Ambrosia Delight

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, fruity dessert with coconut, marshmallows, and fruit chunks, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, offering a sweet, tropical flavor blend.

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Ingredients

  • 1 small jar maraschino cherries
  • 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 can pineapple chunks with juice
  • 1 (12 oz.) bag coconut
  • 1 (12 oz.) pkg. mini marshmallows
  • 1 (8 oz.) sour cream

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except Cool Whip and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Next day, serve the mixture adding Cool Whip on top.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also use fresh fruit instead of canned if it's in season. Make sure to drain the fruit well to prevent excess liquid in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ambrosia Delight chilled, garnished with extra maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of coconut on top. It pairs beautifully with Butter Cashew Brittle for a delightful dessert spread or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh fruit salad at a summer gathering. This dish is perfect for potlucks and holiday celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Ambrosia Delight can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep leftovers, it's best to store the Cool Whip separately and add it just before serving to maintain its texture. Avoid freezing, as the fruit may become mushy upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ambrosia Delight contains roughly 984 calories, with 12g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

984 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.5g 23% DV
Total Fat 32.2g 41% DV
Carbs 169.5g 62% DV
Fiber 16.2g 58% DV
Sugar 93.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 594.9mg 26% DV
Potassium 687.2mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 2.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 556.5mcg 62% DV
Vitamin C 43.8mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 3.6mcg 18% DV
Calcium 444.1mg 34% DV
Iron 18mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 different fruits in Ambrosia Delight?

Absolutely! You can customize the fruit based on your preferences or what's in season. Berries, diced apples, or grapes can be great additions, giving the dish a fresh twist. Just remember to keep the overall balance of flavors and textures in mind.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the Ambrosia overnight?

Refrigerating the Ambrosia overnight allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. If you're short on time, a few hours in the fridge can still work, but an overnight chill is recommended for the best results.

Can I make Ambrosia Delight in advance?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day before your event, and store it in the refrigerator without the Cool Whip. Just add the Cool Whip right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.

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).

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