Baked Fruit
A sweet, fruity baked dish combining cherry, pineapple, apricots, prunes, and mandarin oranges. The flavors meld beautifully as it bakes, creating a comforting dessert or side that appeals to fruit lovers and those seeking a quick, wholesome treat. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the cherry pie filling, drained pineapple chunks, dried apricots, and dried prunes in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixed fruit into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the mandarin orange segments on top of the fruit mixture, being careful not to break the segments.
- Pour the mandarin orange liquid over all the fruit.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a bit of crunch, topping with crushed nuts or granola before baking can add texture. Alternatively, you can substitute fresh fruits like sliced apples or pears for the canned options if you want to make this a fresh fruit dish.
Serving Suggestions
This baked fruit dish is delightful on its own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with the delicious flavors of Wonderful Banana Pudding for a complete dessert spread. Consider serving alongside a light salad or yogurt for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Fruit contains roughly 248 calories, with 2g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruits like cherries, pineapple, and oranges. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as fresh fruits may require less time to cook through compared to canned fruits. This will give you a fresher taste and texture.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses fruit and does not include any animal products. Just ensure that any additional toppings or sauces you add are also vegan. You could even serve it with a vegan ice cream or whipped topping.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add the mandarin oranges and their liquid right before baking to maintain their integrity and flavor.
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).