Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a classic American dessert that screams comfort and tradition? This Thanksgiving Homemade Fruit Cocktail is not just a recipe—it's a journey through generations of family gatherings, packed with vibrant, juicy fruits that will make your holiday spread absolutely irresistible. Imagine a colorful medley of perfectly diced fruits swimming in a sweet, tantalizing syrup that promises to become the unexpected star of your festive table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup diced peaches
- 1 cup halved grapes
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup fruit cocktail syrup
Instructions
- Wash all fresh fruits thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp cutting board and knife, carefully dice the pineapple into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for consistent texture.
- Peel and remove the pit from fresh peaches, then cut into similar-sized 1/2-inch cubes, maintaining a consistent shape with the pineapple.
- Carefully wash grapes and slice them in half lengthwise, removing any seeds if present.
- Core and peel the apples, then dice into 1/2-inch cubes, similar in size to the other fruit pieces.
- Drain maraschino cherries from their original jar and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess syrup.
- In a large glass or ceramic mixing bowl, gently combine all prepared fruits: pineapple, peaches, grapes, apples, and cherries.
- Drizzle fruit cocktail syrup over the mixed fruits, ensuring an even coating and gentle mixing to prevent fruit breakage.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chill.
- Before serving, give the fruit cocktail a gentle stir and portion into individual serving dishes.
- Optional: Garnish with a mint leaf or additional maraschino cherry for a festive presentation.
Tips
- Choose ripe, high-quality fruits for the most intense and fresh flavors.
- Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board to ensure uniform fruit pieces.
- Pat fruits dry after washing to prevent excess water diluting the syrup.
- Chill the fruit cocktail for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
- For an extra festive touch, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur or garnishing with fresh mint.
- If preparing in advance, add delicate fruits like grapes just before serving to maintain their texture.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the syrup with fresh orange juice or a light honey glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
