If the burst of cherry combined with the tang of lime doesn’t win you over, then the simplicity and nutrition benefits will. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a refreshing popsicle that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day, and the best thing is that this delicious recipe can be enjoyed by the whole family.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Combo: This delicious treat is a great way to savor the vibrant burst of cherry and zesty tang of lime, especially during this time of year.
- Simple Ingredients: This simple recipe uses just five primary ingredients, including fresh lime juice, fresh cherries, and water. Don’t forget the optional lime slices!
- Nutrition-Packed: These homemade popsicles are a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of lime and cherry. And, if you’ve ever tasted Sonic cherry limeades, this popsicle form is a nice change!
- Versatility: Whether you’re in the mood for a tart treat or looking for new flavor combinations, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.
Nutrition Info
Did you know that lime is an excellent source of vitamin C and has a decent amount of potassium? Cherries are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and polyphenols. Polyphenols promote good blood circulation. They also are known to help manage blood pressure and control blood sugar levels.
Ingredients
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is the best choice for these delicious frozen treats.
- Water
- Maple Syrup: The perfect liquid sweetener! (This makes it so you don’t have to make simple syrup, aka sugar water.)
- Cherries: These ice pops use sweet cherries combined with the homemade limeade mixture.
- Lime Slices: This is 100% optional, but it adds a gorgeous dimension to the finished popsicles.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cherry Limeade Popsicles
1. Combine: Add water, lime juice, maple syrup, and 1/3 cup cherries to blender and pulse until well combined and the liquid has turned to a red/pink color.
2. Pour: Pour mixture into a popsicle tray and the extra 1/2 cup cherries and optional lime slices into each mold.
3. Freeze: Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least four hours.
Recipe Variations
This cherry lime popsicle recipe is incredibly versatile. This recipe is simple yet refreshing. Make it as is, or feel free to get creative!
- Citrus Alternatives: Don’t have limes on hand, or maybe you’re just in the mood for cherry lemonade popsicles instead? There’s no reason why you couldn’t swap the limes for lemons so you can enjoy cherry lemonade popsicles instead. Easy peasy.
- Sweetener Options: I am a big fan of maple syrup. It is delicious and dissolves well in cold liquids, which I often use it in. Are you not a fan of maple syrup, or maybe you just don’t have any around?
This limeade popsicle recipe can be sweetened with good old cane sugar. (Just make sure that it thoroughly dissolves.) An easy way to do this is to use warm water instead of cold water in the recipe.
Are you looking for a sugar-free alternative? These cherry lime popsicles can easily be made sugar-free. I would recommend using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. I am a fan of monk fruit sweetener because it doesn’t affect the overall taste of the recipe. That being said, if you are accustomed to stevia, that works great too. - Lime Zest: If you don’t want to put whole lime sliced in your popsicles, fresh lime zest would be delightful!
- Candied Lime Slices: Take these cherry limeade popsicles to the next level by using candied limes in the popsicle molds instead of fresh lime slices.
Best Popsicle Molds
If you are on the hunt for the best ice pop molds, here are my top picks for store-bought options. (In a pinch, paper cups or even freezer bags can work!)
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$39.99
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$16.99
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$28.99
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FAQ
Usually, not if you’re making them at home! Store-bought versions, like a box of popsicles or Otter pops, often contain corn syrup, artificial colors, and added sugars. Whereas, homemade popsicles, like this cherry limeade version, contain real fruit juice and fewer additives. Always be mindful of how much sugar you add.
The health comparison between popsicles and ice cream largely depends on their ingredients. Typically, popsicles contain fewer calories, fats, and sugars than ice cream because they are water-based and primarily made up of fruit juices or purees.
Ice cream, on the other hand, is dairy-based or (plant-based milk based) and often contains higher amounts of fats and sugars, leading to a richer and more calorie-dense treat. However, it’s worth noting that not all popsicles are created equal. Store-bought versions can sometimes be laden with artificial sweeteners, colors, and other additives.
On the flip side, ice cream can provide calcium and protein from its milk (dairy or dairy-free) content. Ultimately, homemade versions of both treats allow for better control over ingredients and can be tailored to individual health preferences.
Moderation is key when consuming any treat, including popsicles. While enjoying a popsicle daily, especially one made from natural ingredients like fresh fruit juices without added sugars, can be a refreshing and relatively low-calorie treat, it’s essential to consider one’s overall daily nutritional intake.
Consistently consuming popsicles with high sugar content can contribute to excessive sugar intake, potentially leading to health concerns over time. It’s always recommended to be mindful of portion sizes and ingredient lists, opting for popsicles with natural sweeteners and real fruit. Furthermore, it’s crucial to ensure that one’s diet is balanced and includes all necessary nutrients, rather than relying too heavily on treats, even if they’re on the healthier side.
More Limeade Recipes
Hope you enjoy these sweet treats! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media and tag us!
Recipe
Recipe
Cherry Limeade Popsicles
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2/3 cup Bing cherries, de-stemmed, pitted, and halved
- lime slices, optional
Instructions
- Combine water, lime juice, maple syrup, and 1/3 cup cherries to blender and pulse until well combined and liquid has turned to a red/pink color.
- Pour mixture into a popsicle tray and the extra 1/2 cup cherries and optional lime slices to each mold.
- Freeze: Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least four hours.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
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These were the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Will definitely be making this recipe again.
So glad you enjoyed it. I loved making this recipe.