When you’re craving something sweet but don’t have a lot of time to spare, canned mixed fruit is your secret ingredient for creating delicious, quick, and effortless desserts. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a weeknight treat, or looking for a way to use up pantry staples, canned mixed fruit can help you whip up mouthwatering desserts in no time. In this post, we’ll share some of the easiest and quickest dessert ideas that use canned mixed fruit as the star ingredient. Get ready for some sweet inspiration!
1. Mixed Fruit Parfait
Ingredients:
- 1 can of mixed fruit (drained)
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt (or Greek yogurt for extra protein)
- 1/4 cup granola
- Fresh mint or berries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a glass or bowl, start by adding a spoonful of vanilla yogurt at the bottom.
- Layer a few spoonfuls of canned mixed fruit on top of the yogurt.
- Sprinkle granola over the fruit.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
- Top with fresh mint leaves or fresh berries for an extra touch of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Why it’s quick and easy: A parfait is a no-bake dessert that you can assemble in minutes. You can customize it by using different yogurts or toppings based on what you have on hand. It’s a healthy and satisfying treat that requires little effort.
2. Canned Fruit Sorbet
Ingredients:
- 1 can of mixed fruit (drained)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the drained mixed fruit into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth. If you prefer a sweeter sorbet, add a bit of honey or maple syrup.
- Transfer the blended fruit to a shallow dish and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
- Once frozen, scoop the sorbet into bowls and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Why it’s quick and easy: This fruit sorbet is super simple to make with canned mixed fruit and no fancy equipment required. You can prepare it in advance and have a refreshing treat ready to go anytime.
3. Mixed Fruit Crumble
Ingredients:
- 1 can of mixed fruit (drained)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the drained mixed fruit into an oven-safe dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Why it’s quick and easy: A fruit crumble is one of the easiest baked desserts to make, and it’s done in less than 30 minutes. The warm fruit and crunchy oat topping are a perfect pairing, and it’s a great way to use canned mixed fruit.
4. Canned Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 can of mixed fruit (drained)
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Drain the mixed fruit and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping.
- If desired, add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for a little extra texture and flavor.
- Serve chilled in individual bowls or as a large salad to share.
Why it’s quick and easy: This no-bake fruit salad comes together in just a few minutes, and it’s a great dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight indulgences. It’s refreshing, creamy, and light.
5. Mixed Fruit Jello Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 can of mixed fruit (drained)
- 1 package of flavored gelatin (your choice of flavor, such as orange or strawberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the gelatin according to the package directions, typically dissolving the gelatin in boiling water, then adding cold water.
- Pour the gelatin mixture into individual cups or bowls.
- Add a spoonful of canned mixed fruit into each cup before the gelatin sets.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until the gelatin is firm.
- Top with whipped cream before serving, if desired.
Why it’s quick and easy: Gelatin desserts are incredibly simple to make, and the addition of canned mixed fruit gives them a delicious burst of flavor and texture. These colorful cups are perfect for parties, or as a fun treat for kids.
Canned mixed fruit is an incredibly versatile ingredient when it comes to creating easy and quick desserts. Whether you’re making a no-bake parfait, a warm crumble, or a fruity sorbet, these recipes are designed to save you time while still delivering delicious results. Stock up on canned mixed fruit and have a range of dessert options on hand for those moments when you need something sweet in a hurry.
