Hot Spiced Fruit
A warm, spiced fruit casserole combining sweet peaches, pears, oranges, and cranberries, infused with cinnamon and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 26 oz. can pear halves or pieces ⓘ
- 26 oz. can sliced peaches ⓘ
- 16 oz. can mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 12 oz. jar maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 16 oz. cans pineapple chunks in natural juice ⓘ
- 16 oz. can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 stick margarine ⓘ
- juice of 1 lemon ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Drain all fruit, except the cranberry sauce.
- Mix the drained fruit in the casserole dish.
- Let the fruit stand while preparing the spice mixture.
- Melt margarine in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground cloves to the melted margarine.
- Drain any excess liquid from the casserole mixture.
- Stir the cranberry sauce into the fruit mixture.
- Pour the brown sugar and spice mixture over the fruit.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Cool the dish and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavors, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg to the spice mixture. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar and a little molasses. Fresh fruits can also be used if you prefer a more natural option. Just ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Hot Spiced Fruit as a warm dessert or a sweet side dish during holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Baked Pork Chops for a festive dinner. You can also top it with whipped cream or serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat. For a refreshing drink, consider a Strawberry Kiwi Mock Margarita.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it versatile for snacks or breakfast.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Spiced Fruit contains roughly 1183 calories, with 8g protein, 227g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 480mg per serving (21% 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 frozen fruit instead of canned?
Yes, frozen fruit can be a great alternative! Just ensure to thaw and drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help maintain the right consistency and flavor in your Hot Spiced Fruit dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it an easy transition for those following vegan recipes.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
If you'd like a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar by half and balance it out with a bit more lemon juice for acidity. You can also add more cranberries to enhance the tartness, creating a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the other fruits.
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).