Chilled Fruit In Cream
A cool, creamy fruit dessert combining canned fruits in a sweetened milk mixture, perfect for hot days and easy to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) can fruit cocktail in light sugar ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chunky mixed fruit in extra light syrup ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans Bartlett pear halves in extra light syrup ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/4 oz.) can pineapple tidbits no sugar ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can Mandarin orange segments in light sugar ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can maraschino cherries
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1 (5 1/3 oz.) can evaporated milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all canned fruit in a bowl.
- Set aside.
- Mix both cans of milk with a hand mixer for 5 minutes.
- Pour milk into the fruit mixture and stir lightly with a spoon.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator.
- When iced, stir again and put back in the freezer to chill overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. If you're short on time, using pre-cut fresh fruit can save prep time. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon. This chilled fruit in cream pairs beautifully with Caramel Pecan Nuggets for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chilled fruit in cream as a refreshing dessert at summer gatherings or potlucks. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a side dish for brunch. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added visual appeal. It also complements well with American recipes like Peanut Blossoms With Hershey'S Kisses.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may release some juice, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. Do not freeze this dish, as the texture of the fruit will be affected. If needed, prepare smaller batches to avoid waste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Fruit In Cream contains roughly 595 calories, with 9g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 8g 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 fruit, but be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces. Fresh fruit may not have the same sweetness as canned, so consider adding a bit of honey or sugar to taste. Just keep in mind that fresh fruit won't have the same syrupy consistency as canned fruit.
How long should I chill the mixture?
Chill the mixture for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor. However, for optimal taste, chill it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a refreshing dessert that's perfect for warm weather.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be made up to two days in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead option for parties or family gatherings, allowing you to enjoy the event without extra stress.
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).