Easy Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles Recipe

I’ll never forget the first time I bit into a homemade Eskimo Pie popsicle.

Since then, I’ve made Eskimo Pie popsicles for my family more times than I can count. Along the way, I’ve learned all the little tricks to make them just right.

The store-bought ones never taste the same. They’re either too sweet or the chocolate feels kind of waxy.

But when you make the Eskimo Pie popsicle yourself at home, you’re in control.

No weird preservatives. No fake flavors. Just real cream, rich chocolate and that classic summer treat your kids (and let’s be honest, you too) will crave all season long.

Let’s make this Eskimo Pie popsicle recipe together!

A Quick Story About These Classic Treats

Here’s something cool I learned.

Back in the 1920s, a guy named Christian Kent Nelson invented the original Eskimo Pie because he saw a kid who couldn’t decide between ice cream and a chocolate bar.

Smart thinking, right?

Now the brand goes by different names (Edy’s Pie, then just “Pie”) but the magic stays the same.

I love telling my kids this story while we’re making our batch. It makes the whole process feel more special, you know?

The Best Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles Recipe

Why I Always Make Eskimo Pie Popsicles at Home

  • Better Ingredients. I use real vanilla extract and good chocolate. The difference is huge. You can taste it in every bite.
  • Perfect for Beginners. Trust me, if I can do this with three kids running around the kitchen, you can too. This homemade eskimo pie popsicle recipe easy approach doesn’t need fancy skills.
  • Endless Options. Want strawberry ice cream instead of vanilla? Go for it. Coffee ice cream? Amazing. Dairy-free for your lactose-intolerant friend? I’ve got you covered.
  • Family Fun. My kids fight over who gets to dip the popsicles in chocolate. It’s become our summer tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I keep these ingredients on hand all summer. You probably have most of them already.

  • For the Ice Cream Center
  • 2 cups heavy cream (don’t skimp here)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (use the good stuff)
  • For the Chocolate Shell
  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like Ghirardelli)
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil (this is the secret to that perfect crack)
  • Fun Toppings (Go Crazy)
  • Crushed nuts (almonds work great)
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Rainbow sprinkles (the kids’ favorite)
  • Shredded coconut
  • Crushed cookies (Oreos or graham crackers)

Tools You Need

Don’t worry, nothing expensive:

  • Popsicle molds (I got mine at the dollar store)
  • Popsicle sticks
  • A couple mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

No popsicle molds? Use small paper cups. I’ve done this plenty of times when all my molds were dirty.

How to Make Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles (Step by Step)

1: Mix Your Ice Cream Base

  • Whisk heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract together
  • Keep whisking until sugar completely dissolves (no grains left)
  • Chill mixture for 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals

2: Fill and Freeze

  • Pour mixture into popsicle molds (leave small space at top for expansion)
  • Insert popsicle sticks
  • Freeze for 4-6 hours until completely solid

3. Make Chocolate Coating

  • Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave (30-second bursts, stirring between)
  • Let chocolate cool to room temperature (warm but not hot to touch)
  • Test temperature (should feel warm on your finger)

4. Prep for Dipping

  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper and put in freezer
  • Remove popsicles from molds (run warm water over outside if stuck)
  • Have all toppings ready

5. Dip the Popsicles

  • Work quickly and dip each popsicle in chocolate
  • Let excess chocolate drip off
  • Add toppings immediately while chocolate is wet
  • Place on frozen baking sheet right away

6. Final Freeze

  • Return to freezer for 15-30 minutes
  • Wait until chocolate coating is completely set and has that perfect snap
Single homemade Eskimo Pie popsicle coated in dark chocolate with sprinkles, nuts, and mini chocolate chips on a white plate

My Best Tips

After making Eskimo Pie popsicles for years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference.

These tips come from lots of trial and error and they’ll help you get that perfect creamy inside and crisp chocolate shell every time.

  • Temperature is Everything. I can’t stress this enough. Your chocolate needs to be the right temperature, and your popsicles need to be completely frozen before dipping.
  • Quality Matters. I’ve tried cheap chocolate chips and good ones. Trust me, spend the extra dollar. Your taste buds will thank you.
  • Work Fast. Once you start dipping, don’t stop. Have all your toppings ready to go.
  • The Coconut Oil Secret. This is what gives you that thin, crispy chocolate shell instead of a thick, waxy one. Don’t skip it.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

1. Different Ice Cream Flavors

I’ve made these with mint ice cream (so refreshing), coffee ice cream (my personal favorite), and strawberry ice cream.

My sister-in-law makes them with caramel ice cream, and they’re incredible.

For dairy-free options, I use coconut milk ice cream. Works just as well.

2. Chocolate Varieties

Milk chocolate makes them sweeter (great for kids). Dark chocolate gives you that rich, grown-up taste. White chocolate looks fancy and you can add food coloring for fun colors.

3. Creative Add-Ins

Sometimes I mix mini chocolate chips right into the ice cream base before freezing. Or I’ll swirl in some peanut butter or caramel sauce for a marbled effect.

For adult parties, I add a splash of Baileys to the chocolate coating. (Just saying)

How to Store Your Eskimo Pie Popsicles

Wrap each popsicle in wax paper, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay perfect for about two weeks in the freezer. Though in my house, they never last that long.

I learned to wrap them individually after finding a bunch of popsicles stuck together in one sad, frozen lump. Not my proudest kitchen moment.

Common Eskimo Pie Popsicle Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best recipe, things don’t always go as planned and that’s totally okay!

If your chocolate’s not sticking or you’re seeing ice crystals, you’re not alone.

Here are some quick fixes for the most common issues I’ve run into (and how you can avoid them next time):

  • Chocolate won’t stick? Your popsicles probably aren’t frozen enough, or your chocolate is too hot. Give the popsicles another hour in the freezer and let the chocolate cool more.
  • Getting ice crystals? This usually happens when your freezer temperature keeps changing. Store finished popsicles in the coldest part of your freezer.
  • Chocolate cracks when you bite it? The chocolate was probably too hot when you dipped, or the popsicles weren’t frozen solid. Next time, be more patient with both steps.

Conclusion

The best part about this recipe? You can make it completely yours.

Try different ice cream flavors, experiment with toppings, or create themed versions for holidays.

My kids love making red, white, and blue ones for the Fourth of July using white chocolate and berry ice cream.

So grab your ingredients, get the kids involved, and start a new summer tradition.

Trust me, once you taste these homemade versions, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor combination? Have you tried any crazy toppings that actually worked?

I’d love to hear about your experiments in the comments below!

Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles

Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles

Creamy vanilla ice cream popsicles coated in rich chocolate shell – better than store-bought and endlessly customizable for the perfect summer treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
freezing time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 popsicles
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Popsicle molds
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • Optional toppings: nuts, sprinkles, coconut flakes

Instructions
 

  • Whisk cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves
  • Pour into popsicle molds and insert sticks
  • Freeze 4-6 hours until solid
  • Melt chocolate and coconut oil, let cool slightly
  • Remove popsicles from molds
  • Dip each popsicle in chocolate, add toppings if desired
  • Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Freeze 15-30 minutes until chocolate sets

Notes

  • Chocolate should be warm but not hot when dipping
  • Work quickly during dipping process
  • Store wrapped in airtight container up to 2 weeks
  • Can substitute with dairy-free alternatives for vegan version
Keyword Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles, Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicles Recipe, homemade popsicles

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