Summertime is filled with tempting treats like ice cream cones and popsicles to help you beat the summer heat. But, store-bought frozen treats are often filled with sugar, dairy, and other additives like artificial food coloring. If you’re following a paleo or whole-foods diet, these are all the things you’re trying to limit or avoid.

If you’re new to the Paleo diet, the goal is to eat natural, whole foods like meat, fish, fruits, and veggies, and avoid carbs, sugar, and processed foods. It’s more of a nutritional lifestyle than it is a “diet”, really. But, just because you’re avoiding processed foods, doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a sweet summer treat! We’ve collected four paleo-friendly recipes featuring nutritious whole foods like avocados, coconut milk, and fresh fruit to make delicious dairy-free and low-sugar sweets and frozen treats.

Recipe from Beaming Baker

This easy, no-churn recipe is deliciously refreshing. It’s Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan with no added sugar!

Ingredients

3 cups frozen pineapple chunks
1 can full-fat coconut milk

Directions

1. Add pineapple and coconut milk to a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Pour into a freezer-friendly, airtight container. Freeze for 3-6 hours, until completely frozen.
4. Allow to thaw 10 minutes before scooping. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Pretty Bee

Top banana slices with nut butter, chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt for an easy frozen treat. Perfect for staying cool in the summertime!

Ingredients

2 large bananas
¾ cup coconut oil, melted
¾ cup cacao powder
4 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup almond butter
Sea salt flakes

Directions

1. Cut the bananas widthwise into slices. Place them on a cookie sheet that's lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 60 minutes, or until solid.
2. Spread a small amount of almond butter on each frozen banana slice. Place back in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
3. Place the melted coconut oil, cacao powder, and maple syrup in a bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
4. Take each frozen banana slice and dip it into the chocolate. Use two forks to coat it and place it back onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
5. Place the tray of chocolate-covered bananas in the freezer for 30 minutes or until frozen solid.

Recipe from Phoenix Helix

Nothing helps to cool you down during the summer like a refreshing popsicle! This icy homemade treat uses seasonal fruit and kombucha for a fresh pop of flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup blackberries
1 cup strawberries
1 cup kombucha
Optional: Raw honey, to taste

Directions

1. Blend the berries and kombucha together in a blender, and then taste. Kombucha can taste anywhere from sweet-sour to very sour. Depending on your brew, you might find that no honey is needed. Otherwise, add a tablespoon at a time, until you hit your sweet spot.
2. If you don't want berry seeds in your popsicles, strain the mixture before pouring into the molds. If you like the seeds, just pour straight from the blender. Either way, leave a little space at the top for them to expand in the freezer.
3. Freeze a minimum of 6 hours.
4. Run the mold under water to release the popsicle. Enjoy!

Recipe from Fake Ginger

Using avocado makes these fudge pops super creamy for a guilt-free chocolatey treat.

Ingredients

1 avocado
1 large banana
¾ cup full-fat coconut milk
¼ cup cacao powder
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Spoon evenly into popsicle molds.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Sugar may not be Paleo-friendly, but we all need a refreshing summertime treat every now and then. When you’re looking to indulge, try one of these paleo-friendly recipes for a frozen treat that doesn’t disrupt your whole food, Paleo way of eating. We all deserve a treat sometimes, so share these recipes with a health nut in your life!