These Cherry Coke Popsicles are the ultimate celebration of summer nostalgia in frosty form! With vibrant cherry and bold cola flavors layered together, you’ll have a freezer full of retro-inspired treats that are as fun to make as they are to devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Soda Shop Flavor: You’ll get that iconic, irresistible blend of cherry and cola that feels like being a kid again—only frosty and on a stick!
- Visually Gorgeous Layers: The bright red cherries and layered pops make stunning treats that absolutely pop at parties or in lunchboxes.
- Only Three Ingredients: All you need are maraschino cherries, their juice, and your favorite cola—prep couldn’t be easier, yet the results are dazzling.
- Freezer-Friendly & Make-Ahead: These Cherry Coke Popsicles keep beautifully, meaning you can enjoy a burst of cool sweetness any time the craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a few everyday ingredients come together to reinvent an old-school favorite. Each component plays its part—the cherries provide sweetness and a pop of color, while the cola brings bold fizz and classic soda shop taste.
- Cola (16–20 oz): The backbone of your popsicle! Pick a cola you love sipping on its own, since its flavor shines through.
- 1 jar maraschino cherries: You’ll use both the cherries and the sweet, vibrant juice—don’t toss that syrupy goodness!
- Popsicle molds & sticks: Not an ingredient per se, but a must to get that iconic popsicle shape (and enjoyment factor!).
Variations
One of the best things about Cherry Coke Popsicles is just how easy they are to customize! Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients or play with flavors to make these your own—your freezer, your rules!
- Diet Soda Swap: Use your favorite diet cola or sugar-free soda for a lighter, guilt-free treat with all the flavor.
- Boozy Grown-up Pops: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or spiced rum to the cherry layer for an adults-only, extra-festive vibe.
- Cherry-Vanilla Twist: Stir a dash of vanilla extract into the cola before pouring for that classic cherry-vanilla Coke flavor profile.
- Fresh Fruit Upgrade: Try subbing in a few fresh or frozen cherries for a burst of natural tartness and a more rustic look.
How to Make Cherry Coke Popsicles
Step 1: Prep the Cherries
Start by separating the maraschino cherries from their syrupy juice—you’ll need both, so hold onto the liquid! Carefully slice 18–24 cherries in half. Place about 3–6 cherry halves into each popsicle mold, letting them scatter for that beautiful, ruby red look in every pop.
Step 2: Pour and Freeze the Cherry Layer
Next, pour the maraschino cherry juice over the cherries in each mold. Fill each one about a third of the way up—this keeps the flavor balanced and helps anchor the cherries at the bottom. Cover the molds and pop them in the freezer for at least four hours, until the cherry layer is fully set.
Step 3: Add the Cola Layer & Insert Sticks
Once the cherry juice is frozen solid, it’s time for the magic touch! Top each mold with cola, stopping about 1/4-inch from the top so the popsicles can expand as they freeze. Insert your popsicle sticks right into the frozen cherry layer—the solid base helps them stand nice and straight.
Step 4: Freeze Overnight
Cover the molds and freeze everything overnight for truly frosty, deeply flavorful Cherry Coke Popsicles. The next day, gently run the molds under lukewarm (not hot) water for a few seconds if needed. This will loosen the pops for an easy, drama-free release—no wrestling necessary!
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Coke Popsicles
- Fizzy Factor: If you pour the cola too fast, it’ll fizz up and overflow—go slow and gentle for the prettiest pops.
- Cherry Placement: For picture-perfect popsicles, nudge a few cherry halves up against the sides of the molds before pouring—every bite will look stunning!
- Layering for Clean Lines: Make sure the cherry juice layer is fully frozen before adding the cola, or the layers will swirl together (delicious, but less dramatic visually).
- Easy Release: Use lukewarm (not hot!) water for just a few seconds—overdoing it will melt those popsicles you worked so hard for!
How to Serve Cherry Coke Popsicles
Garnishes
Want to upgrade the wow factor? Serve each Cherry Coke Popsicle with a whole maraschino cherry skewered on top or dip the tips in fizzy cola-flavored popping candy for a playful crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of melted chocolate across the frozen pops is pure decadence.
Side Dishes
These popsicles are sweet enough to shine solo, but they also make a perfect after-BBQ treat or a sunny afternoon snack. Pair with grilled fruit, a platter of salty snacks (hello, popcorn!), or alongside classic summer favorites like watermelon for the full effect.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, display your Cherry Coke Popsicles upright in a bowl of crushed ice—mix and match with other soda-flavored pops for a rainbow of options. Serve in mini glass bottles, root beer float-style, or bundle them in napkins tied with red-and-white twine for picnic flair. Kid parties and retro game nights, here you come!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cherry Coke Popsicles are fully set, you can leave them in the mold for several days, or transfer them to a freezer bag with parchment paper between each pop. These gems won’t last long, but they stay super fresh for up to two weeks—if you can resist!
Freezing
Freezing is truly where the magic happens, so don’t rush it! Let your pops sit undisturbed overnight for the firmest, frost-free results. If making a big batch, separate in layers with parchment to prevent sticking—your future self will thank you!
Reheating
These popsicles are all about chilling out, not heating up! If you find your Cherry Coke Popsicles frozen too solid, let them sit at room temperature for a minute or two before enjoying. There’s no actual reheating needed—just pure, icy delight.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of soda besides cola?
Absolutely! Try this recipe with root beer, cream soda, or even lemon-lime sodas for fun, new flavor combinations—the layering technique stays exactly the same.
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How do I prevent the popsicle sticks from leaning to the side?
Inserting the stick after the cherry layer is frozen helps it stand up straight—just push each stick into the frozen part before adding the cola. If your mold has a lid with built-in slots, that’s even easier!
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Is there a way to make Cherry Coke Popsicles less sweet?
Yes! You can use diet or zero-sugar colas, cut back a bit on the cherry syrup, or combine with a splash of unsweetened cherry juice or sparkling water so the flavor is bold but not too sugary.
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My popsicles won’t release from the molds—what should I do?
Just briefly dip the bottom of your mold in lukewarm water for a few seconds—the popsicles should slide right out. Avoid using hot water, which can cause melting and make them sticky!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll try making these Cherry Coke Popsicles soon—every bite is a sweet, fizzy trip down memory lane! Whether you’re cooling down on a hot afternoon or bringing them to a backyard bash, these pops are guaranteed to bring big smiles (and maybe a little brain freeze!). Enjoy every icy, cherry-studded moment!
Print
Cherry Coke Popsicles Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 day
- Total Time: 1 day
- Yield: 8 Popsicles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Coke Popsicles are a fun and refreshing treat that combines the classic flavors of cola and sweet maraschino cherries in a frozen dessert perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 16–20 oz cola
- 1 jar maraschino cherries (12–24 cherries)
Instructions
- Separate Cherries: Remove maraschino cherries from the juice, keeping both.
- Prepare Molds: Halve 18-24 cherries and place 3-6 halves in each Popsicle mold.
- Add Cherry Juice: Fill each mold 1/3 full with maraschino cherry juice. Freeze for 4 hours.
- Add Cola: Pour cola over frozen cherry portion, leaving space at the top. Insert sticks and freeze overnight.
- Serve: Gently remove Popsicles from molds by running under lukewarm water if needed.
Notes
- Be cautious when removing Popsicles from molds to avoid breaking them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Popsicle
- Calories: Approx. 80 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: Approx. 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
