Introduction to Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops. These pops are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a quick solution for those busy days when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a creamy custard-coated strawberry, the sweetness bursting in your mouth. Trust me, these pops will wow everyone at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops
These Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops are a game-changer for any dessert lover. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. The creamy custard pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family night. You’ll love how quickly they come together, leaving you more time to enjoy the sweet moments!
Ingredients for Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops
Let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops! Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Instant vanilla pudding: This is the base of our creamy custard. It thickens quickly and adds a rich vanilla flavor.
- Cold milk: Essential for mixing with the pudding, it helps achieve that smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cold heavy cream: Whipping this cream adds lightness and a luxurious texture to our custard.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this enhances the vanilla flavor, making it even more delightful.
- Large strawberries: The star of the show! Fresh, hulled strawberries provide a juicy burst of flavor.
- Sugar: This sweetens our glaze and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and gelatin, ensuring a smooth glaze.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness to the glaze.
- White chocolate: Chopped and melted, it gives our glaze a beautiful sheen and rich flavor.
- Powdered gelatin: This helps our glaze set perfectly, giving it that mirror-like finish.
- Red gel food coloring: A few drops will enhance the color of the glaze, making it visually stunning.
- Cake pop sticks or skewers: These are essential for easy handling and serving of our pops.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
Start by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl. Keep whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. The pudding should be smooth and creamy, ready to embrace the strawberries. This custard is the heart of our pops, so make sure it’s well mixed!
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape but still be a bit fluffy. The whipped cream adds a lightness to our custard, making each bite feel like a cloud of sweetness!
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to combine them until smooth. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; we want to keep that airy texture. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy custard we all love!
Step 4: Prepare Strawberries
Transfer the custard into a piping bag for easy application. Next, take your hulled strawberries and insert a cake pop stick into each one. This will make it super easy to coat them later. The stick is like a magic wand, turning these strawberries into delightful pops!
Step 5: Coat the Strawberries
Using the piping bag, coat each strawberry with the custard, shaping it into a smooth ball around the berry. Make sure to cover the entire strawberry evenly. This custard coating is what makes these pops so special, creating a beautiful and delicious shell!
Step 6: Freeze
Once all the strawberries are coated, place them in the freezer for 1–2 hours until they are firm. This step is essential for ensuring that the custard holds its shape when we dip them in the glaze. Patience is key here!
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the strawberries are freezing, bloom the gelatin in 3 tablespoons of water and set it aside. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This glaze is what will give our pops that stunning mirror finish!
Step 8: Finish the Glaze
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it dissolves. Then, add the chopped white chocolate and stir until smooth. To make it visually appealing, tint the glaze with red gel food coloring. Let it cool to about 90–95°F (32–35°C) before dipping. This temperature is perfect for achieving that glossy finish!
Step 9: Dip the Pops
Take the frozen custard-coated strawberries out of the freezer. Dip each pop into the warm glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. This step is where the magic happens! The glaze should coat the pops beautifully, creating that eye-catching mirror effect.
Step 10: Set the Pops
Finally, place the dipped pops on parchment paper and let them set for 10–15 minutes. This will allow the glaze to firm up, giving you that perfect finish. Soon, you’ll have a batch of Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops ready to wow your friends and family!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your strawberries are hulled properly for the best flavor and presentation.
- Use a thermometer to check the glaze temperature; it should be warm but not too hot.
- For a smoother glaze, ensure the white chocolate is fully melted before dipping.
- Work quickly when dipping to prevent the custard from softening.
- Store any leftover pops in the freezer for a refreshing treat later!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: Use any size you have; just make sure they’re large enough for whisking.
- Whisk: A hand whisk works great, but an electric mixer can save time.
- Piping bag: If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off will do!
- Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for folding mixtures without deflating them.
- Freezer-safe tray: Any flat surface will work for freezing the pops.
Variations
- Chocolate Custard: Swap the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a rich twist on the classic flavor.
- Fruit Variations: Try using other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a colorful mix of pops.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and dairy-free whipped cream to make these pops vegan-friendly.
- Nutty Glaze: Add a tablespoon of almond or hazelnut extract to the glaze for a nutty flavor boost.
- Spiced Glaze: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the glaze for a warm, cozy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these pops with a refreshing mint lemonade for a delightful summer treat.
- Serve alongside a light fruit salad to complement the flavors.
- For a fun presentation, arrange the pops in a decorative glass or on a colorful platter.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color.
- Enjoy them as a sweet ending to a barbecue or picnic!
FAQs about Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for their juicy flavor, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How long do Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops last in the freezer?
These pops can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, pipe it onto the strawberries and freeze.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Are Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops suitable for kids?
Yes! These pops are a fun and delicious treat for kids. Just be cautious with the sticks, and supervise younger children while enjoying them.
Final Thoughts
Creating Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops is more than just making a dessert; it’s about crafting sweet memories. Each pop is a burst of joy, combining the lusciousness of custard with the freshness of strawberries. I love how they bring smiles to faces, whether at a summer gathering or a cozy family night. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing those glossy, mirror-like pops is simply unbeatable! So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delightful adventure. Trust me, these pops will become a cherished favorite in your home!
Print
Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops that Wow Everyone!
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 pops 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Strawberry Custard Mirror-Glaze Pops that are visually stunning and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12–16 large strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 oz (115 g) white chocolate, chopped
- 2½ tsp powdered gelatin + 3 tbsp water (for blooming)
- Red gel food coloring
- Cake pop sticks or skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk until it begins to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks.
- Fold whipped cream into pudding until smooth.
- Transfer custard into a piping bag.
- Insert a cake pop stick into each strawberry.
- Using a piping bag, coat each strawberry with custard, shaping into a smooth ball around the berry.
- Freeze for 1–2 hours until firm.
- Bloom gelatin in 3 tbsp water. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and condensed milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin until dissolved.
- Add white chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Tint with red gel coloring and let cool to 90–95°F (32–35°C).
- Remove frozen custard-coated strawberries from freezer.
- Dip each pop into the warm glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place on parchment paper and let set for 10–15 minutes.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are hulled properly for best results.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the glaze for optimal dipping.
- Store any leftover pops in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing and Glazing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
