12 Canned Fruits That Deserve A Spot In Your Pantry

Canned fruits offer versatility and convenience, making them a valuable addition to any pantry. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick dessert or add a burst of flavor to your meals, these canned delights have you covered. Here are 12 canned fruits you should always have on hand.

1. Canned Pineapple

Canned pineapple is a versatile ingredient that adds a tropical flair to various dishes. Its sweet and tangy taste can enhance stir-fries, providing a delightful contrast to savory elements like chicken or shrimp.

Try adding it to cottage cheese or yogurt for a refreshing snack, or use it as the star ingredient in a classic upside-down cake. When fresh fruit is scarce, throw canned pineapple into smoothies for a tropical twist. Its ability to blend seamlessly into both sweet and savory dishes makes it a pantry staple worth having.

2. Canned Peaches

Canned peaches bring a burst of summer sweetness to your kitchen. They are perfect for creating a quick cobbler by combining them with cake mix and butter.

For a delightful treat, slice them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt. Mixing them into oatmeal with cinnamon creates a comforting breakfast.

For a refreshing twist, blend canned peaches with tea to make a peach iced tea. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make canned peaches a fantastic addition to desserts and breakfast dishes alike.

3. Canned Pears

Canned pears offer a mellow sweetness that complements various dishes. For a sophisticated salad, slice them over greens and pair with blue cheese and walnuts.

As an easy dessert, serve them with sharp cheese, showcasing their delicate flavor. Pureeing canned pears can create a simple sauce or baby food, adding a fruity element to pancakes.

Their subtle taste is perfect for baking into muffins or quick breads. Canned pears elevate any meal with their understated elegance and delightful sweetness.

4. Canned Mandarin Oranges

Canned mandarin oranges are citrusy gems that brighten any dish. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with green salads, especially when combined with nuts and a light vinaigrette.

In Asian-inspired dishes, they add a refreshing contrast to chicken salads or lettuce wraps. For a nostalgic treat, fold them into cottage cheese or whipped cream desserts.

Use canned mandarin oranges as a topping for cheesecake, adding color and zest. Their vibrant taste makes them a delightful addition to many recipes.

5. Canned Cherries

Canned cherries offer instant dessert magic. Pour them into a crust for a quick cherry pie that’s sure to satisfy sweet cravings.

Spoon them over brownies or ice cream for an indulgent treat. Layering them with cake pieces and whipped cream creates a delightful cheat trifle.

For a savory twist, simmer tart cherries with vinegar for a sauce over pork or duck. Their vibrant flavor and versatility make canned cherries a valuable pantry addition.

6. Canned Apricots

Canned apricots, often overlooked, bring a rich flavor to meals. Baking them with chicken or pork creates a sweet-savory main dish that impresses with minimal effort.

In smoothies, they provide a thick, creamy texture that enhances the drink. Chopping them into granola or oatmeal introduces a fruity twist to breakfast.

For a delightful pancake topping, warm canned apricots with honey and lemon. Their unique taste elevates any dish, proving they deserve more attention.

7. Canned Fruit Cocktail

Canned fruit cocktail may seem old-fashioned, but it can be a culinary delight. Mix it into cake or muffin batter for a classic fruit cocktail cake.

Folded into whipped topping, it transforms into an easy church-basement-style dessert. For a salty-sweet snack, stir it into cottage cheese.

Drain and freeze it in a shallow container for a quick fruit ice. This canned fruit blend offers versatility and nostalgia, making it a worthy addition to your pantry.

8. Canned Mango

Canned mango is a lifesaver when fresh mangoes are unavailable. Blend it into lassis, smoothies, or mango margaritas for a burst of tropical flavor.

Spoon it over sticky rice or rice pudding for a delightful dessert. In salsas, canned mango pairs well with onion, cilantro, and lime, adding a sweet twist.

Layer it into parfaits with yogurt and granola for a refreshing snack. Its juicy sweetness enhances a variety of dishes.

9. Canned Lychees

Canned lychees offer a sweet, floral taste that’s both exotic and refreshing. Serve them chilled straight from the can as a light dessert that’s sure to please.

Blend with ice and a splash of coconut milk for a quick frozen drink that transports you to a tropical paradise.

For an easy bite-sized dessert, stuff them with cream cheese or mascarpone. Add to fruit salads for an unexpected twist. Their unique flavor makes them a delightful pantry gem.

10. Canned Crushed Pineapple

Canned crushed pineapple is a baking and cooking champion. Stir it into carrot cake or hummingbird cake batter to add moisture and flavor.

In coleslaw, it introduces a sweet, tropical twist that delights the taste buds. Fold it into cottage cheese for a protein-rich snack with a sweet touch.

Use it in glazes for ham or chicken, adding depth and sweetness. Its versatility makes it an essential ingredient for creative kitchen endeavors.

11. Canned Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin, technically a fruit, is a year-round pantry staple. Transform it into pumpkin bread, muffins, or pancakes that capture the essence of autumn.

Stir it into oatmeal with spices for a warming breakfast. Blended into smoothies with banana and cinnamon, it offers a delightful seasonal touch.

Create a quick savory soup with pumpkin, broth, and herbs for a comforting meal. Its earthy flavor and versatility make it indispensable for cozy dishes.

12. Canned Apples

Canned apples are comfort food material, perfect for quick desserts. Bake them into a crumble with oats, butter, and sugar for an easy treat.

For something unique, roll them in tortillas with cinnamon and bake for apple “enchiladas.” Warm them and serve over pork chops for a savory-sweet combination.

Layer them with bread cubes and custard for an apple bread pudding. Their comforting flavors make canned apples a must-have for sweet and savory dishes alike.