14 Canned Fruit Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

Canned fruit is a staple that is often relegated to the back of the pantry, used only as the occasional topping or extra ingredient. But with a little creativity, canned fruit can be transformed into unexpectedly delicious and delightful treats, from fruit kabobs to pineapple salsa. Canned fruits can also be incorporated into your go-to recipes (like smoothies or barbecue chicken), adding bursts of sweetness and tanginess that elevate these basic dishes.

From sweet to savory, you'll be surprised at the versatility of this humble ingredient. Using canned fruit also eliminates a significant amount of prep work, allowing you more room and freedom to experiment with different flavor combinations, additional ingredients, and more. Some canned fruit hacks may even take you outside of your comfort zone — think sushi with fruit — but the joy of exploration can be very rewarding. Read on to discover the many useful things you can do with canned fruit.

The next time you're whipping up a salad, don't be afraid to incorporate some sweetness and flavor with canned fruits. Canned mandarin oranges, for example, can easily complement a variety of vegetables with a pleasantly unexpected sweetness and tanginess. You can also use canned pineapple chunks to brighten up a bowl of lettuce, creating a Hawaiian salad that tastes even better with cheese, mayonnaise, and walnuts. Canned peaches are also great for adding a pleasant twist to a salad. Pro tip: Remember to drain the canned fruits well before adding them to your salad. This will help you avoid a soggy mess.

Canned fruit can be the star of the salad, too. Whip up a fruit salad entirely from canned fruits like pineapple, papaya, and mango. You can also mix the canned fruits with fresh fruits for extra texture and flavor. Finally, toss the fruits together in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Serve your creation with any topping you like, from yogurt to shredded coconut.

Before you reach for a soda or other sugary drink, consider creating refreshing and flavorful fruit-infused water instead. Infusing your water is really simple to begin with, and it's made even simpler by using canned fruits instead of fresh ones. Start by choosing your favorite canned fruit; peaches, pears, oranges, pineapple, and grapefruit are all great options. Make sure you use fruits that are canned in their own juices, to eliminate added sugar and maintain their natural flavors. Add the fruits into a pitcher of water and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

If you're feeling adventurous, try combining different canned fruits to create a unique flavor profile. You can try mixing canned peaches with plums or fresh blueberries. Canned pineapple and mango work great together to create a fresh tropical flavor, especially when enhanced with mint leaves. You can even add rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and other herbs for an extra kick!

Canned fruit is a budget-friendly and convenient staple you can use to create classic fruit pies. First, prepare your chosen canned fruit filling. Classic options include cherries, peaches, or pineapple, but feel free to explore other options, like mixed tropical fruits or berries. In a separate bowl, combine the drained fruit with some sugar to balance the tartness, a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, and a bit of cornstarch or another thickening agent, like Clear Jel.

Next, line your pie plate with the bottom crust and pour in the fruit filling. Finally, top the pie with a second crust and seal it. After everything's prepped, pop the whole thing into the oven and bake the pie for up to an hour — or according to the directions for your pie crust. Once it's done, you can enjoy a warm slice of your hassle-free canned fruit pie. We recommend topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

Whipping up a delicious jam from canned fruit is a great way to use up leftovers and experiment with flavor combinations. Start by preparing your chosen canned fruit; apricots, peaches, and cherries are some popular options. Put them in a saucepan and combine the canned fruits with some of the syrup from the can, as well as a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer until you get the consistency that you desire. At this point, you can taste the mixture and add more sugar if sweetness is needed. Once it's done, pour the mixture into a clear jar, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to three weeks.

The process of making jam from canned fruit is similar to the traditional one that uses fresh fruit, although there are some things to know before you attempt the former method. First, consider using canned fruits with little to no added sugar, as introducing sugar too early in the process can make the fruits mushy. You can also add pectin to make sure your jam thickens properly.

If you're craving a light but refreshing dessert, try making your own canned fruit sorbet. All you need is canned fruit and a food processor! First, drain and freeze your chosen fruit for at least 12 hours. Once the fruit is frozen solid, put it into a food processor or blender, and mix until the frozen fruit breaks down into a coarse crumble. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. You can use added sugar or just utilize the syrup from the can. Continue blending until your sorbet reaches a velvety texture. Pour your finished sorbet into a container then freeze it for a few more hours. Once it hardens, you're done!

You can also elevate your sorbet with additional ingredients, like a splash of vanilla extract, lemon juice, honey, or even alcohol. Just be mindful that adding more ingredients may affect the final texture of your sorbet. Try combining different canned fruits to create a unique flavor profile — you can even mix them with other frozen or fresh fruits that you have on hand.

Canned fruits add a unique and delightful tang to grilled meats. Try incorporating the fruits into your barbecue sauce for an unexpectedly delicious flavor that can become everyone's new favorite. Use canned peaches or pineapple for a classic, fail-proof sauce recipe, but don't be afraid to try other fruits as well.

Combine fruit, red bell pepper, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar or honey, paprika, and hot pepper flakes. This combination creates a flavorful foundation for your sauce. Feel free to customize with more peppers or add fresh herbs according to your preference. Simmer the ingredients until the fruits break down and you reach your desired sauce consistency. If you want a smoother sauce, use an electric or immersion blender. Let it cool down and use it to baste your favorite meat, or use it as a dipping sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Forget store-bought popsicles and beat the summer heat with refreshing homemade popsicles. Don't worry, canned fruits make the DIY process even easier, with endless possibilities for creation and experimentation. Start by creating your base — any kind of canned fruit works for this recipe, from peaches to berries. However, for a healthier option, you can prioritize the fruits canned in their own juices with little or no added sugar.

In its most basic version, simply blend your chosen fruit until it reaches a smooth consistency and pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Put it in the freezer overnight, or until completely frozen solid. For a creamier popsicle variation, add condensed milk, yogurt, or other dairy (like milk and whipped cream). The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and combine more than one fruit or add more sweeteners or toppings for more flavors, just like you would when making fruit juice or smoothies.