The Frozen Fruit Cups I Reach for When I Need Something Sweet
I always keep a stash of frozen fruit cups in my freezer for those moments when I want something sweet but don’t want to go all-in on a dessert.
They’re quick, refreshing, and somehow feel like a tiny treat just for me. Today, I’m sharing my recipe…and you’ll want them in your freezer too!
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The Favorite Family Breakfast
Family favorite.
You have one.
So does your partner or spouse.
As do your children…grandchildren…and on and on!
But in our family, we have a universally loved breakfast.
As in…the menu is repeated over and over again, and must be retained intact.
I used to make this breakfast only on Christmas morning.
Then on Easter morning…
And then on Mother’s Day. (Yes, I happily made my own Mother’s Day breakfast!)
What is this menu?
- Quiche Lorraine
- Cinnamon Rolls (We call them Miller & Paine rolls, as the recipe originated from this long-gone department store’s tea room. These are an amazing gift from friends every year!)
- Coffee/Juice
And…
Berry Peachy Frozen Fruit Cups!
Mention these yummy frozen fruit cups to any one of my family, and you will get a laugh, chuckle, or at least a smile.
The reason for giggles and guffaws?
Because more often than not, I forget to pull the FROZEN fruit cups from the freezer until we sit down at the table. So, while we enjoy our quiche and cinnamon rolls, we continually STAB the frozen fruit cup in hopes that it has thawed enough to eat.
You will not make this mistake because I am going to remind you over and over again…Thaw 5-15 minutes before serving!
Berry Peachy Frozen Fruit Cups Recipe Ingredients
This recipe is super simple and full of all my favorite fruits. And the prep is fast! Here is what you need:
- Two 15-oz. cans of sliced peaches with the juice. (Cut the peaches into bite-sized pieces.)
- One 15-oz can of chunk pineapple with the juice.
- Two 16 oz. bags of frozen mixed berries. I always use the combination of strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
- One 10-oz. jar of Maraschino cherries with the juice.
- 5 medium bananas, sliced
- One 6-oz can of frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- One 6-oz can of frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- Optional: 1/2 cup apricot brandy, elderberry elixir, or other flavor you like!
The original recipe for this fruit cup came from my sister. But she agrees there is a lot of flexibility with the ingredients.
Do you like mandarin oranges? Add them!
Don’t like Maraschino cherries? Take them out!
Once in a while, I find myself without frozen lemonade. So I’ll just double up on the OJ concentrate and add a little lemon juice to the mixture.
More often than not, I don’t have apricot brandy in the house and make the fruit cups without it. It is a fabulous addition to the recipe, but not necessary for a great-tasting fruit cup.
The last time I made these, I poured in just a little Elderberry elixir that had been gifted to me. It was delicious and worth the addition!
Making Frozen Fruit Cups
Start by adding all of your fruit to a large bowl and gently tossing it together until you have a colorful fruit mixture.
In a separate bowl, stir together the orange juice and lemonade concentrates as well as the brandy if you’re using it. Then add the sugar and mix until it dissolves completely.
Pour the juice mixture over the fruit and give everything a good stir so each piece is coated. Pour it all into a 9 x 13 pan. Or, spoon the fruit along with a little of the extra juice into individual clear cups. (9 oz cups are just the right size.)
When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the fruit cups thaw for about 5 to 15 minutes...just long enough to soften to an icy semi-hard fruit slush.
Berry Peachy Frozen Fruit Cup
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 wood spoon
- 1 paring knife
- 1 9 x 13 pan or 24 plastic beverage cups
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz. can sliced peaches, with juice cut into bite size pieces
- 1 15 oz. can chunk pineapple, with juice
- 2 16 oz. bag frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- 1 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries, with juice
- 5 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 6 oz. frozen orange juice, thawed
- 1 6 oz. frozen lemonade, thawed
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup apricot brandy, elderflower elixer, or other juices (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all of the fruits in a 6 quart container and stir to mix.
- Mix together the orange juice, lemonade, and the optional apricot brandy or juice.
- Add the sugar to the juice mixture and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sugar mixture to the fruit and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the sugared fruit into a 9 x 13 pan or into small plastic beverage cups.
- Cover the pan or each cup wih plastic wrap and freeze.
- To serve, thaw the fruit for 5-15 minutes. If frozen in a pan, cut the fruit into squares. If frozen in cups, simply place on the table by each place setting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love having these frozen fruit cups on hand because they taste especially good when the weather is warm and you’re craving something cold and refreshing.
They’re also a great little sidekick to a protein-based breakfast like bacon and eggs, adding just the right touch of sweetness.
They come in handy after the holidays, too…when the cookie tins are empty, but the sweet tooth hasn’t gotten the memo!
And while there is a bit of white sugar involved, I still count these among my favorite healthy recipes. Because sometimes healthier is about balance…and this feels like a much better choice than reaching for a candy bar!
A Sweet Little Freezer Treat
These frozen fruit cups are one of those simple things that quietly become a favorite. I love knowing there’s something sweet waiting in the freezer that feels special without being fussy.
Whether you make a pan to share or stash a few cups just for yourself, this is the kind of easy treat you’ll be happy to have on hand!
And a friendly warning: don’t be like me, thinking “ready to eat” meant “straight from the freezer.”
Cheers!
hi! I’m missy. so nice to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness!”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends for a delicious meal.
Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers! –
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In The Kitchen
