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50 Recipes to Make With Canned Fruit

We've found the perfect way to get seasonal fruit, like pears and peaches, or more exotic options, like pineapples and mandarin oranges, into your meals at any time of year. Just head to your pantry, grab a can of fruit and try one of these recipes.

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Ambrosia Salad

Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina

Go to Recipe

Take a look at these healthy canned fruit recipes, too.

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Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that's just right for cooks who don't have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat a whole mini cheesecake yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan
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Citrus Cornmeal Cake

Cornmeal adds a rustic quality to this delicate dessert flavored with citrus and almond. It’s sure to be a staple in your recipe collection and also makes a great holiday party hostess gift. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Orange Pistachio Quinoa Salad Exps Tohca20 155368 B07 25 3b 3

Orange-Pistachio Quinoa Salad

Add this fresh and healthy quinoa recipe to your holiday spread. Its citrusy, nutty taste is simply delicious. —Jean Greenfield, San Anselmo, California
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Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake Exps Ft22 1744 F 0512 1 6

Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake

This upside-down pineapple Bundt cake, which is a variation on the classic confection, couldn’t be easier because it starts with a cake mix. —Pat Remour, East Moline, Illinois
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Million Dollar Cake

Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you’re short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Fennel Salad With Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette Exps Tohca23 70350 Dr 08 18 1b

Fennel Salad with Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette

A sweet balsamic vinaigrette always pulls everything together in a delicious harmony of flavors. Raspberries are one of my very favorite fruits, so I’m always eager to find a new use for them. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
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Homemade Cherry Crisp

Our family loves this pretty, tasty dessert. It uses convenient pie filling, so you can make it in no time—and it takes mere minutes to heat in the microwave. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
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Peach Sugar Cookie Crumble

This sugar cookie crumble is like peach crisp with a sugar cookie topping. Since it uses canned peaches, you don’t have to save this recipe just for peach season. It’s delicious with ice cream. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Grandmother S Orange Salad Exps Sddj19 335 C07 24 1b 2

Grandmother's Orange Salad

This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
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Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas Exps Sdfm18 206988 C10 05 2b 20

Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas

For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Delightful Fruit Salad Exps Ft22 40253 F 0301 1 16

Frog Eye Salad

This frog eye salad recipe gets its name from the tiny acini di pepe pasta that looks like frog eyes when folded in with fruit and a creamy dressing. As much or as little Cool Whip can be added to taste, and if I have some mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries, I add a few to the top. My friends say this side dish is good enough to be a dessert! —Elaine Bailey, Bloomfield, Indiana
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Pineapple Pretzel Fluff

I often bring this salad to potlucks, and everyone goes crazy for the sweet and crunchy combination. Be sure to add the pretzel mixture right before serving to keep it crispy. —Beth Olby, Ashland, Wisconsin
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Cranberry Bog Bars Exps Sdon18 28176 B06 12 2b 14

Cranberry Bog Bars

Sweet and chewy, these fun bars combine the flavors of oats, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans. I like to sprinkle the squares with confectioners’ sugar before serving. —Sally Wakefield, Gans, Pennsylvania
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Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake Exps Tohcom19 204281 B10 04 5b 8

Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

This dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas
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Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad Exps Hcka18 53392 C10 20 2b 3

Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad

I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
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Peach Bavarian Exps Gbdbz20 523 B01 08 6b 21

Peach Bavarian

Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
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Cherry-Peach Dumplings

Cherry-Peach Dumplings

You can make this fruity dessert on your stovetop, but to really impress your guests, simmer it in an electric skillet right at the dinner table. There’s no more convenient way to enjoy the fruits of the season. —Patricia Frerk, Syracuse, New York
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Banana Split Supreme

Transform the classic flavor of a banana split into a whole new recipe! This is a cool, creamy treat with no last-minute fuss since you just pull it from the freezer. It always gets praise from our big family. —Marye Franzen, Gothenburg, Nebraska
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Cranberry Crumble Coffee Cake Exps Sdon18 1422 B06 12 3b 4

Cranberry Crumble Coffee Cake

People are delighted to find the ruby cranberry sauce swirled inside this tempting coffee cake. With the crumble topping, moist cake and tangy filling, it won't last long! —Jeani Robinson, Weirton, West Virginia
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Creamy Pina Colada Pie Exps Ft22 148011 St 07 07 1

Creamy Pina Colada Pie

This is a family favorite and super easy to make. Some like the consistency of this pina colada pie right out of the freezer and others prefer a softer pie—either way it’s delicious! —Jenny Hales, Arcadia, Oklahoma
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Peachy Baby Back Ribs

It's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
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Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad

Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
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Hawaiian Sunset Cake Exps Bobbz22 19200 B10 06 4b

Hawaiian Sunset Cake

This three-layer sunset cake is pretty enough for company, but it’s so simple to make that you’ll find yourself baking it often. A boxed mix keeps it convenient while the fruity filling makes it a crowd-pleaser. —Kara De la Vega, Suisun City, California
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Teriyaki Meatballs Exps Ft21 13380 F 1119 1 15

Teriyaki Meatballs

This appetizer of teriyaki pineapple meatballs changed so many times due to my family’s suggestions that it eventually became a main course. I think the homemade sauce sets these meatballs apart. —Evette Nowicki, Oak Harbor, Washington
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Pear Tart Exps Hcka18 19924 D05 11 4b 16

Pear Tart

My sister-in-law brought this pretty pastry to dinner one night, and we all went back for seconds. It is truly scrumptious. —Kathryn Rogers, Suisun City, California
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Curried Chicken Salad With Pineapple And Grapes Exps Scmbz18 38164 D01 03 4b 1

Curried Chicken Salad with Pineapple and Grapes

A few quick additions—including a lovely dash of curry—and you’ve turned last night’s cooked chicken into a delightful salad that’s perfect for lunch. —Linda Bevill, Monticello, Arkansas
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Turkey-Cranberry Bagels

Use deli meat or take care of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a way your family loves. It's good with all sorts of cranberry sauces and chutneys, so have fun playing around. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake Exps Toham23 48510 Dr 11 16 1b

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
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Pear Bundt Cake

Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
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Frozen Cherry Salad Exps Cplbz19 11702 C11 02 6b 2

Frozen Cherry Salad

Pretty slices of this refreshing salad are dotted with colorful cherries for a festive look. The flavor is pleasant and not overly sweet like some frozen cherry recipes. Prepared in advance and frozen, it’s a treat that fits into many different menus. I serve it throughout the year.  —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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Big Kahuna Pizza Exps Botoh19 48814 B08 16 5b 3

Big Kahuna Pizza

A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Cranberry Peach Cobbler

This cobbler is a little nontraditional but it will soon be at the front of your recipe list. Serve it warm with French vanilla ice cream. —Grace Sandvigen, Rochester, New York
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Teriyaki Pork Tacos

Flour tortillas take an Asian-style twist when filled with flavorful teriyaki pork strips, mandarin oranges, lettuce and crispy french-fried onions. —Jodi Nobile, Scotia, New York
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Pineapple Cheesecake Exps Ft22 20304 F 0408 1

Pineapple Cheesecake

A co-worker shared the recipe for this easy elegant pineapple cheesecake years ago, and our family has enjoyed it many times since. —Phoebe Carre, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
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Cherry Bars Exps16458 Sd132779d06 11 3b Rms 27

Cherry Bars

Whip up a pan of these festive bars in just 20 minutes with staple ingredients and cherry pie filling. Between the easy preparation and the pretty colors, they're destined to become a holiday classic. —Jane Kamp, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Sweet And Sour Popcorn Chicken Exps Ft20 23870 F 0117 1 13

Sweet-and-Sour Popcorn Chicken

This sweet and sour chicken dish is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Pre-cooked, frozen popcorn chicken simmered in a thick, homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the secret to this fast and fabulous recipe. And what a great way to dress up frozen chicken nuggets! —Amy Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan
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Pistachio Mallow Salad

This fluffy pistachio salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
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Camembert Cranberry Pizzas Exps Thca17 108761 B05 17 1b 6

Camembert & Cranberry Pizza

Appetizer pizza takes several steps up in elegance with creamy Camembert cheese. The bright red color and tangy flavor of the cranberries make this a welcome addition to any holiday party. —Sue Sans, Buckeye, Arizona
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Frozen Waldorf Salad Exps Tohca21 4095 E03 17 5b 4

Frozen Waldorf Salad

While I was growing up on a farm in western Kansas, we always had lots of hungry men around during harvesttime. This salad is one we served often since it was easy to increase and we could prepare it ahead of time.
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Hawaiian Kielbasa Sandwiches Exps Scmbz18 41127 D01 03 3b 11

Hawaiian Kielbasa Sandwiches

If you are looking for a different way to use kielbasa, the sweet and mildly spicy flavor of these sandwiches is a nice change.—Judy Dames, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania
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Molded Strawberry Salad Exps Ndiyd19 7769 C03 21 5b

Molded Strawberry Salad

This refreshing salad has two layers – a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family.
-Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois
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Creamy Frozen Fruit Cups

I love to prepare these cool, fluffy fruit cups to give a refreshing boost to many meals. They've been well received at family gatherings and summer barbecues. There's no last-minute fuss since you make them well in advance. —Karen Hatcher, St. Amant, Louisiana
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Polynesian Meatballs Exps Srbz16 20942 B09 14 1b 7

Polynesian Meatballs

With pretty bits of pineapple, these meatballs are sure to attract attention—and the sweet-tart sauce brings people back for seconds. —Carol Wakley, North East, Pennsylvania
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Teriyaki Pineapple Drumsticks

We have a large family and throw big parties, so I look for ways to free my husband from the grill. Roasted drumsticks keep everyone happy. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
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Coconut Pineapple Upside Down Cake Exps Tohrc20 252032 E06 23 11b 3

Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake

This recipe is one of my favorites! The tropical flavors remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean—I have so many fun memories. —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto, Ontario
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Old Fashioned Fruit Compote Exps Gbhrbz 50195 B06 20 3b 2

Old-Fashioned Fruit Compote

A perfect partner for your Christmas goose, this warm and fruity side dish can simmer while you prepare the rest of your menu, or make it a day ahead and reheat before serving. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
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Banana Split Fluff Exps Cplbz19 12077 B11 02 6b 4

Banana Split Fluff

This pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
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Pina Colada Zucchini Bread Exps Ugfbmz17 42315 C04 28 5b 7

Pina Colada Zucchini Bread

At my husband’s urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show—and won first place! You’ll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania

Hazel Wheaton
Hazel is a writer and editor who has worked in the publishing industry for over 25 years in the fields of travel, jewelry arts and food. As the editor of the Taste of Home Christmas Annual (among other titles), she's in the holiday spirit all year round. An enthusiastic baker, she's known for her cookies, cakes and other baked goods. And she still wishes she could cook like her mother.