Iced Cherry Soup
Iced Cherry Soup is a refreshing, tangy dessert with vibrant cherry flavor enhanced by lemon and anise, perfect for summer gatherings or as a cool treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries; save the juice.
- Add water to cherry juice to make 5 cups.
- Over medium heat, combine cherries, liquid, sugar, lemon juice, and crushed anise seed and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Using a blender, blend the mixture until smooth, blending half at a time.
- Return the blended mixture to the heat and bring to a boil again.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure that you blend the mixture in batches to avoid overflow. If you prefer a sweeter soup, adjust the sugar to taste. You can substitute fresh cherries when in season, or use frozen cherries if canned is unavailable. For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of almond extract for depth of flavor, which complements the anise seed well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing soup chilled, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with light salads or as a starter for a summer meal. You can also serve it alongside desserts like the Cookie Raisin Clusters(No-Bake Cookie) for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Iced Cherry Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. If you prefer it chilled, serve it straight from the fridge or add ice cubes to each bowl.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Iced Cherry Soup contains roughly 137 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tart cherries instead of canned. Just ensure to pit them and adjust the sugar based on their natural sweetness. You may need to add some water to achieve the same volume of liquid.
How do I make this soup less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of sugar added to the recipe. You can also balance the flavors by increasing the lemon juice slightly, which will add acidity and enhance the tartness.
Can I freeze Iced Cherry Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Iced Cherry Soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and stir well to restore consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).