Delicious & Healthy Cherry Mango Popsicles: Your Ultimate Summer Treat

Craving a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly delicious treat that’s also guilt-free? Look no further than these incredible cherry mango popsicles! Combining the sweet tropical notes of mango with the tart burst of cherries and a subtle hint of lime, this recipe creates a taste sensation that’s simply unmatched. Forget artificial colors and high-fructose corn syrup; our homemade version uses only real fruit and natural sweeteners, making it the perfect healthy dessert for the whole family. Whether you prefer beautifully layered mango cherry popsicles or a delightful pink blend, these easy 4-ingredient ice pops are a breeze to make and incredibly satisfying.

If you’ve ever experienced the irresistible combination of cherry and mango, perhaps through store-bought treats, you know it’s a flavor pairing truly made in heaven. This recipe takes that beloved taste and elevates it using wholesome ingredients. By blending fresh and frozen fruits with a touch of maple syrup and lime zest, you create a treat bursting with natural goodness. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a cool snack without any of the undesirable additives often found in commercial ice pops.

Making these healthy fruit popsicles is surprisingly simple. All you need are a few basic ingredients, some popsicle molds, and a food processor or blender. The prep time is minimal, and the freezing does all the hard work, leaving you with a delightful frozen dessert that kids and adults alike will adore. Get ready to transform simple fruits into an extraordinary summer indulgence!

Why Choose Homemade Cherry Mango Popsicles?

In a world filled with processed snacks, opting for homemade treats like these cherry mango popsicles offers numerous benefits. Store-bought pops often contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, and a significant amount of high-fructose corn syrup, none of which contribute positively to a healthy diet. When you make your own ice pops, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and nutritious snack.

These homemade fruit pops are free from artificial additives, relying instead on the natural sweetness and vibrant colors of real fruit. This not only makes them a healthier choice but also enhances the flavor profile, providing a pure, unadulterated taste of summer. They are a fantastic way to sneak more fruit into your family’s diet, especially for picky eaters who might resist whole fruits.

Beyond the health benefits, preparing these popsicles is a fun and engaging activity. It’s a rewarding experience to create something so delicious and visually appealing from scratch. Plus, the minimal prep time means you can whip up a batch quickly and have a freezer full of delightful treats ready whenever a craving strikes.

🥭 How to Make Cherry Mango Popsicles: A Simple Guide

Making these beautiful and tasty cherry mango ice pops is incredibly straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know, from ingredients to essential equipment and simple step-by-step instructions.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Blend:

Our recipe for easy cherry mango popsicles calls for just four simple ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen cherries: Opt for pitted dark sweet cherries for the best flavor and convenience. Frozen cherries are fantastic because they’re already pitted and perfectly ripe, providing a consistently sweet and tart element to your popsicles.
• 2 cups fresh ripe mango: I highly recommend using sweet varieties like Champagne (also known as Ataulfo) mangoes for their creamy texture and intense sweetness. The riper the mango, the sweeter and more flavorful your popsicles will be!
• ¼ cup maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds a lovely depth of flavor without being overly sweet. It’s a great unrefined alternative to refined sugars.
• Pinch of lime zest (optional): A tiny bit of lime zest brightens all the flavors, adding a zesty kick that complements the fruits beautifully. If you don’t have lime, a tiny pinch of mint can also work wonders for freshness.

Tips for Ingredient Selection:

For the sweetest results, prioritize using overripe mangoes. Their elevated sugar content means you might even reduce the amount of maple syrup, or omit it entirely if you prefer no added sugar popsicles. Popsicle recipes are incredibly forgiving, so feel free to experiment with ingredient ratios to suit your personal taste preferences.

Consider these creative substitutions to customize your ice pops:

• Fruit swaps: Instead of mango, try peaches, pineapple, or even apricots. For cherries, frozen strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make excellent alternatives.
• Sweetener alternatives: Agave syrup, honey, or even a liquid low-carb sweetener (like stevia or erythritol) can replace maple syrup if you’re looking for different flavor profiles or a sugar-free option.
• Adding a creamy touch: For a creamier popsicle, consider blending in a splash of coconut milk, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even some fruit juice like orange or pineapple juice. Coconut water or lemonade can also add a delightful twist.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions:

1

Blend all ingredients until smooth: Combine the frozen cherries, fresh mango, maple syrup, and lime zest (if using) in a food processor or a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to pause and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.

Pour into molds and freeze: Carefully pour the blended fruit mixture into your ice pop molds. Insert popsicle sticks into each mold. Place the filled molds in the freezer for several hours, or ideally, overnight, to allow them to set completely. Once frozen solid, your delightful dessert is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Easy Popsicle Release:

Silicone popsicle molds are a fantastic investment because they make releasing your frozen treats incredibly easy. The flexible material allows you to gently push the pops out with minimal effort. If you’re using hard plastic molds, simply run them under warm water for a few seconds. This will slightly melt the outer layer of the popsicle, allowing it to slide out effortlessly.

Get Creative with Layered Cherry Mango Popsicles:

For an extra touch of visual appeal and a distinct flavor experience, try blending the fruits separately! Prepare a batch of cherry puree and a separate batch of mango puree (each with a little maple syrup and lime zest). Then, alternate pouring layers of cherry and mango mixtures into your ice pop molds. Freeze each layer for about 30 minutes before adding the next to prevent them from fully mixing. This creates stunning, striped layered fruit popsicles that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Cherry Mango Popsicles Recipe Card

Author: Summer Yule

These cherry mango popsicles are a simple yet sensational treat. Blend the fruits together for a uniform pop or create beautiful layered ice pops for an extra special touch!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 10 mins
• Course: Snack
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 5
• Calories: 103 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen cherries (pitted dark sweet cherries)
• 2 cups fresh ripe mango
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 pinch lime zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Put everything into a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth. You may have to stop the food processor to scrape down ingredients stuck to the sides and then continue blending.
2. Pour the mixture into ice pop molds, add the popsicle sticks, and freeze for several hours (or overnight). Enjoy!

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Popsicle Molds

Notes from Dietitian Summer Yule

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 1 recipe, meaning it may help support fat loss. The precise calorie count and nutrition information can vary based on factors like the size of your pop molds and how small you cut your fruit. However, in general, popsicles made with whole fruits are a fantastic healthy snack for kids and an excellent choice for those focused on fat loss. They tend to be low in calories and encourage mindful eating because they must be consumed slowly.

These delightful ice lollies are packed with antioxidant vitamins A and C, along with beneficial fiber and potassium from the fruits. They are often a hit with picky eaters who might otherwise resist consuming fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, these popsicles are suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free diets. This makes them a versatile and healthy treat that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

While mangoes and cherries contain natural sugars and are not considered low-carb fruits, you can easily adapt this recipe to create popsicles with no added sugar. Simply substitute the maple syrup with your preferred liquid low-carb sweetener. Remember that the nutrition information provided is an estimate for one serving of the recipe.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 103 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Sodium: 2.7 mg
• Potassium: 208.5 mg
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Vitamin A: 14.3 % DV
• Vitamin C: 40 % DV
• Calcium: 2.4 % DV
• Iron: 1.2 % DV

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Mango Popsicles

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh pitted cherries! Frozen cherries are often recommended for convenience as they are usually pre-pitted and readily available year-round. If using fresh, make sure they are ripe and sweet, and pit them thoroughly before blending.

How long do homemade popsicles take to freeze?

Generally, popsicles will take at least 4-6 hours to freeze solid, but it’s best to leave them overnight to ensure they are fully set. The exact time can depend on the size of your molds and the temperature of your freezer.

Can I make these popsicles completely sugar-free?

Absolutely! The recipe uses maple syrup, but you can substitute it with a liquid low-carb sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit to make them completely sugar-free. If your mangoes are very ripe, you might even find you don’t need any added sweetener at all.

What if I don’t have a food processor or high-speed blender?

While a food processor or high-speed blender makes the blending process quicker and smoother, you can still make these popsicles with a regular blender. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of water or fruit juice to help the blades process the frozen cherries and mango more easily, and blend for a bit longer to achieve a smooth consistency.

How do I store homemade popsicles?

Once your popsicles are completely frozen, you can remove them from their molds and store them individually wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.

👩‍🍳 More Healthy Snack Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these refreshing cherry mango popsicles, you might be looking for more healthy and easy-to-make snacks that maximize convenience and minimize prep time. Here are some other delightful ideas to keep your snacking healthy and exciting:

• Chocolate Strawberry Banana Smoothie: A creamy, indulgent smoothie that’s secretly packed with goodness.
• Strawberry Banana Mango Smoothie: Another fantastic blend of tropical and berry flavors, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
• Creative Popsicle Mold Recipes: Explore fun and innovative ways to use your popsicle molds, beyond just fruit purees.
• Sugar Free Mango Lassi: A must-try if you’re a mango lover and want more of that tropical deliciousness in your life!

These recipes offer diverse flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy while maintaining a focus on wholesome ingredients and simple preparation. Happy snacking!