I’m so happy to share this Vegan Golden Pumpkin Pops recipe, because it is a simple frozen treat made with pumpkin, turmeric, coconut oil, and vegan yogurt that keeps things gentle and dairy free. These little pops are smooth, golden in color, and easy to mix together in just one bowl. The pumpkin brings natural fiber, the turmeric adds a warm spice often used for joint support, and the coconut oil helps create a creamy texture when frozen. I love that this recipe is fully plant based, made at home, and free from extra sugar or artificial additives.
They freeze into cool bites that are perfect for warmer days, and you only need a few basic ingredients and silicone molds to get started.
The first time I made these vegan pumpkin pops, I wanted something cooling and simple that did not use dairy. My dog already enjoys pumpkin, so adding a little turmeric and coconut oil felt like a thoughtful way to make the treat extra special. When I opened the freezer later, he was very curious about the bright golden color.
What makes this recipe stand out is the smooth texture and the gentle blend of ingredients. The pumpkin and vegan yogurt mix into a creamy base, and the turmeric gives it that rich golden shade. Once frozen, the pops are firm but easy to portion.
Here is why I like these frozen treats:
- Fully vegan and dairy free
- No added sugar or harmful spices
- Easy to mix and freeze
- Cooling snack for warm days
As with any new treat, especially one that includes coconut oil or turmeric, introduce it slowly. Please talk to your vet about what is safe and appropriate for your dog.
How to Make Vegan Golden Pumpkin Pops
- Add pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, and vegan yogurt to a bowl.
- Mix until the texture is smooth and even.
- Stir in turmeric and optional black pepper.
- Blend until the color looks evenly golden.
- Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Place in the freezer until fully solid.
- Remove from molds and serve as a cold snack.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (plain, canned or fresh cooked, not pumpkin pie filling and no added spices)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (plain, no added salt)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (plain, no added flavors)
- ¼ cup plain vegan yogurt or coconut yogurt (unsweetened, no added sugar)
Optional:
- A tiny pinch of black pepper (to help with turmeric absorption)
Directions
- Place a mixing bowl on your counter and gather all your ingredients. Make sure the pumpkin is plain and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Add the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, and vegan yogurt to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric. If you are using black pepper, add just a tiny pinch.
- Mix again until the color is evenly golden and there are no streaks. The mixture should be thick and creamy, but easy to spoon.
- Spoon or pour the mixture into silicone molds, such as paw or bone shapes, or into ice cube trays. Fill each section evenly.
- Place the molds flat in the freezer. Freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or until the treats are completely solid.
- Once frozen, gently press the molds to pop out the treats. If they are hard to remove, let them sit out for a minute.
- Serve immediately as a cold snack, and always supervise your dog to make sure the piece is a safe size.
Process Details
- The mixture should feel thick and smooth, not watery. If it looks uneven, keep stirring until fully blended.
- Melt the coconut oil before mixing so it spreads evenly through the pumpkin and yogurt.
- Smaller molds are better for small dogs and help control portions.
- Make sure the pops are fully frozen in the center before removing them from the mold.
- If your dog prefers a softer texture, let the pop sit at room temperature briefly before serving.
Tips for Success
- Always check labels to ensure the yogurt is unsweetened and the coconut oil is plain.
- Do not use pumpkin pie filling, as it may contain sugar or spices that are unsafe for dogs.
- Start with the smaller amount of turmeric if your dog has never had it before.
- Introduce slowly, especially if your dog is not used to coconut oil.
- These are treats, not full meals, so keep portions small.
- If your dog has health conditions or is on medication, ask your vet before adding turmeric or coconut oil to their diet.
Serving Ideas
- Offer one frozen pop on a warm afternoon.
- Use a small piece as a special reward after a walk.
- Serve during quiet time as a calming, cooling snack.
- Give on birthdays or Gotcha Days for a simple homemade celebration.
- Adjust portion size based on your dog’s size and daily food intake.
Storage & Freezing
- Store the frozen pops in an airtight container or freezer safe bag.
- Keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Do not leave them out at room temperature for long, as they will soften quickly.
- If you notice an unusual smell, freezer burn, or color change, discard the treats.
- Keep the container tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Vegan Golden Pumpkin Pops are a simple, cooling treat that combines pumpkin, turmeric, coconut oil, and vegan yogurt into one easy recipe. I love knowing exactly what goes into each bite and seeing how much my dog enjoys a homemade snack made just for him.
- Use fun mold shapes to make treat time exciting.
- Make smaller portions for tiny dogs and larger molds for bigger breeds.
- Watch your dog the first time they try these to make sure they tolerate the ingredients well.
Making your own dog treats is a small, caring act, and those small moments help build a strong and loving bond with your dog.
