Royal Fresh Fruit Dessert
A vibrant, fruity dessert topped with a tender biscuit-like crust, perfect for showcasing fresh seasonal fruits and appealing to those who love sweet, fruity treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cut-up fresh fruit in a 9x9 inch square pan or a 9-inch round layer pan.
- Sprinkle the fruit with a mixture of 2/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon.
- Dot the fruit with small pieces of butter.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup self-rising flour and 2 tablespoons sugar.
- Add shortening, milk, and egg to the sifted mixture and stir with a fork until thoroughly blended.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the prepared fruit.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm or cooled as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using a mix of berries or stone fruits like peaches and cherries. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Ensure the butter is cold for the best batter consistency, and don't overmix to keep it light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Muffins for a brunch spread. For a contrasting flavor, consider drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the top or serving it alongside a tart yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but the oven method retains the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Royal Fresh Fruit Dessert contains roughly 792 calories, with 12g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 469mg per serving (20% 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 fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy dessert. Adjust the sugar if your fruit is sweetened. Frozen berries or peaches work particularly well in this recipe.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the topping for doneness.
What fruits work best for this recipe?
Fruits like apples, pears, berries, and peaches are ideal for this dessert. You can mix different fruits for added flavor. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
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).