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    TaraTeaspoon » Baking + Desserts » Ice Cream

    This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure.

    Published: · Modified: Mar 31, 2022 by

    Mini Ice Cream Pops – No Mold Needed

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    ice cream pops recipe pin
    ice cream pops no mold needed recipe pin
    summer dessert recipe pin
    mini ice cream pops pin image

    Mini ice cream pops are as easy as can be. If you can scoop ice cream, you can make these treats. Add sprinkles and you have a playful summer dessert for a crowd.


    Ice cream pops that I don't have to put in a special mold? I'm in! These little bites are also totally customizable. Use store-bought ice cream, melted chocolate and sprinkles to make cute ice cream pops for summer.

    Pops on a geometric platter
    Jump to:
    • Ice cream pops without a mold
    • How to freeze ice cream scoops ahead:
    • How to make mini ice cream pops:
    • Easy To Make Mini Ice-Cream Pops

    Ice cream pops without a mold

    Mini ice cream pops are completely more fun than simple ice cream scoops in a bowl. Plus they are great to feed a crowd because you make them ahead. No fussing with melting ice cream and scoops when you want to be chatting with friends.

    I have a few tips and tricks for scooping ice cream ahead. Keep reading!

    This recipe is simple. I pre-scooped store-bought vanilla ice cream balls, dipped them in melted white chocolate and sprinkles, and froze them again. You can also make my homemade eggless Vanilla Ice Cream recipe.

    Just how do I get little scoops of ice cream to stay frozen on sticks long enough to dip them in chocolate and sprinkles? I'll show you a tip.

    How to freeze ice cream scoops ahead:

    To freeze any size ice cream scoop ahead (this is a great tip for sundae parties), I wrap a rimmed baking sheet in plastic wrap as my tray.

    When you put ice cream directly on a baking sheet, even if the metal is cold, the ice cream scoop will start to melt, and, if nothing else, get misshaped and flat on one side. I create a little soft insulation for them to keep this from happening!

    Freezing balls on a plastic-wrapped sheet tray

    How to make mini ice cream pops:

    1. First, make sure your baking sheet can fit in your freezer. You'll be popping it in and out every few scoops. I like little quarter sheet pans. They are roughly 9-by-13-inches so they fit well in my already packed freezer! (In a pinch you can use an actual 9-by-13-inch baking pan with deeper rims. The rims are essential because you want to create an air cushion under the ice cream. Plastic wrap directly on a cookie sheet surface would not work.
    2. Wrap plastic wrap (check out this cutter) tightly in both directions on the baking sheet. You want to create a taut surface for the scoops to sit on.
    3. Pre-scoop your ice cream, add the sticks and refreeze those scoops until they are pretty darn firm.
    4. Quickly dip scoops in the melted (and cooled) chocolate and sprinkles. You can put the decorated pops right back on this special tray if you want.

    Ice cream sprinkles

    I used a few colors of sprinkles for mine, and white chocolate. You can use melted candy coating as well! And please, play around with the sprinkles you use. They are fun to color coordinate with birthday parties and holidays!

    1. Fill medium bowls with each color of sprinkles so you can hold the homemade ice cream pops over the bowls and generously sprinkle. If you are trying to keep your decorating in little tiny cute bowls it will just make a mess!

    You can find more of my delicious ice cream recipes on the blog. Try making these with homemade chocolate ice cream for another special summer treat.

    For cool ice cream mix-ins click over to 24 Ice Cream Flavors You Can Make.

    mini ice cream pops with orange, yellow and green candy sprinkles on white platter

    Easy To Make Mini Ice-Cream Pops

    Tara Teaspoon
    These two-bite treats are pretty, delicious and a cinch to make. What's not to love?
    4.72 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs 25 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 14 pops
    Calories 203 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pint ice cream (any flavor)
    • 14 large toothpicks or cocktail sticks
    • 10 oz white chocolate, chopped
    • ½ cup colored sprinkles

    Instructions
     

    • Wrap a rimmed baking sheet tightly with plastic, creating a surface of plastic with an air pocket underneath. Scoop ice cream into balls using a 1-inch scoop and place in rows on plastic wrap; insert a toothpick in each and freeze until solid.
    • Note: I keep the tray in the freezer and quickly place the scoops onto it. I let them freeze for a few minutes and then insert the toothpicks. This will insure they stay cold.
    • Gently melt white chocolate and pour into a bowl; allow to cool to room temperature. Dip ice-cream balls in chocolate, spooning it over each ball to cover completely, then immediately coat with sprinkles. Return to the tray in the freezer and freeze until firm.

    Notes

    Fill medium bowls with each color of sprinkle so you can hold the homemade ice cream pops over the bowls and generously sprinkle. If you are trying to keep your decorating in little tiny cute bowls it will just make a mess!
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 203kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 148IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 1mg
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.

    And check out recipes from my friends as well:

    No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream

    Strawberry Cookie Dough Ice Cream

    No Churn Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

    No Churn Birthday Cake Ice Cream

    Heavenly Hash Frozen Yogurt

    Chocolate Malted Crunch Ice Cream

    Bacon Bourbon Peach Ice Cream

    Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream

    No-Churn Mermaid Ice Cream

    Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

    Grilled Sweet Corn & Strawberry Ice Cream

    Chocolate Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

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    About Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.

    Find out more!

    Recipe by Tara. Photography by Kate Mathis. Food Stylist Alison Attenborough. Prop stylist Gerri Williams. Originally published LHJ June 09.

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    Filed Under: Baking + Desserts, Ice Cream, Party Foods, Summertime Favorites Tagged With: dessert, ice cream, ice cream pops, sprinkles, summer treats, treats, white chocolate

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    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a career as magazine Food Editor at Martha Stewart and then Entertaining Director at Ladies’ Home Journal. All in all, I’ve shared recipes, cooking tips, and DIY ideas with more than 24 MILLION people. Make that 24 million and one. Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

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