If you’re craving a blast of nostalgia with a fizzy, fruity twist, you’ll fall in love with Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops. These delightful icy treats blend juicy cherries, creamy vanilla ice cream, and classic cola for a portable version of your favorite soda float — but as a popsicle! With bold colors, irresistible flavor layers, and a fizzy kick, these are destined to become your go-to summer dessert for parties, picnics, or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cherry Puree:
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2–3 tbsp cherry syrup or grenadine (optional)
Assembly:
- 2 cups cola (regular or diet), chilled and slightly flattened
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
How to Make Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops
Step 1: Blend the Cherry Base
Start by adding your pitted cherries and cherry syrup (if you like things a little sweeter) to a blender. Blitz until you’ve got a lush, smooth puree. This forms the fruity anchor of your Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops and will deepen the color of each bite. Don’t worry if you see a few small cherry bits — they’ll add a lovely texture!
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Puree
Next, spoon about one tablespoon of the cherry puree into the bottom of each popsicle mold. This first layer will freeze into a vibrant pop of ruby red, making every pop a feast for the eyes (and tastebuds).
Step 3: Add the Creamy Float Layer
Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, nestle in a little softened vanilla ice cream right on top of your cherry layer. Gently press it down to remove any sneaky air pockets. This is the step that brings the “float” magic — imagine the creamy swirl you get when ice cream meets soda in a glass!
Step 4: Pour in the Cola
Now the fun part: slowly pour in your flat, chilled cola until each mold is nearly full, leaving just a tiny bit of space at the top to allow for freezing expansion. Pouring slowly is key to prevent bubbling and keep those pretty layers intact. Regular or diet — it’s totally up to you and your guests!
Step 5: Freeze Until Solid
Insert your popsicle sticks and pop the molds in the freezer. Patience pays off — let the Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops freeze for at least 6 hours (overnight is ideal) to ensure a firm, easy-to-release treat every time.
Step 6: Release and Enjoy
When it’s time to serve, dip the mold bottoms in warm water for a few seconds to help the pops wiggle free. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the fizzy, creamy, cherry-packed taste of summer!
How to Serve Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops
Garnishes
These pops are playful enough on their own, but a few little extras can make them even more eye-catching! Try rolling the exposed ice cream end in mini chocolate chips, drizzling a touch of cherry syrup over the top, or adding a fresh cherry to each stick before serving — guaranteed to bring a smile.
Side Dishes
The sweet, tangy nature of Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops pairs beautifully with simple picnic favorites: think savory snacks like popcorn, salted pretzels, or a cheese board for contrast. They also shine alongside a scoop of fresh fruit salad or a handful of lightly salted nuts for a cool, crunchy combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those stunning layers by serving the pops in a clear glass set over crushed ice, or display them upright in a bowl filled with cold maraschino cherries. For parties, arrange them on a tray lined with cola-flavored jelly beans or edible flower petals — the wow factor is off the charts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, stash the Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops right in their molds or wrap each one in a bit of parchment paper and place in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for several weeks and are ready to grab whenever a craving hits.
Freezing
For best results, always give your pops at least 6 hours to freeze completely before serving. If you plan to make a big batch in advance, just lay finished pops in a single layer on a baking tray to firm up, then transfer to a storage bag for easy access all summer long.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t needed here, but if the pops are too frosty to release from the mold, simply run warm (not hot!) water on the outside of the mold for a few moments and the Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops should slide right out.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of soda?
Absolutely! While cola is classic, feel free to experiment with root beer or lemon-lime soda for your own unique spin on Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops.
What if I don’t have a popsicle mold?
No worries! Small paper cups or sturdy ice cube trays work wonderfully — just cover with foil, make a small cut, and insert a popsicle stick before freezing.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the vanilla ice cream for a plant-based alternative and double-check your soda and cherry syrup are vegan-friendly for Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops everyone can enjoy.
Is it necessary to let the cola go flat before using?
Letting your cola flatten a bit helps reduce bubbles and ice crystals in the pops, making them creamier and easier to layer. Give your soda 30 minutes to sit open for the best texture.
How can I get really sharp, defined layers?
For those picture-perfect Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops, freeze each layer (cherry, ice cream, then cola) for 30–45 minutes before adding the next. It takes a little extra time, but the beautiful stripes are worth it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s fun to make, a joy to share, and pure summer on a stick, these Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops absolutely deliver. Give them a try and bring the magic of a soda shop float right into your freezer — you’ll be hooked after the first frosty, cherry-filled bite!
Print
Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 pops
- Category: Dessert, Frozen Treat
- Method: No-Cook, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of a classic soda fountain treat with these Frozen Cherry Cola Float Pops. Made with cola, cherries, vanilla ice cream, and a touch of cherry syrup, these popsicles are a refreshing and fun dessert for hot summer days.
Ingredients
ScaleCherry Puree:
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2–3 tbsp cherry syrup or grenadine (optional)
Assembly:
- 2 cups cola (regular or diet), chilled and slightly flattened
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Puree: In a blender, combine cherries and cherry syrup until smooth.
- Assemble Popsicles: Add a small scoop of softened vanilla ice cream to each mold, pressing down gently. Slowly pour in cola, leaving space for expansion.
- Freeze: Insert sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours or until solid.
- Serve: To release, run warm water over the molds and gently remove the pops.
Pour about 1 tablespoon of the cherry mixture into the bottom of each popsicle mold.
Notes
- For a layered look, freeze each component before adding the next.
- Flattened cola helps prevent excessive bubbling and icy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
