Red Bean Popsicles (红豆冰棍)
User Reviews
5
Red Bean Popsicles (红豆冰棍)
Description
The Red Bean Popsicles (红豆冰棍) recipe uses full-fat milk thickened with cornstarch into a custard-like base, which is then blended with cooked adzuki beans and sweetened with condensed milk. The beans can be left in small pieces or mashed smoother depending on preference, giving the popsicles a slightly textured bite amid a creamy, cold backdrop. Heating and constant stirring of the milk mixture creates a rich custard base that holds up well when frozen.
The sweet condensed milk balances the natural earthiness of the red beans, resulting in a mildly sweet, creamy popsicle reminiscent of traditional East Asian desserts. This preparation offers a chilled, soft ice pop ideal for warm weather or when craving a gentle sweetness without ice crystals.
The use of cornstarch or glutinous rice flour ensures a smooth, thickened texture rather than icy crystals. Variation in milk types—from whole to semi-skimmed or even cream—can adjust richness, while replacing condensed milk with other sweeteners tailors sweetness. The recipe also notes the option of using canned beans or cooking from scratch, allowing flexibility in preparation and flavor control.
Ingredients
- 1½ cup milk aka full-fat milk (see note 1, whole
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch or glutinous rice flour
- 1½ cup red beans aka adzuki beans (see note 2, cooked
- ½ cup condensed milk or to taste (see note 3)
Instructions
- Use a few spoons of milk to mix with cornstarch until fully integrated. Then pour the mixture, along with the remaining milk, into a saucepan.
- Heat it over medium heat until it becomes hot to touch (dip your fingertip to test). Then stir it with a spatula constantly until it thickens to a runny yogurt consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the thickened milk into a blender/food processor. Add cooked red beans and condensed milk (leave out about ¼ of the recommended volume).
- Run the machine to blend and break the beans. Stop a few times to check the consistency. You can either keep the beans in bits (as shown in my recipe images) or break them into a very smooth texture.
- Taste the mixture and add more condensed milk as needed. Keep in mind that it will taste less sweet once frozen.
- With a spoon or a spouted jug, transfer the mixture into your popsicle molds (store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days). Leave a little space to the rim as the mixture will expand slightly after freezing. Put in the sticks. Store the molds in the freezer for 4-8 hours.
- To unmold the popsicles, hold the molds upside down and run warm water over them for 10-15 seconds. Or, leave the molds on the counter for 5-10 minutes before pulling out the popsicles.
Notes
- Semi-skimmed milk can be used for a lighter calorie content while maintaining creaminess.
- Substitute whole milk with single cream for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
- Use pre-cooked canned red beans for convenience, or cook raw red beans yourself for fresher taste.
- Condensed milk can be replaced by sugar, honey, or evaporated milk combined with added sugar to adjust sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8popsicles
Amount Per Serving
Calories 145 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1popsicle | |
| Calories | 145kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 47mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 298mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 123IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 138mg | 14% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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