Are you looking for new and creative ways to use canned fruit? Look no further! Canned fruits such as peaches, pears, apples, and mandarins are staples in many kitchens, but they can be more than just a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. With a little creativity, you can turn them into delicious desserts, savory dishes, and even snacks. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility of canned fruit.
From classic cobblers and pies to innovative smoothies and energy bites, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal or snack. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick and easy meals, a health-conscious individual seeking nutritious options, or simply a foodie eager to try new flavors, this collection has something for everyone.
Peach Cobbler with Canned Peaches
A classic dessert that’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this Peach Cobbler with Canned Peaches is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sliced peaches (14.5 oz)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the canned peaches, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Mix well.
3. Roll out the pie crust to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Pour the peach mixture into the pie crust-lined dish.
5. Dot the top with melted butter.
6. Fold the edges of the pie crust up over the filling to create a crusty border.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, this pineapple upside-down cake is a sweet and tangy treat that’s sure to impress. With caramelized pineapples and cherries on top, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
– 1 cup (115g) pineapple rings
– 1/2 cup (60g) maraschino cherries, halved
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and flour.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and pineapple juice; mix until smooth.
4. Arrange pineapple rings and cherries in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour batter over fruit; smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cherry Pie Filling Bars
These bars combine the classic flavors of cherry pie with a gooey, buttery crust. Perfect for potlucks or dessert tables, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 cup cherry pie filling
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until mixture is evenly moistened.
3. Press crumb mixture into prepared baking dish.
4. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over crust.
5. Top with chocolate chips.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is lightly golden and filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fruit Salad with Canned Mandarin Oranges
This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. A delicious and healthy snack or dessert that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 can mandarin oranges (drained)
– 1 cup mixed fruit (grapes, pineapple chunks, strawberries, banana slices)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed fruit and drained mandarin oranges.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour the honey mixture over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep only)
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Canned Apples
Start your day off right with this comforting bowl of oatmeal, infused with the sweetness of apples and a hint of cinnamon. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup canned apples, drained and chopped
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in the chopped canned apples.
4. Serve warm, topped with additional cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pear and Walnut Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the sweetness of pears with the earthy richness of walnuts, perfect for a breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract; stir until just combined.
4. Fold in diced pears and chopped walnuts.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow muffins to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Apricot Glazed Chicken
Sweet and savory, this Apricot Glazed Chicken recipe is a perfect combination of flavors. It’s an easy and impressive dish that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mixed Fruit Smoothie
Start your day with a delicious and healthy mixed fruit smoothie that’s perfect for any time of the year! This recipe combines sweet and tangy fruits to create a refreshing drink that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond milk)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine frozen mixed berries, sliced banana, Greek yogurt, and milk.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey to taste and blend until well combined.
4. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend and serve.
Peach and Yogurt Parfait
A refreshing summer treat that combines the sweetness of peaches with the creaminess of yogurt, perfect for a light and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1 cup plain yogurt (low-fat or non-fat)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup granola or chopped nuts
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into a glass or parfait dish.
3. Top with half of the diced peaches.
4. Sprinkle with half of the granola or chopped nuts.
5. Repeat the layers (yogurt, peaches, granola) one more time, finishing with the top layer being the yogurt mixture.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This parfait is ready to be served immediately.
Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs: Sweet and Savory Combination
Elevate your appetizer game with this unique fusion of flavors, combining juicy meatballs with a tangy pineapple teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, parsley, and cheese. Mix well with hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve warm with Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce (recipe below).
Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes for meatballs, 5 minutes to prepare Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the natural sweetness of cherries with the richness of dark chocolate chips, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cherries
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add flour mixture, cherries, and chocolate chips to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Fruit-Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet twist on the classic breakfast treat! This recipe combines crispy French toast with a surprise burst of fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Fresh fruit of your choice (such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or peaches), sliced
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and sugar until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, arrange a few pieces of fresh fruit in the center of each toast slice.
6. Fold the toast in half to enclose the fruit.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Canned Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Get ready to add a burst of flavor to your snacking routine! This unique combination of canned fruit and spices is the perfect accompaniment to crunchy cinnamon chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15.25 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt to taste
– Cinnamon chips (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the canned mandarin oranges, sugar, orange marmalade, and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the cinnamon and ginger; mix until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled with cinnamon chips.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Peach BBQ Pulled Pork
Get ready to fall in love with this mouthwatering twist on traditional pulled pork! Tender, juicy pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy peach BBQ sauce that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup peach jam
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach jam, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil and season with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour the peach BBQ sauce over it.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Pineapple Coconut Rice Pudding
Elevate your rice pudding game with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and coconut! This creamy dessert is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, coconut milk, sugar, unsweetened shredded coconut, pineapple juice, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in melted butter.
5. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple and Cinnamon Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and comforting breakfast treat that combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon. These fluffy pancakes are perfect for a chilly morning or a cozy brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir in diced apple and cinnamon.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve warm with confectioners’ sugar dusting (if desired). Cooking time: approximately 10-12 minutes.
Pear and Gingerbread Trifle
A delightful combination of sweet pears and spicy gingerbread, layered with creamy whipped cream, makes for a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1 cup crumbled gingerbread (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
2. Layer the trifle by starting with a layer of whipped cream, followed by diced pears, crumbled gingerbread, and repeat the layers one more time.
3. Finish with a layer of whipped cream on top.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This trifle is best served fresh.
Apricot and Almond Energy Bites
These bite-sized energy balls are packed with nutritious ingredients, including apricots and almonds, making them a perfect snack for on-the-go. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats, chopped apricots, and sliced almonds.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter to the honey and stir until well combined.
4. Pour the honey-peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply chill and enjoy.
Summary
Discover 18 delicious recipes that use canned fruit as a main ingredient. From classic desserts like Peach Cobbler with Canned Peaches and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, to savory dishes like Apricot Glazed Chicken and Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, these recipes are easy to make and perfect for any time of day. You’ll also find sweet treats like Cherry Pie Filling Bars and Fruit Salad with Canned Mandarin Oranges, as well as healthier options like Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Canned Apples and Mixed Fruit Smoothie. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, there’s something for everyone in this collection of canned fruit recipes.
