Hot Christmas Fruit
A warm, fruity dessert featuring canned pineapple, peaches, pears, and cherry pie filling, baked with applesauce and cinnamon for a comforting holiday treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
- Add the applesauce and brown sugar to the melted margarine and cook until bubbly.
- Drain all the canned fruits and place them in a medium casserole dish.
- Pour the hot applesauce mixture over the drained fruit.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the applesauce mixture. If you're looking for healthier substitutions, use coconut oil instead of margarine and reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup. You can also mix in fresh fruits like sliced bananas or berries for added freshness and texture. This dish can be a delightful side alongside American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot Christmas fruit as a warm dessert or a festive side dish. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted meats or a refreshing salad like Delicious Spinach Salad Dressing to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use the microwave in short intervals or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it just as tasty on the second day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Christmas Fruit contains roughly 1454 calories, with 1g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 844mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
* % 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 absolutely use fresh fruit! Just make sure to peel and chop them into similar-sized pieces. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly, as fresh fruit may take longer to soften compared to canned.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute margarine with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and ensure your canned fruits are packed in juice rather than syrup. This way, the dish remains delicious while adhering to vegan recipes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit and applesauce mixture a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine them and bake as instructed. This can save time during holiday gatherings!
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).