I don’t know about you, but Halloween is usually still pretty hot around here, so I’ve whipped up some deliciously spooky Halloween themed grape popsicles to celebrate!
And, one of the best things is they’re also a great diabetes-friendly treat in a time of year when diabetes-friendly treats may seem hard to find! Give these super fun and festive grape popsicles a try this year!
Homemade grape popsicles for Halloween
It seems red and green grapes get most of the spotlight, but for these spooky treats we’re using black California grapes. They’re just as equally delicious and healthy as their red and green counterparts.
Why I love these grape popsicles
Most treats this time of year are loaded with added refined sugar and not a whole lot else in terms of nutrition. But, my Halloween grape popsicle recipe has no added sugar and come with all the immune health perks of California grapes and orange juice.
Health benefits of California grapes
We’re entering that time of year when we really start to focus on immune health and keeping our immune systems in tip top shape. Did you know grapes may help support a healthy immune system?
Here’s some really cool facts about grapes and immune health:
- Antioxidants and other polyphenols found in grapes help protect the health and function of your body’s cells.
- Resveratrol and certain flavonoids found in grapes may positively influence immune function. (Flavonoids are actually being studied for their promising antiviral potential.)
- Grapes are hydrating, containing about 82% water; hydration is critical to optimizing immune response.
- Grapes are a good source of vitamin K which may help support lung and overall health.
- Grapes are a natural source of melatonin, a compound that helps regulate sleep cycles. And, we all know getting enough sleep is important for immune health.
How to make grape popsicles
To make our Halloween grape popsicles we’re going to start by rinsing our grapes under running water and patting them dry.
Next, add your grapes (with stems removed) to a pot on your stovetop and heat them on medium-low for about 10 minutes with the lid on. After about 10 minutes, using a fork or spatula squish and break down the grapes that have not already burst until the mixture is all squished and resembles a thick liquid. Continue to heat the grapes with the lid off for another 10 minutes or so. Then, remove the pot from the stove and let it cool slightly.
I like to then blend the grape mixture on high speed until a uniform mixture forms but you don’t have to if you like the texture variety.
Now, we’re ready to begin assembling our popsicles in your popsicle mold.
Layer the blended grapes, orange juice, blended grapes again, and orange juice again evenly in your popsicle molds. (I recommend adding the first grape layer and first orange juice layer and then freezing for 20-30 minutes… then add the second set of layers.)
Now, we let them freeze for a while until our grape popsicles are ready to eat!
Festive grape ice pops
These grape popsicles are the perfect way to enjoy a healthier treat around Halloween. But, you could also swap the black grapes for red grapes and use green juice instead of orange juice for some fun Christmas popsicles too!
Red, green, or black grape recipes
California grapes offer so many recipe possibilities. Whether it’s these grape popsicles or another amazing recipes you can cover pretty much any course or taste preference! Make sure to try some of these other California grape recipes too!
- The Best Roasted Grapes with Goat Cheese Crostini
- Pepper Jack Cheese and Grapes Skewers
- Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes & Walnuts
- Fall Harvest Salad with Grapes, Squash & Maple Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Homemade PB&J Uncrustables with 1-Ingredient Grape Jam
Homemade Black Grape Popsicles for Halloween
Ingredients
- 2 cups black California grapes
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice
Instructions
- Rinse your grapes under running water and pat dry.
- Add your grapes (with stems removed) to a pot on your stovetop and heat on medium-low for about 10 minutes with the lid on.
- After 10 minutes, using a fork or spatula squish and break down the grapes that have not already burst.
- Continue to heat the grapes with the lid off for another 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the stove and let it cool slightly.
- Blend the grape mixture on high speed until a uniform mixture forms.
- Now, we’re ready to begin assembling our popsicles.
- Layer the blended grapes, orange juice, blended grapes again, and orange juice again evenly in your popsicle molds. (I recommend adding the first grape layer and first orange juice layer and then freezing for 20-30 minutes… then add the second set of layers.)
- Once your popsicles are completely frozen (at least 4 hours), enjoy!
