Parade Fruit Cocktail Recipe

Growing up, I remember my family always having a can of this delightful mix of fruits on hand, ready to transform any dish into a vibrant, sweet masterpiece. With peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, and sometimes pineapples, Parade Fruit Cocktail isn’t just a snack – it’s a burst of nostalgia and convenience combined.

How to make Parade Fruit Cocktail

Parade Fruit Cocktail is a canned fruit product sold under the Parade brand, a private label commonly found in independent and regional grocery stores across the United States.

Ingredients:

For the base:

• 1 (15 oz.) can of Parade Fruit Cocktail (drained, save 2-3 tablespoons of the syrup for flavor enhancement)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup crushed walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the fruit cocktail

1. Open the can of Parade Fruit Cocktail and drain the liquid, reserving 2-3 tablespoons of the syrup.
2. Set the fruit cocktail aside — you’ll fold it into the batter later.

Step 2: Make the batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
3. Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and reserved fruit cocktail syrup. Mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the drained fruit cocktail, ensuring the fruits are evenly distributed but not crushed.

Step 3: Add the topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, softened butter, and crushed nuts (if using).
2. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter, creating a sweet and slightly crunchy finish.

Step 4: Bake and serve

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can cut it into squares or simply scoop portions with a spoon.

Helpful Tips:

• Experiment with textures: For an extra indulgent twist, warm the finished dessert and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Customize your flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy, spiced flavor. If citrus is your thing, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a zingy uplift.
• Go nut-free, if needed: If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts or pecans without sacrificing flavor.
• Don’t toss the syrup: Save any leftover syrup from the can—it can be mixed into smoothies or cocktails for an extra burst of sweetness.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

What to serve with

Parade Fruit Cocktail is already a colorful and sweet treat on its own, but pairing it with complementary dishes can elevate its flavor profile even further.

1. As a Dessert Accompaniment

Fruit cocktails are naturally sweet, which makes them the perfect base to pair with other indulgent desserts. Here are some ideas:

• Ice Cream: Serve your Parade Fruit Cocktail alongside scoops of vanilla, coconut, or even berry-flavored ice cream for a creamy contrast to the fresh fruitiness. Drizzle a little chocolate syrup or honey over the ice cream before topping it with the cocktail for added pizzazz.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream makes for a light and airy pairing that complements the fruit cocktail. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or shaved chocolate to the whipped cream to make it extra special.
• Angel Food Cake or Pound Cake: Top slices of angel food cake or pound cake with spoonfuls of Parade Fruit Cocktail. This pairing feels indulgent yet fresh, transforming a simple cake into a more elegant dessert.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer the Parade Fruit Cocktail with Greek yogurt and granola in a tall glass to create a picture-perfect parfait. This pairing is great for breakfast, brunch, or as a lighter dessert option.

2. Paired with Breakfast or Brunch

Parade Fruit Cocktail can bring bright flavors and textures to any morning meal. Here’s how to incorporate it:

• Pancakes or Waffles: Use the fruit cocktail instead of syrup as a topping for pancakes or waffles. The juicy fruits and their syrupy sweetness provide a natural, healthier alternative to sugary syrups.
• Cereal or Oatmeal: Mix the fruit cocktail into warm oatmeal or serve it over cold cereal for an added burst of flavor and nutrition. The fruits pair especially well with nutty or cinnamon-flavored oats.
• French Toast: For a decadent brunch dish, top buttery, golden French toast with Parade Fruit Cocktail and finish with powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.

3. As a Side Dish

You can also serve Parade Fruit Cocktail as a refreshing side dish to complement savory flavors.

• With Barbecue Dishes: Consider serving Parade Fruit Cocktail alongside grilled dishes like barbecue chicken, ribs, or brisket. The sweetness from the fruit contrasts deliciously with smoky and savory flavors.
• Roasted or Glazed Ham: Fruit cocktails pair well with glazed ham—their sweetness enhances the ham’s caramelized exterior. You can even mix the fruit cocktail into ham glaze for a unique twist.
• Sunday Brunch Spread: Use your Parade Fruit Cocktail as part of a brunch spread! Pair it with savory egg dishes like quiches or omelets to balance the richness of the other items.

4. As a Topping

Parade Fruit Cocktail serves beautifully as a topping, adding bursts of color and flavor to other foods.

• Salad: Dress up leafy green salads with Parade Fruit Cocktail as a topping. Pair it with crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds or pecans, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and savory outcome.
• Cheesecake: Spoon the fruit cocktail over a plain cheesecake to add a fresh and colorful burst of flavor. Drizzle with fruit glaze or melted chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.
• Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an ice cream sundae bar and let guests use Parade Fruit Cocktail as a topping option for their creations—perfect for parties or gatherings!

5. Incorporated into Beverages

Fruit cocktail isn’t just for eating—it can also be transformed into refreshing drinks!

• Smoothies: Blend Parade Fruit Cocktail with yogurt, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and ice for a quick and tasty smoothie. Add fresh greens like spinach to make it even more nutritious.
• Mocktails or Cocktails: Use Parade Fruit Cocktail as a colorful addition to summer drinks! The fruits can be added to a pitcher of sangria or floated in mocktails made with ginger ale or sparkling water. If you’re feeling creative, blend the cocktail and strain it into a tropical fruit punch.

6. As a Light Snack or Appetizer

For lighter occasions or smaller portions, Parade Fruit Cocktail can be a beautiful addition to a casual snack or appetizer plate.

• With Crackers and Cheese: Place Parade Fruit Cocktail on a charcuterie-style board with crackers, slices of sharp cheddar cheese, and prosciutto. This creates a sweet and savory flavor explosion perfect for gatherings.
• Fruit and Yogurt Dip: Set out a bowl of Parade Fruit Cocktail alongside a creamy yogurt-based dip. Guests can scoop the fruits with skewers or mix them into their dip for a refreshing bite.

Ingredients Substitutes

Parade Fruit Cocktail is a blend of canned fruits typically used for desserts, salads, or as a quick snack. If you’re preparing fruit cocktail at home or substituting ingredients in a store-bought mix, you may need alternatives based on availability, dietary preferences, or flavor profiles.

1. Peaches

One of the primary fruits used in fruit cocktail mixtures, peaches contribute sweetness and a soft texture. If peaches aren’t available, try these alternatives:

• Apples: Use diced sweet apples like Gala or Fuji for a similar texture and sweetness.
• Apricots: Fresh or canned apricots can closely mimic the flavor and texture of peaches.
• Mango: Diced mango offers a tropical twist with a similar softness.
• Nectarines: These are almost identical to peaches in flavor and texture, making them the ideal substitute.

2. Pears

Pears add mild sweetness and a tender, juicy bite. If pears aren’t available, substitutes include:

• Apples: Diced apples, such as Honeycrisp, can replace pears with slight changes in texture.
• Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple chunks add tangy sweetness and juiciness.
• Asian Pears: These are crunchier than standard pears but work well for texture and flavor.
• Jicama: For a unique substitute, use jicama to mimic the crisp and neutral sweetness of pears.

3. Grapes

Grapes are often found whole in fruit cocktails to provide bursts of flavor. Substitutes include:

• Cherries: Use diced cherries or halved maraschino cherries for color and sweetness.
• Pitted Olives: Although unconventional, sweeter varieties like Castelvetrano olives can mimic firm textures for savory cocktails.
• Berries (e.g., blueberries): These can replace grapes as small, juicy fruits in the mix.
• Cranberries: For a tart option, dried or soaked cranberries can be used.

4. Pineapple

Pineapple chunks contribute tartness and tropical flavors. Alternatives include:

• Mango: Diced mango can replace pineapple for a softer but equally tropical flavor.
• Orange Segments: Mandarin oranges or navel orange slices offer citrus tones that complement fruit cocktail blends.
• Guava: Guava chunks can give a tropical flavor alternative.
• Papaya: Another soft tropical fruit that works well in texture and flavor.

5. Cherries

Cherries often appear as maraschino or fresh halved cherries to add color and sweetness. Substitutes include:

• Raspberries: Raspberries lend a vibrant red color and sharp flavor.
• Diced Strawberries: These can replace cherries for sweetness but may affect texture.
• Cranberries: If soaked or sugared, cranberries can imitate cherries in taste.
• Pomegranate Seeds: These add color and bursts of sweetness or tartness.

Final Thoughts

This Parade Fruit Cocktail recipe proves that simple ingredients and a little love can transform everyday pantry staples into something spectacular. 

More Cocktail Recipes:

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• Vodka Salad Drink Recipe