I’m excited to share a nostalgic, rich, and creamy fudge popsicle recipe that I absolutely love. These homemade fudgesicles are made from scratch with simple ingredients and deliver a classic frozen chocolate treat—nothing from a box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these fudgesicles are super fudgy and chocolatey. The texture is delightfully creamy and indulgent while the chocolate flavor is simply irresistible. I also appreciate that it takes minimal equipment: just a saucepan and a popsicle mold. And it brings back that sweet childhood nostalgia of good-old ice cream truck treats.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• ¼ cup chopped semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
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I start by placing the chopped chocolate and butter in a saucepan over very low heat and stirring frequently until melted.
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Then I whisk in the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt until everything is well combined.
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I turn the heat to medium and cook it, whisking occasionally, until the mixture thickens—usually about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Once thickened, I let it cool slightly. To make filling the mold easier, I pour it into a pitcher or measuring cup with a spout.
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I pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, insert sticks, and freeze until firm—about 4 hours or overnight.
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To release the fudgesicles, I run warm water over the mold for 10–20 seconds and gently squeeze while pulling the stick. They release easily without breaking.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 popsicles. Total time is around 4 hours and 15 minutes, which includes roughly 15 minutes of prep and 4 hours of freezing time.
Variations
I love switching things up with these ideas:
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For a minty flavor, I swap the vanilla with ½ teaspoon of mint extract.
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For a tropical twist, I use full-fat coconut milk and add ½ teaspoon of coconut extract, sometimes even shredded coconut.
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To make an adult version, I replace part of the milk with a splash of Kahlúa or Irish cream, or stir in a little espresso powder.
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For a dairy-free version, I go with almond, oat, or coconut milk—full-fat gives the best texture.
storage/reheating
Once the popsicles are frozen solid, I remove them from the molds and store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage—up to 2 months—I individually wrap each one in plastic wrap to help avoid freezer burn.
FAQs
What’s the difference between these fudgesicles and store‑bought fudge pops?
I find these are creamier and richer because they use whole milk, cornstarch, and real chocolate. They’re more indulgent and homemade tasting.
How do I prevent popsicles from getting icy?
I stick to full-fat milk and use cornstarch, which helps keep the texture smooth. Wrapping or layering with parchment also protects them from frost.
Can I make fudgesicles without a popsicle mold?
Yes—I’ve used small paper cups, muffin tins, or even a loaf pan sliced into sections. Just add sticks and freeze.
How long should I freeze them before eating?
I freeze them for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to make sure they’re fully set and easy to remove.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely—I make them a few days ahead and keep them wrapped or stored in an airtight container. They’re ready to go when needed and still taste fresh.
Conclusion
I absolutely adore making these fudgesicles from scratch. They bring rich chocolate flavor, creamy texture, and a fun nostalgic treat that’s easy to prep and perfect for summer (or any time I crave chocolate). I enjoy customizing them with flavors like mint or coconut, and they always turn out delicious. Making popsicles at home never felt so satisfying!
Print
Homemade Fudgesicles
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 popsicles
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade fudgesicles are rich, creamy, and chocolatey, made from scratch with simple ingredients for a nostalgic frozen treat that’s better than store-bought.
Ingredients
¼ cup chopped semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 ½ cups whole milk
⅔ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan over very low heat, melt chopped chocolate and butter, stirring frequently.
- Whisk in milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Increase heat to medium and cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture thickens, about 5–10 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then pour into a pitcher or measuring cup for easier filling.
- Fill popsicle molds, leaving a little space for expansion. Insert sticks and freeze until firm, about 4 hours or overnight.
- To release, run warm water over the mold for 10–20 seconds and gently pull the sticks.
Notes
- For mint flavor, replace vanilla with ½ teaspoon mint extract.
- Use coconut milk and coconut extract for a tropical twist.
- Add Kahlúa, Irish cream, or espresso powder for an adult version.
- For dairy-free, use almond, oat, or full-fat coconut milk for best texture.
- Store frozen pops in an airtight container with parchment between layers or wrap individually.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popsicle
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg