Cherry Lime Ice Pops are the quintessential summer treat—refreshing, colorful, and bursting with fruity flavor. Every bite delivers a bright pop of juicy cherries beautifully balanced by tangy lime and just the right touch of sweetness. These pops are a breeze to make, yet feel like a gourmet upgrade from anything you’d find at the store. Whether you’re looking to cool down after a backyard barbecue or searching for a vibrant, healthy snack for the kids, these Cherry Lime Ice Pops are sure to become everyone’s favorite freezer staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cherry Lime Ice Pops:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
How to Make Cherry Lime Ice Pops
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Start by tossing your pitted cherries, fresh lime juice, water, honey (or agave), and the zingy lime zest straight into the blender. Lock the lid on and blend until your mixture is completely smooth and vibrant. If you like your ice pops with a little more texture, you can blend for a shorter time; for perfectly silky pops, let that blender run until everything looks liquid sunshine.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
Pause and give your blended mixture a taste. This is your chance to dial in the sweetness and zing. If you like it sweeter, add another drizzle of honey or agave. Need more tartness? Squeeze a little extra lime juice. For a completely smooth bite, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve—but if you love fruit bits, go ahead and skip this step.
Step 3: Pour and Freeze
Pour the cherry-lime mixture into your ice pop molds, leaving just a smidge of space at the top for the pops to expand as they freeze. Insert your sticks, pop them into the freezer, and get ready for a little anticipation. They need about 4–6 hours to freeze hard—overnight is perfect if you want to make a batch before bedtime.
Step 4: Release and Enjoy!
When your Cherry Lime Ice Pops are solid, it’s time for the big reveal. Run the outsides of the molds briefly under warm water—just a few seconds does the trick—and the pops will slide right out. Now all that’s left is to enjoy the wildly refreshing, ruby-red results!
How to Serve Cherry Lime Ice Pops
Garnishes
Turn these icy treats into a festive party snack with simple garnishes. Dip the tips into a little coarse sugar for sparkle, or press on a thin lime wheel or a cherry right on top before serving. A sprig of fresh mint makes them instantly photo-ready and even more refreshing.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Cherry Lime Ice Pops as the grand finale to a meal, pair them with a big bowl of sliced summer fruit or a crisp green salad for a light and satisfying contrast. They can also follow an afternoon snack plate of crackers and cheese, or act as a palate cleanser after something savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, stand your pops upright in a bed of crushed ice in a pretty serving dish. Stick in striped paper straws for instant party cheer, or serve alongside glasses of sparkling water for a fun “dunk and fizz” effect. You can even stack the pops popsicle-stick-up in mason jars for easy grabbing at summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you don’t eat them all in one go (it happens!), just keep any extra Cherry Lime Ice Pops in their molds or transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Separate layers with a bit of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two weeks, though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
For a longer stash, you can freeze these ice pops up to a month without any loss of fruity flavor or color. Just make sure they’re well-sealed and stored away from strong-smelling foods in your freezer to keep flavors fresh and amazing.
Reheating
Thankfully, there’s no reheating required for Cherry Lime Ice Pops! If your pops are too firm, simply let them sit at room temperature for a minute or run the mold under warm water briefly for a softer texture before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lime juice is convenient, fresh limes really bring a bright, zesty flavor that makes these Cherry Lime Ice Pops unforgettable. If you’re in a pinch, the bottled version works, but fresh is always best.
Are these pops vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Just opt for agave syrup instead of honey and these pops are 100 percent vegan, with all the same vibrant flavor and sweetness.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries work well with lime, but remember: cherries and lime are a classic combo for a reason, so try the original first for the full Cherry Lime Ice Pops experience.
What if I don’t have ice pop molds?
No problem! Small paper cups and wooden sticks work in a pinch—just cover the tops with foil and poke the sticks through to keep them upright while freezing. Get creative and make the recipe work for you!
Can I add alcohol for an adult version?
Yes! A splash of cherry liqueur makes these pops grown-up party ready. Just don’t add too much, or they may not freeze solid. About a tablespoon or two added to the mix will keep everything icy and refreshing.
Final Thoughts
Give these Cherry Lime Ice Pops a try the next time you’re craving something cool, bright, and seriously delicious. With just a few minutes of effort and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a freezer stocked with homemade goodness—perfect for spontaneous summer moments and sharing with friends. Enjoy, and make them again and again!
PrintCherry Lime Ice Pops Recipe
Cool off with these refreshing Cherry Lime Ice Pops – a perfect summer treat that’s bursting with fruity flavors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Yield: 6 ice pops 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cherry Lime Ice Pops:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the cherries, lime juice, water, honey, and lime zest. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Fill Ice Pop Molds: Pour the mixture into ice pop molds, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Insert sticks.
- Freeze: Freeze for at least 4–6 hours or until solid.
- Release and Serve: To release, run warm water over the molds for a few seconds. Enjoy your Cherry Lime Ice Pops!
Notes
- You can strain the mixture before pouring for a smoother texture.
- For an adult version, add a splash of cherry liqueur before freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg