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Hot Baked Curried Fruit

4.91 from 31 votes

Who says all your side dishes need to be savory? This traditional southern Hot Baked Curried Fruit recipe features a mix of canned fruits topped with a rich butter, brown sugar, and curry mixture that’s baked into sweet, fruity perfection. It’s a great classic side dish for either Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Finished baked fruit in a dish.

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If you’re planning your holiday dinner and need another idea for a side dish, I’m here to help! At first glance, you may think that this recipe is a dessert, but it’s traditional in the South to serve this Hot Baked Curried Fruit as a side dish with turkey or ham.

The contrast of a little sweet along with the savory is a very Southern thing. We do love our “sweet and salt” in the South – biscuits with a slice of ham and peach preserves, cream cheese with sweet-hot pepper jelly, curried baked fruit with a perfect Roast Turkey and Southern Cornbread Dressing. Yum.

This is a fall and winter recipe that uses readily available canned fruits along with butter, brown sugar, and curry powder. When it’s cooking, the fragrance will fill your home with a beautiful holiday scent!

❤️ Why We Love This Recipe


  • It’s the perfect side dish for holiday dinners and adds a touch of sweetness to a buffet loaded with savory food.
  • Super easy to make! 10 minutes of prep (and most of that is opening cans).
  • Curry adds a warm aromatic note to the fruit and enhances its natural sweetness.

🛒 Ingredient Notes


Photo presenting all the ingredients needed for the recipe.

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  • Various Canned Fruits (these are ordinary, easily sourced canned fruits available at any grocery store.)
  • Maraschino Cherries (optional but highly recommended)
  • Curry Powder (I recommend only McCormick brand curry powder for this recipe. This was the most widely available brand in rural America during the time period when this recipe originated (following World War II) so it’s important for the authentic flavor of the original dish.)

You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.

🔪 How to Make Baked Fruit


Before You Begin

  1. Before you start the recipe, be sure to drain all the fruit very well. I usually place mine in a colander in the sink and let it sit for 20 minutes or so.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Layer the Fruit and Make the Sauce

  1. Layer the drained fruits in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, curry powder, and butter. Heat until the butter and sugar are completely melted.

Combine Fruit with Curry Mixture

  1. Pour the butter, sugar, and curry mixture over the fruit. Mix lightly taking care not to break the fruit.

Bake the Fruit

Finished baked fruit in a dish.
  1. Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

🍚 Storing Leftovers


If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Freezing is not recommended as the fruit will become mushy when thawed.

💡 Tips


  • Make sure the fruit is very well drained otherwise the finished recipe will be watery.
  • Canned apricots are sometimes more difficult to source than the other fruits. If you can’t find them, you can increase the other fruits to compensate.
  • This recipe is a wonderful accompaniment for almost any poultry or pork recipe. I’ve served it with marinated pork loin, roast chicken, and even with fried quail.
Finished baked fruit in a dish.

❓ Questions About Curried Baked Fruit


Why can’t I use another brand of curry powder?

As I’ve said above, I only recommend McCormick’s curry powder for this recipe. I have no idea what’s in other brands, how mild or spicy they may be, or how their taste might alter your outcome with the recipe. McCormick’s is available everywhere.

Does the “Hot” in the title mean this is a spicy recipe?

Hot Baked Curried Fruit is not in the least spicy. The hot just means it’s hot from the oven. The curry powder used in this recipe contains no spicy ingredients at all.

Can I use fresh fruit?

I suppose you could use fresh fruit in this recipe if you like. However, I don’t recommend it. Besides taking much longer to prep (you’d have to peel, core, pit, and chop all that fresh fruit), it would cost quite a bit more than using canned counterparts.

If you’re looking for a lovely fruit salad that’s more fresh than cooked, try this Honey Lime Fruit Salad from Carolina Honeybees!

Lana Stuart.

Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

📖 Recipe

Finished baked fruit in a dish.

Hot Baked Curried Fruit

This classic southern Hot Baked Curried Fruit recipe features canned fruits baked to perfection in a rich butter, brown sugar, and curry mixture.
4.91 from 31 votes
Print It Rate It Save
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Southern, Vintage
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 304kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • 30 ounces canned pineapple chunks drained
  • 15 ounces canned pear halves drained
  • 15 ounces canned peach halves drained
  • 15 ounces canned apricot halves drained
  • 10 ounces maraschino cherries drained
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder (McCormick brand)
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Allow all the fruits to drain very well in a colander.
  • Layer the fruits in a 9×13 baking dish.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, curry powder and butter. Heat until the butter and sugar are completely melted.
  • Pour over fruit and mix lightly taking care not to break the fruit.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Notes

  • Make sure the fruit is very well drained otherwise the finished recipe will be watery and take care to break the fruit as little as possible when tossing with the butter mixture.
  • Leftovers should be cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 | Calories 304kcal | Carbohydrates 64g | Protein 2g | Fat 6g | Saturated Fat 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat 1g | Monounsaturated Fat 2g | Trans Fat 1g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 58mg | Potassium 471mg | Fiber 6g | Sugar 57g | Vitamin A 1462IU | Vitamin C 21mg | Calcium 68mg | Iron 1mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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— This post was originally published on November 17, 2010. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.

Finished baked fruit in a dish.

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Recipe Rating




76 Comments

  1. Love this dish. Can this be made on the stove-top or in a microwave? My oven is currently broken, but wanted to make this. Thanks!

    1. Definitely not on the stove top. On the stove, you’d need to stir it frequently which would break up all the fruit in a mush. I’ve never tried it in a microwave so don’t have times for you.

  2. 5 stars
    I’m the third generation that has made this recipe for the holidays. To me it smells like Christmas. My grandmother added minute tapioca to the bottom of the pan so you don’t have to drain your fruit as much, plus she added a touch of white wine.

  3. 5 stars
    Can you drain fruit the night before and mix together and bake the next morning? Fixing for a brunch.

  4. 5 stars
    One of my most favorite side dishes and been making this for over 25 years.. delicious with great flavor ! love you can adjust what fruit you can use… My original recipe didn’t call for cherries… it’s optional !! A great bring along dish !!

    1. I agree! Such a great recipe. My mother has been making this for at least 50 years, probably more. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition for us.

  5. The baked fruit also compliments a baked ham, or many chicken dishes. Love the colorfulness of your photo. And, you are so right about that luscious aroma throughout the house – one of those “love you” smell memories.

    Miss P

    1. This is wonderful for a potluck or church gathering. It goes with just about everything. And if you have leftovers, try warming it slightly & serve along pound cake.

  6. Hello,
    Can this be done the same way with fresh fruit?? Thank you. :)

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      I’ve never tried it with fresh fruit, but I would think it would work. Give it a try and let me know how it works out.

  7. I am a fan of Lindsay olives on FB

  8. My favorite Thanksgiving dish ever is Cornbread Dressing.

  9. My favorite Thanksgiving dish is the sweet potato dish.

  10. I’m also a new subscriber of your blog. Found you from the link on The Pioneer Woman’s site. :)

  11. I’m a fan of Lindsay Olives on facebook.

  12. Not a Thanksgiving goes by without my favorite sidedish …. Calico Bean Casserole!

  13. I love sweet potato casserole and homemade stuffing with gravy! Delicious, I can’t wait!

  14. My favorite dish is a toss up between sweet potato casserole and dressing!

  15. Juli Jones says:

    I am a follower of your website :)

  16. Juli Jones says:

    I am a fan of neverenoughthyme on facebook.

  17. Juli Jones says:

    I am a fan of lindsay olives on facebook.

  18. Juli Jones says:

    My favorite dish for thanksgiving has to be my grandmother’s recipe for dressing. yum!

  19. Elizabeth L says:

    Cornbread dressing is the one must have! Yum!

  20. Beautiful Wreath! Cranberry Relish made with apples, oranges, nuts, raisins, and of course cranberries, is a favorite at our house!

  21. I just signed up to follow your blog via Bloglines. Thanks!

  22. I just found your delightful blog and have loved looking around here! I’d love to enter your giveaway….my favorite dish that we have at Thanksgiving is Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s definitely a must!

  23. Love the wreath and the cuase – nice! Can’t wait for stuffing on turkeyday!

  24. Sandie {A Bloggable Life} says:

    Entry #3 – I re-tweeted your giveaway on Twitter!

  25. Sandie {A Bloggable Life} says:

    I not only “liked” Lana’s Cooking on Facebook, I favorited you too :)

  26. Sandie {A Bloggable Life} says:

    Oh, that wreath is just too gorgeous. I would LOVE to win! I also love that proceeds go to help support Meals on Wheels. My grandmother is 87-years-old and still donates her time (through Meals on Wheels) to deliver food to other seniors in her community. I hope to be just as giving & able-bodied when I’m her age :)

    As for the Thanksgiving recipe our family cannot do without: it’s dressing—my mother’s recipe, passed down from my grandmother. It’s so simple, yet so darn delicious. I also like my mother in law’s cranberry relish, but I’m the only one at home who likes it. That said, I always make a small batch just for me.

  27. Grandmother always put up (canned) pickled peaches for this very reason and we enjoyed them every holiday. Now I purchase a jar every season just for the taste even though they are not nearly as good…. love your baked fruit

  28. I also love great wreathes especially when they benefit such a great cause like Meals on Wheels…

  29. oh and by the way just found your blog, and pie is such a comfort food for me, found it from you pecan cheesecake pie recipe..Love your blog and will come back often…

  30. My must have for Thanksgiving dinner is Brussel sprouts… My grandma who passed away in 1999 always put on the most amazing feast for us and she always had brussel sprouts. She only steamed them but I have been doing a huge dinner every year for the last 20 years and brussel sprouts always have to be on the table… just reminds me of gmas… EXCEPT.. I can’t just steam them.. I try a different crazy brussel sprout recipe every year.. this year I am doing Bobby Flays with pomagranate seeds and vanillas bean butter roasted brussels…

  31. susitravl says:

    Like you on Facebook (SusanBenegas)
    susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com

  32. susitravl says:

    We enjoy the turkey, stuffing, potatoes and veggies but we LOVE the desserts and our favorite is a White Chocolate, Pecan, Cranberry Tart.
    susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com

  33. Rhonda Russell says:

    your fruit looks so good! My husband tryed the toasted pound cake for breakfast the other day and it was a YES! Thanks for that one, I would love to have the wreath I can just smell it from here. It wouldnt be Thanksgiving for me without mama’s dressing and sweet potatoe’s, they are mashed and the topping is raisin bran cereal and other goodies then baked ( i could just eat the top!) Love your blog.

  34. Christine says:

    Stuffing is always a favorite during Thanksgiving dinner! I’ve been following your blog for a few months…thanks for some great ideas.

  35. I “like” Lindsey Olives on Facebook too!

  36. I’m subscribed to your RSS feed!

  37. I tweeted! Did ya hear me??? ;)

  38. I like you on Facebook and I liked this wreath! :)

  39. Oh your fruit looks so pretty. My favorite is the sweet potato cassarole! Love that stuff! Nice giveaway, I love that wreath an bet it smalls devine!

  40. Jennifer Pace says:

    I love sweet potato casserole with plenty of brown sugar and pecans on top- no marshmallows for me, please!

  41. I am already following your blog

  42. I liked you on facebook

  43. Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without stuffing! And friends at the table. We always try to invite someone who would otherwise be alone.

  44. I want to thank everyone who has commented on this post so far. I wish I could reply back to so many of you, but it would mess up the comment count for the giveaway! I’m reading each and every one, though!!

  45. I am subscribed now to your email list!

  46. I also “like” Lindsay Olives! Hope that I win.

  47. I “like” you on Facebook!

  48. We always have dressing on Thanksgiving. We never make it much during the year but we love it during the holidays. We also make the baked fruit like yours with a little curry powder. You can tell we are both South Georgia girls!

  49. Barbara Bakes says:

    I’m a meals on wheels volunteer. A great organization. I love Thanksgiving dinner, but my favorite part is the pies!

  50. Linda Bellino says:

    The baked fruit dish sounds great. My family has to have baked mashed potaoe casserole with their turkey. Mom has to make a turkey no matter what else is planned. Love your site!

  51. Paul Jones says:

    Lana,

    Hope you are doing fine and also hope to see you at the reunion. My favorite dish for Thanksgiving is homemade Chicken and Dumplings. Hand made dumplings, not the ones bought at the store.

    Would enter for the wreath, but I haven’t gotten into twitter yet.

    Paul

  52. I have found another twist to this recipe that I don’t think that I have shared with you. Years ago when I was in the florist business, our association published a cook book. One of the recipes was for sherried fruit. In recent years I have been leaving out the curry powder and putting in sherry( to the taste). Of course, you know me, if sherry isn’t at hand, I’ll add burbon or any whiskey. Your Mama is not a lush, just looking for flavor. Love you. What a wonderful job you are doing with this post.

  53. Random question. Does anybody have a tried-and-true method for keeping brown sugar soft and fresh once you’ve opened the package? Thanks!

    1. Carla Countiss says:

      Put a slice of bread in the bag with the brown sugar.

  54. Barbara @moderncomfortfood says:

    Love your fruit bake as a side dish for Thanksgiving. My Southern family serves at least two sweet dishes with the main course: my mom’s pear “salad” (actually very much like a dessert mousse) and my own very favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner, fresh cranberry/orange relish. Since I’ve already met most of of your contest requirements, let me just share this post through Stumbleupon.

  55. Last year I came up with a NEW tradition that I hope to keep tweaking as the years go on – savory sweet potato crisp. It involves baking chopped sweet potatoes with a topping inspired by that of a fruit crisp – but with herbs and bacon and nuts instead!

  56. I already follow your blog and have for over a year. I even remember your old format.

  57. AND, last but certainly not least, I am subscribed to your blog. Love it!!!!

    Thanks, again!

  58. I “like” Lindsay Olives on FB (and they are the only brand I will buy, BTW). We especially love their large black olives. YUM!

  59. Our family favorite for Thanksgiving is the one you published before–Dressing! We have cranberry sauce for the sweet element to our dinner, but your fruit sounds quite delicious.

    I would love to win one of those gorgeous wreaths.

  60. I “like” you on FB. :)

  61. BTW, I have tweeted your post and giveaway!

  62. My family can never get enough of my dressing at Thanksgiving! It is our favorite dish. We would miss the turkey and get over it, but Thanksgiving without my dressing is, well, just another day. LOL! Love your fruit here, too!!! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. I REALLY want one of these wreaths. Have order two to be sent to relatives this year!

  63. Renee (Kudos Kitchen) says:

    Hi Lana,
    Great giveaway and your recipe for the baked fruit looks wonderful. My favorite holiday side dish is something I’ve been making for the past 20 years or so and it’s a sweet and cheese onion casserole. SO good.
    The olive wreath looks so pretty. I’d love to win it.

  64. Happier Than A Pig in Mud says:

    Thank you for a chance at this beautiful give-away! My son’s and I just narrowed it down to 11 “must have” items for Thanksgiving. I’ll say this as our “one favorite” because they just go together turkey-gravy-mashed potatoes-peas:@)

  65. That wreath would look great in my kitchen.
    I have to make corn pudding every year for my son and 2 of his best friends who always share their second meal with us.

  66. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    I “like” you on Facebook :)

  67. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    That fruit looks great! I’m all about sweet and salty too :)

    The giveaway is fantastic! I love the smell of fresh bay. My favorite Thanksgiving dish is cheesy potatoes. My hands down favorite!