Unjury Chocolate Jell-O Pudding Pops: A Retro Treat Reimagined

As a chef, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring countless culinary creations, from delicate patisserie to hearty braises. Yet, sometimes, the simplest pleasures hold the most profound memories. I recall those sweltering summer days of my youth, the siren call of the ice cream truck a constant soundtrack. Among the colorful wrappers, there was one that always brought a special kind of joy: the humble pudding pop. This recipe, a clever adaptation found through diligent searching, takes that nostalgic delight and elevates it with a touch of modern, protein-rich innovation. It’s a treat that whispers of carefree afternoons while delivering a satisfying, wholesome goodness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking involved!)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (mostly freezing)
• Servings: 6
• Yields: 6 popsicles
• Dietary Type: Sugar-Free, High-Protein

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a few pantry staples and one special ingredient to create its unique magic.

• 4 serving size Jell-O Sugar-Free Instant Pudding Mix (chocolate flavor is a fantastic choice for this recipe, but feel free to explore other flavors!)
• 2 cups cold skim milk
• 2 scoops Unflavored UNJURY protein powder

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much for this simple yet delightful treat.

• A medium-sized bowl
• A whisk or a sturdy spoon for stirring
• Six 3-ounce paper cups
• Popsicle sticks

Instructions

Crafting these Unjury Chocolate Jell-O Pudding Pops is refreshingly straightforward, making it an ideal project for both novice cooks and seasoned pros looking for a quick win. The key is to ensure thorough mixing to achieve a smooth, enjoyable texture.

1. Begin by gathering your ingredients. Ensure your skim milk is thoroughly chilled. This is crucial for the instant pudding to set up correctly and for the protein powder to incorporate smoothly without clumping.
2. In your medium-sized bowl, combine the 2 cups of cold skim milk with the 2 scoops of Unflavored UNJURY protein powder.
3. Now, it’s time to mix! You can achieve this by either vigorously shaking the mixture in a sealed container (like a shaker bottle or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid) until the protein powder is completely dissolved and no lumps remain, or by stirring diligently with a whisk or spoon. Aim for a smooth, homogenous liquid.
4. Next, add the 4 serving size Jell-O Sugar-Free Instant Pudding Mix (the dry powder) to the bowl containing the UNJURY and milk mixture.
5. Stir the ingredients together for a full 2 minutes. This step is essential for activating the instant pudding and ensuring it thickens properly. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth, free of dry pudding pockets, and has started to achieve a pudding-like consistency. You’ll notice it will begin to thicken as you stir.
6. Carefully pour the pudding mixture into your six 3-ounce paper cups. Aim to fill each cup relatively evenly, leaving a small space at the top. This amount will typically result in about 3 ounces of pudding per cup.
7. Gently place a popsicle stick in the center of each cup. Make sure the stick stands upright and is submerged enough in the pudding to anchor itself securely once frozen.
8. Transfer the filled cups to the freezer. Freeze them for a minimum of 4 hours. This duration allows the popsicles to freeze solid and develop the perfect icy texture.
9. Once the popsicles have completely frozen, it’s time for the grand reveal! To enjoy, simply peel away the paper cup from each frozen treat. Your delicious, high-protein Unjury Chocolate Jell-O Pudding Pops are ready to be savored!

Expert Tips & Tricks

While this recipe is wonderfully forgiving, a few seasoned touches can elevate your pudding pop experience from good to truly exceptional.

• Smooth Operator: To ensure the smoothest possible texture, don’t skimp on the 2 minutes of stirring after adding the dry pudding mix. If you find you have a few stubborn lumps of protein powder, a quick pulse with an immersion blender before pouring into the cups can work wonders.
• Flavor Fiesta: While chocolate is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other Jell-O Sugar-Free Instant Pudding flavors. Vanilla, butterscotch, or even cheesecake flavors can create entirely new and exciting popsicles. Just be mindful that some flavors might impart slightly different textures.
• Presentation Perfection: For an extra touch of elegance, once the popsicles are frozen and you’ve peeled away the paper cup, you could briefly dip the tip of the popsicle into melted sugar-free chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts before refreezing for a few minutes. This adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
• Preventing Stick Wobble: If you find your popsicle sticks tend to lean or fall over, you can freeze the popsicles for about an hour until they are partially set. Then, insert the popsicle sticks. They will hold their position much better in the firmer pudding.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Unjury Chocolate Jell-O Pudding Pops are best enjoyed straight from the freezer on a warm day. They are a perfect, guilt-free dessert that appeals to all ages.

For storage, it’s crucial to keep them frozen. Wrap each individual popsicle tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight freezer container. Properly stored, they will maintain their quality for up to 2-3 weeks in the freezer. Due to their composition, they are not suitable for room temperature storage and should not be left out for extended periods. Re-freezing after thawing is not recommended as it can negatively impact the texture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional profile for one Unjury Chocolate Jell-O Pudding Pop. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary slightly based on the specific brand of sugar-free pudding mix and protein powder used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	33.6 kcal	2%
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	1.6 mg	0%
Sodium	48.4 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	4.6 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	3.2 g	6%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While the core ingredients create a delightful classic, here are a few ideas to personalize your pops:

• Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free option, experiment with unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk (from a carton, not canned) instead of skim milk. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be a delicious treat.
• Fruity Fun: Fold in a tablespoon or two of finely chopped sugar-free fruit (like berries or diced peaches) into the pudding mixture just before pouring it into the cups for bursts of fresh flavor and texture.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Use a chocolate-flavored sugar-free instant pudding mix and consider adding a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the milk and protein mixture for an even richer chocolate experience.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a regular Jell-O pudding mix instead of sugar-free?
A: While you could, using a regular pudding mix would significantly increase the sugar content and alter the nutritional profile of these popsicles. The goal of this recipe is to offer a healthier, high-protein alternative.

Q: What is the best way to ensure the protein powder doesn’t clump?
A: Thoroughly mixing the protein powder with the cold milk before adding it to the dry pudding mix is key. Shaking it vigorously in a sealed container is often the most effective method.

Q: My popsicles are sticking to the paper cup. How can I avoid this?
A: Ensure the popsicles are fully frozen. When ready to serve, a quick dip of the bottom of the cup in warm water for just a few seconds can help release the popsicle cleanly.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These popsicles are perfect for making in batches and storing in the freezer for future enjoyment.

Q: What if I don’t have unflavored protein powder?
A: Unflavored protein powder is ideal as it won’t interfere with the pudding’s flavor. If you only have flavored protein powder, choose one that complements your pudding flavor (e.g., vanilla protein with vanilla pudding) and be aware that it may alter the sweetness and overall taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in recreating beloved childhood treats with a contemporary twist, and these Unjury Chocolate Jell-O Pudding Pops are a prime example. They offer a delightful wave of nostalgia, perfectly balanced with the benefits of added protein. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert that aligns with a healthy lifestyle, a fun activity to do with children, or simply a way to recapture a little bit of summertime bliss, these pops are sure to be a hit. Give them a try, experiment with your favorite pudding flavors, and savor the simple joy they bring. They’re also a fantastic way to sneak in a little extra protein without anyone even realizing it!