If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, there’s a good chance you remember running to the freezer for a Lilly Dilly — a bright, icy treat served in a little plastic or Styrofoam cup.
Sweet, fruity, and frozen solid, these colorful cups were a hit at school parties, church picnics, and neighborhood gatherings.
Now, you can recreate that childhood joy right in your own kitchen with this Lilly Dilly Freeze Cups Recipe.
These easy frozen cups are made with Kool-Aid or juice, a touch of sugar, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Make them in bulk, freeze overnight, and hand them out to the kids — or enjoy one yourself for a cool throwback moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These freeze cups are bright, icy, and bursting with fruity flavor. They’re super easy to make with just a few ingredients and no fancy equipment — just stir, pour, freeze, and enjoy.
They’re also totally customizable — use your favorite drink flavors, add real fruit, or layer different colors for that signature rainbow Lilly Dilly look.
Best of all, kids love them, and parents love how budget-friendly and mess-free they are.
What You’ll Need
- 2 packets Kool-Aid (or any powdered drink mix), assorted flavors
- 2 cups granulated sugar (1 cup per flavor)
- 8 cups cold water (4 cups per flavor)
- Optional: sliced fruit (strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, etc.)
- 10–12 5 oz plastic cups or small Styrofoam cups
- Foil or plastic wrap for covering
- Wooden sticks or spoons (optional, for popsicle-style)
Pro Tips
- Use clear cups to show off the fun colors and fruit layers.
- Stir well before pouring to ensure sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add fruit slices after pouring for a pretty (and tasty) upgrade.
- Layer flavors by freezing one color first, then adding another.
- Label the lids with marker or stickers so kids can choose their favorite flavor easily.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or large pitcher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic 5 oz cups or similar
- Spoons or sticks (optional)
- Aluminum foil or plastic wrap
- Freezer-safe tray for storing upright
Substitutions & Variations
- Juice instead of Kool-Aid: Use 100% fruit juice like apple, orange, or grape.
- Naturally sweetened: Swap sugar for honey, agave, or stevia (adjust to taste).
- Add yogurt: For a creamy popsicle version, mix in vanilla yogurt.
- Tropical twist: Use coconut water and pineapple juice with mango chunks.
- Adult version: Add a splash of vodka or rum and label clearly!
Make Ahead Tips
These freeze cups are perfect for prepping in bulk — make them up to 2 weeks in advance and keep them in the freezer.
Just pop the lids off and enjoy straight from the freezer. Let sit for 5–10 minutes if they’re too solid to scoop right away.
Instructions
1. Mix the Kool-Aid
In a large bowl or pitcher, combine 1 packet of Kool-Aid with 1 cup sugar and 4 cups cold water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add Fruit (Optional)
If using fresh fruit, place a few slices of strawberries, kiwi, or pineapple in the bottom of each cup. This adds flavor and a fun visual touch.
3. Pour Into Cups
Pour the Kool-Aid mixture evenly into 5–6 cups, filling about ¾ of the way full to allow for expansion during freezing.
4. Cover and Freeze
Cover each cup with foil or plastic wrap. Optional: insert a wooden spoon or popsicle stick in the center. Place cups upright on a tray and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Repeat with More Flavors
Repeat steps 1–4 with a second Kool-Aid flavor to make a variety. If layering colors, freeze one layer completely before pouring the next flavor on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
To eat, peel off the foil and either scoop with a spoon or enjoy like a popsicle. Refreshing, fruity, and fun for all ages!
Leftovers & Storage
Store Lilly Dilly freeze cups in the freezer for up to 2–3 weeks. Keep them covered to prevent freezer burn and label flavors if making multiple batches.
They can be served straight from the freezer — just let sit for a minute or two if too icy.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use sugar-free Kool-Aid?
Yes! Just adjust the sweetener to taste since sugar-free packets require added sweetness.
2. How long do they take to freeze solid?
Plan for at least 6 hours, but overnight freezing gives the best texture.
3. Can I use ice cube trays instead of cups?
Yes — they’ll be smaller, but perfect for tiny hands or quick bites.
4. Can I layer multiple flavors?
Definitely! Just freeze one layer first, then pour the second and freeze again.
The Final Freeze
These Lilly Dilly Freeze Cups are more than just frozen treats — they’re a cool, colorful blast from the past. Whether you’re making them for a summer party, a nostalgic dessert, or just a fun project with the kids, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles.
Mix your favorite flavors, pop them in the freezer, and enjoy the sweet chill of simpler times. Let me know in the comments — what was your go-to flavor growing up?