Mexican Fruit Cups

Mexican fruit cups are a refreshing, colorful blend of tropical fruits seasoned with tangy lime, Chamoy sauce, and spicy Tajin. These fruit cups are one popular street food in Mexico and make the perfect healthy snack or dessert in the summertime or for a party.

The temperature has been above 100 degrees F in Texas. When the weather is hot, I love to snack on something refreshing and delicious.

These Mexican fruit cups with lime, Chamoy sauce, and Tajin are perfect for it!!

They are healthy and have different flavors and textures. A must for summer!

Why you’ll love these fresh fruit cups

• Quick & easy: The preparation time is just 10 minutes.
• Nutritious: This recipe is rich in vitamins and fiber from the variety of fruits used.
• Versatile: You can easily switch out the fruits or adjust the quantities to your liking.
• Authentic: This recipe captures the traditional flavors of real Mexican fruit cups.

What are Mexican fruit cups (vasos de fruta)?

Mexican fruit cups, known as vasos de fruta, originated as a popular street food in Mexico, but it is also enjoyed worldwide. You can often find them in markets and food stalls across the country, showcasing the region's local fruit harvests.

What makes them unique is the use of toppings like lime juice, Chamoy, and Tajin (a type of chile-lime seasoning). Deliciously sweet, juicy, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors all merge together in every bite!

Mexican fruit cup recipe

This dish features a mixture of tropical fruits, like pineapples and watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces and served in a portable cup. The fruits are drizzled with lime juice and sprinkled with Tajin or chili powder, creating a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Chamoy, a savory sauce, adds a unique complexity that's distinctly Mexican. The colors of the fruits, combined with the red tones of the Tajin and Chamoy, make this recipe feel like summer in a cup.

Serve your fruit chilled for an extra refreshing treat on a hot day!

Ingredients and substitutions

For the Fruit Cups:

• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and cut into spears - You can use jicama for a similar crunchy texture.
• 1 large mango, peeled and cut into spears - Papaya also makes a good substitute.
• 2 navel oranges, peeled and cubed - Other citrus fruits like grapefruit can work.
• 2 cups small pineapple, peeled and cut into cubes - Or, try other tropical fruits like kiwi.
• 2 cups watermelon, peeled and cut into cubes - Cantaloupe or honeydew will also work.

Condiments:

• 3 limes (2 for serving and 1 for garnishing) - You can use lemons in a pinch.
• Chamoy, as needed - If you can’t find Chamoy, use a mixture of apricot jelly, lime juice, and chili powder as a replacement.
• Tajin or chili powder, as needed - You can use any of these Tajin seasoning substitutes, but Tajin offers a classic tangy-spicy flavor.

How to make Mexican fruit cups

1. Peel and cut all the fresh produce.

2. Arrange the fruits into the cups, alternating one piece of each type.

3. Squeeze the juice of ½ lime over the fruits (one-half of lime per fruit cup).

4. Add a splash of Chamoy over the fruit and then sprinkle Tajín on top.

Garnish each cup with a quarter of a lime and serve.

NOTE: You can add as much Chamoy or Tajín as you want. Add a few drops first and then adjust the amount to your liking.

Useful tips for making a Mexican fruit cup with Chamoy and Tajin

• Choose ripe but firm tropical fruits that can hold their shape when cut.
• Use a blend of sweet and tangy fruits plus veggies such as jicama or cucumber with a mild flavor and crunchy texture.   
• Start with a light sprinkle of Tajin and a small amount of Chamoy and then adjust them both according to your spice tolerance.
• Chill the fruits before serving for a more refreshing taste.
• Serve your Mexican fruit cup with Chamoy and Tajin right away after preparation to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• If you're hosting a party, consider setting up a fruit cup bar where guests can customize their own cups.
• Experiment with other types of fruits based on your preference or seasonal availability.

What to serve with Mexican fresh fruit cups

To enhance the flavors of these Mexican fresh fruit cups, you can experiment with some of the most popular options like these:

• A sprinkle of sea salt
• Extra lime or lemon
• A dollop of yogurt or whipped cream
• A drizzle of honey or agave nectar
• A sprinkle of granola or nuts
• Extra Chamoy or Tajin for those who prefer a stronger flavor

Fruit cup variations

• Cream: Add a drizzle of condensed milk for a creamy touch.
• Other fruits: For a different flavor and texture, use options like kiwi, papaya, dragon fruit (pitaya), jicama, and prickly pear fruit.
• Spicy: Try using hot sauce, like Valentina, instead of or in addition to Tajin.
• Dessert: For a dessert-like version, add some tamarind candy, a scoop of sorbet, or some frozen yogurt on top.

Mexican fruit bowl vs Mexican fruit cups

Mexican fruit cups (vasos de fruta) and Mexican fruit bowls (bionicos) are both popular Mexican fruit-based snacks, but they differ in a few ways. Vasos de fruta, or Mexican fruit cups, typically contain a mix of fresh fruits like cucumber, mango, and watermelon, doused in a tangy-sweet Chamoy sauce, and sprinkled with Tajin or chili powder.

On the other hand, Bionicos, often referred to as Mexican fruit salad bowls, consist of chopped fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries, topped with a sweet, creamy sauce made of condensed milk, Mexican crema, and sugar. They’re often garnished with granola, shredded coconut, and raisins.

Mexican fruit seasoning

Mexican fruit seasoning consists of a blend of chili powder, salt, and dehydrated lime juice that packs a tangy, spicy, and salty flavor.

You can pair it with fresh fruits, frozen drinks (like mangonadas), candies, micheladas, and other Mexican recipes.

The most popular brand of this seasoning is Tajin, but many other brands have similar mixtures.

FAQ'S

What Mexican fruits are used to make fruit cups?

Traditionally, Mexican fruit cups contain a blend of fresh produce that is locally available, such as mango, jicama, pineapple, watermelon, and cucumber. However, you can use any type of fruit that you prefer.

What is fruit with chamoy called?

Fruit with Chamoy is often referred to as "fruta con Chamoy". It's a popular treat in Mexico, where fresh fruit is drizzled with Chamoy sauce.

Are fruit cups healthy?

Yes, fruit cups are healthy since they contain vitamins and fiber from the fruit. However, like any food, you should eat them in moderation as the Chamoy increases the added sugar content and Tajin can add some sodium.

What is the Mexican spice for fruit?

The most common Mexican spice used for fruit is Tajin, a seasoning made from chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and sea salt. It's tangy, slightly spicy, and adds a flavorful kick.

Is Tajin and Chamoy the same?

No, Tajin is a dry seasoning containing chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and salt, while Chamoy is a liquid condiment that has dried fruit such as apricot, mango, or plums (or a combination of them), chili powder, salt, sugar, and lime juice. They have distinct flavors but both add a tangy and spicy touch to dishes.

Is Tajin sauce like chamoy?

While both Tajin and Chamoy are popular in Mexican cuisine, they are not the same. Tajin is a dry seasoning, while Chamoy is a sweet and sour sauce. However, one thing to note is that Tajin is actually a brand name that also sells Chamoy. Their most popular powder has become synonymous with their brand name, Tajin.

What are Mexican fruit cups called?

In Mexico, these fruit cups are known as "vasos de fruta".

Does Tajin need to be refrigerated?

No, you don't need to chill Tajin in the fridge. However, it should be stored in a cool, dry place.

What is chamoy made of?

Chamoy is made from dried fruit (like apricot, mango, or plums), chili powder, salt, sugar, and lime juice. It has a unique sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavor. 

how to store

For any leftover Mexican fresh fruit cups, here’s what to do:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The fruit may soften slightly over time, so it’s best to eat it sooner rather than later.
• Freezer: I don't recommend freezing and thawing them since the fruit's texture will become mushy when thawed. However, you can use the fruit as part of a smoothie or smoothie bowl.
• Prep ahead: You can cut the fruit for your Mexican fruit bowl in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the fruit cups just before serving to prevent the fruits from getting mushy.

Other quick fruit recipes to enjoy

• Tropical fruit salad recipe
• Cream cheese fruit dip recipe
• Passion fruit mousse recipe
• Avocado mousse
• Acai bowl recipe
• Papaya bowl
• Fruit cocktail drink
• Cranberry cocktail recipe
• Brazilian lemonade recipe
• Caipirinha cocktail recipe
• Fried bananas
• Mango smoothie bowl
• Banana coffee smoothie recipe
• Anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe
• Juice cleanse recipes

PIN & ENJOY!