. Lol. Clearly, we could have used your expertise, wisdom, and maybe a few of your homemade drinks (okay, like a LOT of them). Oh goodness gracious on college moving–it’s the craziest, isn’t it? No fans anywhere near us now… Lol. I think it’s for the best. 😉 Thanks for everything, my dear. Muah! xoxo
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Your story is like something from a movie!! No elevator, cranky from moving, and then to discover the fan was on the wrong mode?! Bahahahaha. So funny! Moving sucks. Talk about a work out and talk about tiring, isn’t it?
Loving these popsicles, Demeter! The colour is so pretty! I’d love to be eating these all Summer long. I don’t know where our Summer is yet, though. Totally haven’t warmed up yet. Although, I’m still wearing Summer tops and sandals. But, I’m froze all the time, lol. Now, about that beach….. 😉
Totally Pinning this deliciousness, of course!!
Have a super fantastic weekend, my friend! xo
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Lol. If only we could’ve filmed it for ultimate embarrassment-entertainment/life lesson-learning purposes. Ha! Summer: Yup! It’s not quite summer here either–but maybe because we don’t live too far from each other?? (Well, relatively.) Hoping the warmth hits you soon my dear. In the meantime, keep rockin’ those shorts and tops! Thanks my dear! Have a great weekend too. xoxo
mira says
These popsicles look so fresh and delicious! Easy to make, too! OMG, that fan! Loved the story!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Thanks Mira! 🙂 The fan… oh the fan. 😉
[email protected] says
You can’t make this stuff up!!!! hahahahahahaah! I’m seeing sitcom in your future! If that happens, please remember me…. 😉 I would like to spend just a weekend with you guys to fill up on laughs that will last me the year through! And these popsicles? I’ll be needing them today – upwards of 90 degrees! I’m not complaining though – luckily our AC is turned to COOL! Have a great weekend, my dear! xoxo
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
RIGHT?? Lol. Sitcom: I think there might even be TOO much embarrassment to here to cram into one show. Lol. I will always remember you… Hahaha. Yowza on the heat over there–well, you’re off to a great start, not turning the fan to heat mode and such. 😉 Have a great weekend, A! <3
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Hahahahaha – Demeter, I agree with Annie – you NEED your own sitcom! This is just too funny – and you recall the detail and relay them so so well! You can be the first ever sitcom writer, director AND actress – all rolled into one! I gotta admit, I’d never heard of a fan in heater mode – GAH!!! I wanna not chuckle but I’m beside myself! Too bad you didn’t have these beauties with ya – and with only 3 ingredients these are a cinch to whip up!
Here’s hoping y’all have a wonderful weekend!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Oh gurl… imagine if I had a sitcom–I think the audience would just be cringing the whole time. Lolol. Fan-tastic! 😉 You’ve never heard of it either!! Erik and I were feeling a bit… clueless to put it lightly. Haha. Thanks my friend! Have a wonderful weekend as well. 🙂
Ashlyn // Dollop Of Yum says
Hahaha that is too funny! I never ever knew there was such thing as a heater mode on a fan. Isn’t a fans sole purpose to cool things down?? Anyways, these popsicles look sooo amazing! I have never had chia seeds in a popsicle but they sound like a delicious addition!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Right?? Lol. That’s what we were saying! It’s supposed to cool, not heat! What the… Haha. Thanks so much Ashlyn!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Omg wow! A fan set to heater mode?! I’ve never heard of such a thing! So glad Erik finally figured it out. Sounds like you had a great time in San Diego, though. I would move to California in a heart beat if I could just convince my husband! We have friends that live in San Diego, so I guess I will have to stick with visiting them for now.
And these popsicles… so pretty, Demeter! I love the strawberry flavor and that you added chia seeds. Such a sneaky way to add in some nutrition! 🙂 It’s been hot here, and will be in the 90s this weekend, so I’m needing all of the frozen treats I can get! Pinned, of course! Hope you have a great weekend!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Oh my, right?? I’m glad too. 🙂 Here’s me sending you some good vibes to convince the ol’ hubster! 😉 San Diego is truly such a beautiful place. Good luck on making it through that hot weather! Cool treats would definitely help. 🙂 Thanks for pinning + stopping by G. xo
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Hahahha! Loved the conversation between you and Erick. It’s so funny. Thank god you live in a cooler place now! 🙂 And fan set to heater mode? That is certainly something very new to me — I don’t know is there is a heater mode in fan. These popsicles are wonderful, Demeter. I would have never thought of adding chia seeds to my popsicles. This is pure genius. And love they are made with only 3 ingredients. So much yes to these beauties. Wish you a wonderful weekend my friend! 🙂
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Lol. Oh, our conversation are always so… “intelligent.” Hahaha. Okay, so you didn’t know about it either! That makes us feel a bit better. Lol. Thanks so much Anu! Have a wonderful weekend my dear. xo
Evi @ greenevi says
Yes! Yes! Yes! I couldn’t agree more, you really need your own sitcom!
This story is so funny again! And actually educational too, I didn’t know that those ceiling fans can be set to heater mode. I only know them from movies but I thought they are just regular fans…I always learn here something 😉
Also, these popsicles are stunning again! I can’t believe you made something so amazing with only 3 ingredients. Plus beautiful photos, pinned them all 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend, my dear!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Oh girl, you’re just saying that so you can laugh at us!!! *Tongue sticking out!* 😉 Educational: Lololol. That is a fine way to put it, my friend. 😉 I’m so happy you enjoyed this. Thanks for the comments and pins dear. Have a wonderful weekend! xo
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss says
I love your stories! Our fan recently got changed from “heater mode” to regular because New Jersey can get notoriously cold in the winter and now it’s not winter anymore. Also, we never had an extreme heat problem like yours but I have had my sister and her boyfriend over and we were making plans to eat dinner – the next thing you know, four of us + the dog are asleep in the living room and it’s dark. Those are always the weirdest naps and I always wake up like I’ve just been transported from some wacky unknown dimension of time. Anyhow! Lovely popsicles, Demeter. It’s certainly gearing up to be a hot summer where there will be no shortage of delicious popsicles. Happy weekend, friend!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Aw, thanks Jess! I can’t believe the same thing happened to you guys! It’s the funniest thing, right? But not… Lol. Kinda loopy too. Ha. Happy weekend to you too!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
Hahahahaha! You should write a book about your life Demeter. That shite is hilarious! Heater mode on a fan. lol! These popsicles thou’. Growing up I always went for the strawberry popsicles and every now and again I buy the supposedly “all-natural” all fruit strawberry frozen bars at the grocery store. Why am I doing that? I know why, because I didn’t have your yummy recipe. Thanks for sharing and I might even make these bad boys tonight!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Oh Karrie! 😉 I’m giggling over your use of the word “shite.” Girlfriend, you NEVER fail to make me laugh! D’aww… I hope you get a chance to try these! Can’t wait to hear what you think of these, friend. Muah!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
NO WAY. In real life fans have heater modes?! That is insane. I need to go and check mine now lol!! I am sitting in shock as if the plot to a Netflix sitcom’s episode was just revealed! At least it explains why you all kept passing out from heat! It’s SO hot here and my hubby knocks out every night so I’m honestly going to go check. These popsicles would be that great solution with or without heating fan indeed. I love the chia in them, such a great idea, and the bright beautiful colour! Definitely pinning.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
YES!!! I know, right??? I totally could not believe it, Jess! But then I also thought, okay, most people know about this and we’re just living in our own clueless bubbles. Hahaha. Sitting in shock: Lolol! That’s what I was saying! Go check, J! And good luck! Lol. Thanks for pinning my friend. 🙂
Sheryl | When Hungry says
LOL! What a twist! hahaha! I know there are heated tables like “kotatsu” from Japan but I never knew of ceiling fans that have heating functions. Haha your apartment became an instant sauna >.<
Your story reminded me of the (5-storey) apartment we lived in before. No elevators, just stairs. Our unit was on the 4th floor. I was pregnant by that time and I'm still amazed how I managed to climb up those stairs with a huge belly. Our neighbors be like "are you okay?" because they said I look like I'm gonna pass out lol! I wish we knew each other way back because I will ask (force) my hubby Ariel to make this strawberry popsicles for me, my prize for climbing those stairs everyday! Haha! 🙂
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Exactly! Lolol. How interesting on the kotatsu. I’ve never heard of that! It was a sauna, indeed. Oy! Omigosh, I can’t even imagine the torture! Are you kidding me? I would have totally been one of the neighbors, just constantly worrying about you! Most people don’t even want to walk up four flights without being pregnant. Lol. Good news: you can still make Ariel make these for ya! 😉 Thanks Sheryl. xo
lucie says
These sound amazing! I love that you added chia seeds for some added nutritional ‘oomph’!
Katie @The Semisweet Sisters says
Those look so refreshing! I really need to get myself some popsicle molds this summer!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Thanks Katie! The popsicle mold is just too much fun. 🙂
samantha says
Hi there! Random question, but where did you buy the popsicle mold from? I really like the shape of these!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Hi Samantha, I know right? I searched high and low for these! They totally have the classic popsicle shape. Here’s where I got mine: https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Frozen-Maker-Wooden-Sticks/dp/B0002IBJOG
Meagan says
Do you use frozen strawberries for these or fresh? Any liquids? Usually with mine I use frozen strawberries and add a juice for a liquid. Does this not need any? Can we skip the mixing bowl and just mix in the chia seeds when the smoothie is still in the blender cup? Thanks
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Hi Meagan, I use fresh strawberries. This recipe doesn’t require liquids if you use fresh strawberries. If you’d like to use frozen, I’d suggest thawing them a bit so they’re easier to blend. But fresh is best in this recipe. You can skip the mixing bowl. The reason why I lightly stir the chia seeds into the mixing bowl is to avoid plumping the seeds up as much as possible (blending them seems to speed up the plumping/expanding process). Also, the chia seeds tend to fling about quite a bit in the blender, causing half of them to get stuck in the top of the blender lid. <--so annoying! Let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy!
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
This is a HILARIOUS story! You looked like sh…shampoo! Love it! And I’d love to try these popsicles. What a great idea to add chia seeds. 🙂
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Thanks Heather! So glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂 I hope you get a chance to try these! Enjoy!