Layered Ambrosia
Layered Ambrosia is a vibrant and refreshing fruit salad that combines the sweetness of bananas, strawberries, and pineapple with the zesty brightness of orange and a hint of liqueur. Perfect for gatherings or a light dessert, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. orange sections ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. fresh strawberries, halved ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. fresh pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Grand Marnier or orange-flavored liqueur
- 1/2 c. flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped pecans, toasted ⓘ
- 1/2 c. whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine banana and lemon juice in a small bowl; toss gently to coat.
- Layer orange sections, bananas, strawberries, and pineapple in a 1 1/2-quart serving bowl; cover and chill.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream. If you don't have Grand Marnier, any orange-flavored liqueur or even orange juice can work as a substitute. For a twist, try incorporating other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. If you're looking for a nut-free option, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Layered Ambrosia chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Bundt Cake or can be enjoyed alongside a light salad for a balanced meal. This dish makes an excellent addition to potlucks or summer gatherings, providing a colorful and nutritious option that complements many American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Layered Ambrosia is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, ensure that the bananas are well-coated in lemon juice before layering. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fruits may change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Ambrosia contains roughly 658 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 10g 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 canned fruit instead of fresh?
While fresh fruit is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned fruit if needed. Just be sure to drain it well to prevent excess liquid from making the dish soggy. Keep in mind that canned fruit may have added sugars, which could alter the overall sweetness.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute in the sour cream mixture. Additionally, swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt can increase protein content while maintaining a creamy texture. You can also use less coconut and nuts to lower the calorie count.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit layers and the cream mixture ahead of time, but it's best to assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness. If you plan to chill it, layer it in a way that minimizes contact between bananas and other fruits to reduce browning.
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).