These Root Beer Popsicles evoke the essence of a classic root beer float, with only 2 ingredients -- a refreshing treat perfect for a warm summer day!
What is root beer?
Root beer is a soft drink/soda beverage traditionally made from sarsaparilla root.
The drink is usually sweetened and carbonated, similar to cola, with quite a bit of bubbles and foam.
A root beer float is created by pairing root beer with vanilla ice cream.
Why you'll love this recipe
Enjoy the flavors of a classic root beer float in a homemade popsicle.
Delicious treat: a refreshing and sweet treat for a hot summer's day.
Only 2 ingredients: just creamy vanilla ice cream and root beer soda frozen into root beer ice pops.
Kid-friendly: the popsicles are non-caffeinated, sweet, and creamy, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients you'll need
For these homemade popsicles, you'll need 2 ingredients:
- root beer: you can use your favorite can or bottle of root beer; I personally prefer an all-natural bottled root beer such as Boylan's, but you can use any brand of root beer like A&W, Mug, Barq's, Dad's, etc.
- vanilla ice cream: softened; you can use homemade or your favorite store-bought ice cream
You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store.
How to make homemade root beer float popsicles
Make the vanilla layer:
Soften the vanilla ice cream at room temperature (or in the microwave).
Pour 1 tablespoon (15ml) into the popsicle mold.
Freeze for 2-3 hours, until firm.
Prepare root beer layer:
In the meantime, open the can or bottle of root beer soda and let it sit in the refrigerator.
After a few hours, pour root beer into a large measuring cup.
Whisk in a little (about 2 Tbsp) vanilla ice cream into the root beer, and remove excess foam and bubbles with a spoon or spatula.
Continue to stir in the ice cream, a little bit at a time.
Once all the vanilla ice cream has been incorporated into the root beer, remove the popsicle molds from the freezer and stir and pour the root beer mixture into the molds.
Add the popsicle mold cover and insert the popsicle sticks.
Freeze for 6-8 hours, until solid.
Once fully frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds.
Tip: either leave the popsicles to warm up at room temperature for a few minutes before removing, or run the molds under warm water to help with releasing.
How to store popsicles
Keep the homemade root beer popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve.
Lay a piece of parchment paper in between popsicles to keep them from sticking together when frozen.
Expert tips
If you prefer a more pronounced root beer flavor, you can add a little root beer/sarsaparilla extract to the mixture.
Adding a little vanilla extract can help keep the ice cream from being too icy as well.
To soften the vanilla ice cream quickly, use a microwave to warm it up (about 20-30 seconds), or until melted. (Be sure to use a microwave-safe vessel).
FAQs
What can I use if I don't have popsicle molds/ice pop molds?
You can use small paper or plastic cups. Once the mixture has partially frozen, stick in the popsicle sticks to freeze completely.
Why use flat root beer?
The carbonation in root beer will create excess foam when mixed with the vanilla ice cream, creating a popsicle with an odd texture.
Letting the root beer go flat removes that fizz and emulsifies with the ice cream more seamlessly.
Note: A little foam is OK -- we don't want too much foam.
Can I just use root beer rather than mixing it with ice cream?
You, can use root beer, but adding ice cream to the root beer prevents the popsicle from being too icy.
Why freeze the vanilla ice cream first?
Freezing the first layer of vanilla ice cream gives the popsicle defined layers.
Can I use diet or sugar-free root beer?
You can use diet root beer -- but you may need to adjust the sweetness.
Other delicious popsicle recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these sweet treats:
2-Ingredient Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Root Beer Popsicles
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
Vanilla ice cream layer:
- ½ C (125ml) vanilla ice cream softened
Root beer layer:
- 1 can (355ml) root beer
- ⅔ C (160ml) vanilla ice cream softened
Instructions
Make the vanilla layer:
- Soften the vanilla ice cream at room temperature (or in the microwave).
- Pour 1 tablespoon (15ml) into each popsicle mold.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours, until firm.
Prepare root beer layer:
- In the meantime, open the can or bottle of root beer soda and let it sit in the refrigerator.
- After a few hours, pour root beer into a large measuring cup.
- Whisk in a little (about 2 Tbsp) vanilla ice cream into the root beer, and remove excess foam and bubbles with a spoon.
- Continue to stir in the ice cream, a little bit at a time.
- Once all the vanilla ice cream has been incorporated into the root beer, remove the popsicle molds from the freezer and stir and pour the root beer mixture into the molds.
- Add the popsicle mold cover and insert the popsicle sticks.
- Freeze for 6-8 hours, until solid.
- Once fully frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
This is the perfect no bake dessert to finish off the hot summer with. I especially liked how your recipe only required 10 minutes of prep time... so easy!
David @ Spiced
What a fun idea to include some vanilla ice cream to make these popsicles into frozen root beer floats! Your kids are so lucky to have you whipping up these sorts of treats at home!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
What a fun idea! I love a root beer float, and I'm totally into this popsicle spin!
Raymund | angsarap.net
These Root Beer Popsicles sound like a delightful treat for a warm summer day! The combination of root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic, and turning it into popsicles is a brilliant idea.