Freeze It And Forget It Fruit Salad
A refreshing frozen fruit salad with creamy evaporated milk, sweetened with bananas, cherries, and pineapple. Perfect for hot days or special gatherings, it offers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in every bite. An easy and impressive dessert for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup syrup drained from fruit ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup drained diced pears ⓘ
- 3/4 cup drained pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 3 mashed medium ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 2/3 cup undiluted Carnation evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine syrup, egg, sugar, salt, flour, and vinegar in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Add drained diced pears, drained pineapple tidbits, mashed bananas, and chopped maraschino cherries to the cooled mixture.
- Chill the Carnation evaporated milk in the refrigerator tray until soft ice crystals form around the edges (about 10 to 15 minutes).
- Add lemon juice to the evaporated milk and whip very stiff (about 1 minute).
- Fold the whipped evaporated milk into the fruit mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into a 6-cup mold.
- Freeze until firm, about 5 to 6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. If you're looking for alternatives, you can substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries or even strawberries for a different flavor profile. Ensure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your fruits. For a tropical twist, try incorporating shredded coconut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful fruit salad as a refreshing dessert after a meal, paired with grilled meats or as a side dish for summer picnics. It also makes a lovely addition to brunch spreads alongside dishes like U. P. Skinny Dip. Garnish with mint leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. To enjoy later, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Avoid microwaving directly, as it may alter the texture. This fruit salad is best enjoyed within a couple of weeks, maintaining its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Freeze It And Forget It Fruit Salad contains roughly 403 calories, with 6g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1082mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
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?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can be used, but ensure they are ripe for the best flavor. Just remember to adjust the syrup and sugar content accordingly, as fresh fruit may have different sweetness levels compared to canned varieties.
How long can I keep this fruit salad in the freezer?
This fruit salad can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. After that, the texture may begin to degrade, although it will still be safe to eat. For best flavor and quality, enjoy it within that time frame.
What if I want to make this recipe vegan?
To make this fruit salad vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use a plant-based milk like coconut or almond instead of evaporated milk, and ensure all other ingredients are free from animal products, such as using vegan sugar.
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).