The Healthy Version of Your Favorite Childhood Treat Is Here

A frozen version of bold Paleo hot chocolate, these pops are a grown-up Paleo riff on the Fudgsicles you loved during your childhood.

We know: It's still technically winter, and in many parts of the world, all you want to do is curl up with a nice hot mug of Paleo-friendly cocoa — but here in Southern California, the weather is convinced it's spring and popsicles are the perfect beat-the-heat treat.

Where's the happy medium? It lies in these frozen hot chocolate pops.

Whatever your weather situation is, you'll want to try this super simple recipe, which makes for the perfect snack or dessert. These pops replicate the deep flavors of hot cocoa with uber-rich cocoa powder and a pinch of cinnamon.

With the addition of your choice of coconut or almond milk (or both!), they're silky and creamy, with the same mouthfeel of the Fudgsicles of your childhood.

Unlike Fudgsicles, the use of pure baking cocoa imbues these pops with a bold, rich dark chocolate flavor. They're a lot more grown up — both nutritionally and flavor-wise.

The kick of cinnamon amps up the bold flavor, while honey gives the pops a subtle sweetness—feel free to alter the cocoa and honey levels to your liking, but don't skip the cinnamon. Trust us.

This recipe is fairly bare-bones and there are plenty of opportunities to riff on it.

Frozen berries like raspberries or strawberries interspersed throughout the pops would add a lovely tangy complement to the dark chocolate flavor, and the addition of banana would make for a delicious chocobanana pop. Coconut flakes could also add a nice texture and a slightly tropical flavor. You might also like to try our Coconut Mango Popsicles recipe.

Go crazy and mix all of the above for a chocolate and tutti-frutti combination. Nuts like slivered almonds, chopped hazelnuts, or even walnuts and pecans would make a great flavor and texture addition, too.