Ice Milk Popsicle is a refreshing milk-flavored ice bar made with chunks of fresh or canned fruit and a touch of sweet red bean paste. Unlike rich and creamy ice cream, this treat has a lighter, icier texture with a well-balanced blend of sweetness and tartness. It’s the perfect dessert for Japan’s hot and humid summer days.
What’s Ice Milk Popsicle?
Our Ice Milk Popsicle is inspired by a beloved regional frozen dessert from Kagoshima, Kyushu called Shirokuma Ice. This unique treat traces its roots back nearly a century, when a local cotton mill in Kagoshima began selling shaved ice as a summer side business. Topped with condensed milk and fresh fruit, their shaved ice quickly gained a reputation as a premium seasonal dessert.
For many years, it remained a local favorite—a hidden gem known mainly within the region. But eventually, its popularity spread nationwide. Today, you can find Shirokuma Ice in convenience stores all across Japan. Its refreshing and nostalgic flavor has captured the hearts of people far beyond Kagoshima, making it a beloved summer classic throughout the country.
Although Shirokuma Ice comes in bar form, traditionally served in cups, . The texture is closer to shaved ice than ice cream—light and icy, rather than rich and creamy. Thanks to its lower fat content, it’s the perfect treat for hot, humid days when you crave something cool and refreshing rather than heavy.
What makes Shirokuma Ice truly special is its topping of real fruit pieces and sweet red bean paste. Strawberries, oranges, and other fruits add a bright contrast to the sweet milk base, while a spoonful of anko (sweet red bean paste) brings a touch of traditional Japanese flavor—something nearly every Japanese person loves.
Our version of this nostalgic treat comes in popsicle form. We added extra fruit for a fresher, more colorful look and slightly reduced the amount of condensed milk for a lighter taste—but that part is totally up to your preference. Best of all, Ice Milk Popsicles are easy to make at home using a simple mold. It’s a fun project to do with kids during the summer vacation, letting them choose their favorite fruits and customize each bar with their own creative twist.
Tips and substitutions for Ice Milk Popsicle
- Add your favorite fruits – Feel free to get creative and add your favorite fruits to the mix! Just keep in mind that the recipe uses gelatin, and gelatin doesn’t set well with certain fresh tropical fruits. If you’re using pineapple—like we did—be sure to use canned pineapple instead of fresh, as the enzymes in fresh pineapple can prevent the gelatin from setting properly.
- Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a creamier, sweeter flavor, you can skip the sugar and simply increase the amount of condensed milk to suit your taste.
- Softer or icier? – The gelatin helps give the popsicles a softer, smoother texture. Without it, they tend to freeze harder and become icier. You can adjust the amount depending on your texture preference—or leave it out entirely if you prefer a more solid, icy bite.
- Easy unmolding – When it’s time to unmold your popsicles, simply run the mold under warm water or dip it briefly into a bowl of warm water to release them easily.
Video
Equipment
- 1 popsicle mold 6 bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp gelatin (powder)
- 1 tsp water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp condensed milk
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Mix-in Ingredients
- strawberry halves
- orange segments
- pineapple pieces
- Anko sweet red bean paste (optional)
Instructions
- Mix gelatin with water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a small pot, combine milk, condensed milk, and sugar, and warm until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil. Add the gelatin and stir until completely melted. Let cool to room temperature.
- Cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces and place them in popsicle molds. Add 1 tablespoon of anko if desired. Gently pour the milk mixture into the molds and freeze for 8 hours.
