Hot Fruit Ambrosia
A warm, fruity dessert featuring peaches, pineapple, and cherries in a sweet coconut topping, perfect for brunch or topped with ice cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Melt margarine in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish in the oven.
- Remove from oven and stir in flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add drained sliced peaches, pineapple chunks, and sweet cherries.
- Toss lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle coconut on top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve as is for brunch or topped with ice cream for dessert.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting butter for the margarine. You can also experiment with different fruits like pears or apples if you prefer. If you want to make this dish vegan, use plant-based margarine and ensure your coconut is unsweetened. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary, and adjust as necessary for golden coconut.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Fruit Ambrosia is perfect for brunch or as a warm dessert. Serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or can complement heartier dishes like Crock-Pot Barbecued Ribs, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick treat, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the coconut topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Fruit Ambrosia contains roughly 395 calories, with 3g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1242mg per serving (54% 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! If using fresh fruit, make sure to peel and slice the peaches and use ripe pineapple and cherries. You'll need to adjust the baking time slightly, as fresh fruit may release more juices during cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture and store it in the refrigerator for a day before baking. Just melt the margarine and mix in the flour and sugar right before baking for the best results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will allow you to enjoy the dish without gluten while maintaining the same delicious flavor and texture.
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).