Frozen Fruit Cups are a classic American make-ahead dessert that became especially popular from the 1960s through the 1980s, when frozen juice concentrates and canned fruit were pantry staples. Combining bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and citrus concentrates with lemon-lime soda creates a light, refreshing frozen treat that's somewhere between fruit salad, sorbet, and a frozen punch. Prepared in individual cups, they're perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, summer picnics, bridal showers, and family reunions because they can be made well in advance and served as needed. The recipe is easy to customize with colorful mandarin oranges or different fruits, making it an economical and crowd-pleasing dessert that brings a refreshing finish to any meal.
Ingredients
- 6 bananas (sliced)
- 40 oz unsweetened crushed pineappl (undrained)
- 16 oz unsweetened frozen strawberries (partially thawed)
- 16 oz diet 7Up (or plain 7Up or ginger ale)
- 6 oz frozen lemonade concentrate
- 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
- 6 pkts Equal sweetener (or 12 tsp granulated sugar)
OPtional
- 1 to 2 cans mandarin oranges (drained)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
- Slice the bananas.
- Partially thaw the frozen strawberries.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the bananas, crushed pineapple with its juice, strawberries, lemonade concentrate, orange juice concentrate, soda, and Equal (or sugar).
- Mix until evenly blended.
Step 3: Portion
- Fill approximately 10-ounce plastic cups with the fruit mixture.
- For smaller servings, use foil cupcake liners.
Step 4: Freeze
- Freeze until completely firm, about 6–8 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Serve
- Microwave each serving on High for about 1 minute before serving to soften slightly.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Stir banana slices into the orange juice and lemonade concentrates before mixing with the remaining ingredients to help prevent browning.
Tips
- Add drained mandarin oranges for extra color and sweetness.
- Substitute ginger ale for the lemon-lime soda.
- Use fresh strawberries when in season.
- Add blueberries or raspberries for more variety.
- Freeze in popsicle molds for kid-friendly treats.
- Use regular sugar instead of Equal if preferred.
- Garnish with fresh mint before serving.
- Freeze overnight for the firmest texture.
- Serve in decorative dessert cups for parties.
- Make mini portions in cupcake liners for buffets.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.4mg