When it comes to holiday cooking, nothing beats the convenience of canned cherries and cranberries. These pantry staples save time while delivering bold, festive flavors that brighten up any dish. Whether you’re whipping up a Thanksgiving classic or a quick weeknight dessert, this recipe is your go-to for creating a sweet and tangy pie filling that’s both simple and versatile. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe canned cherries canned cranberries combination will have your kitchen smelling like the holidays in no time!

Why This Recipe Canned Cherries Canned Cranberries Works

Canned cherries and cranberries, without a doubt, strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, making them an ideal pairing for a variety of dishes. Furthermore, the ready-to-use nature of canned fruits means you can effortlessly skip tedious prep work without sacrificing flavor or texture. On top of that, this recipe is highly versatile—it works wonderfully as a pie filling, a topping for ice cream, or even a flavorful sauce for roasted meats. To make it even better, the addition of holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves enhances the flavors, ultimately making this recipe a standout choice for festive celebrations or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients For Recipe Canned Cherries Canned Cranberries

Here’s everything you need to bring this recipe canned cherries canned cranberries to life:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Tips and Substitutions:

• Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
• If you prefer less tang, use sweetened canned cranberries.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

For the best results, choose high-quality canned fruits with minimal added sugars or preservatives.

Step-by-Step for Canned Cherry and Cranberry Recipes

Prep Work

Before diving in, gather all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a medium saucepan, a mixing spoon, and a small whisk. Start by draining the pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess liquid in the final mixture. This step might seem extra, but trust me—it’s worth it to maintain the perfect consistency.

Cooking or Assembly

1. Combine the Ingredients
   In a medium saucepan, add the canned cherry pie filling and canned cranberry sauce. Stir until evenly combined.
2. Add Fruits and Spices
   Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir well to coat the fruits in the sweet and spicy mixture.
3. Simmer to Thicken
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Optional Add-Ins
   If desired, stir in the raisins and chopped walnuts during the last few minutes of simmering. These add-ins provide extra texture and a nutty depth of flavor.

Serving and Storing

• Serve the pie filling warm as a topping for vanilla ice cream or pancakes.
• To use as a pie filling, let it cool completely before assembling it into a pie crust.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Tips for Success

Now here’s the fun part—making this recipe canned cherries canned cranberries truly shine with a few expert tricks. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you nail the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Texture Control

If you prefer a thicker consistency for pie filling or sauce, here’s the trick: dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the mixture during the simmering stage. On the other hand, if the sauce is too thick, a splash of orange juice or water can help loosen it up. Keep stirring to ensure everything blends smoothly!

Flavor Adjustments

Taste test! Let’s be real—this is the best part of cooking, where you can truly make it your own. If you’re craving a sweeter filling, simply add a little more brown sugar or drizzle in some honey for a natural touch. On the other hand, if you’re leaning toward a tart punch, a quick squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice does the trick beautifully. Want to add some cozy warmth? Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon or toss in a dash of nutmeg. At the end of the day, the key is to tweak it until it perfectly matches your taste buds. You’ve got this!

Pairing Ideas

This recipe isn’t just a star on its own—it’s the perfect partner for so many dishes. Pair it with a savory roasted turkey or pork loin to add a sweet and tangy contrast. For desserts, use it as a topping for creamy cheesecakes or swirl it into yogurt parfaits. It’s even fantastic as part of a charcuterie board—just spoon it into a small dish alongside cheeses and crackers for an elegant touch.

Creative Variations

Let’s take a look at how you can mix things up with this recipe canned cherries canned cranberries. The possibilities are endless, and here are some ideas to inspire your creativity!

Make It Your Own

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips once the sauce cools for a rich twist.
• Citrus Kick: Zest a lemon or orange over the top for a burst of fresh aroma and flavor.

Feel free to experiment with other spices, like cardamom or ginger, to give it your own signature twist.

Alternate Uses

Who says this recipe is just for pie filling? Think outside the box:

• Use it as a topping for fluffy pancakes or waffles at your next brunch.
• Swirl it into plain Greek yogurt for a quick and satisfying snack.
• Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

This is where the magic happens—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Serving Suggestions

Alright, let’s talk about how to serve this beauty. Presentation matters, and with just a little effort, you can make your dish look as amazing as it tastes.

Festive and Everyday Ideas

For holidays, serve the pie filling as part of your dessert spread, surrounded by whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. At potlucks, offer it warm with a ladle so guests can serve themselves over cake or pudding. On casual weeknights, spoon it over pancakes or toast for a quick, comforting treat.

Tips for Presentation

Garnish is everything! To start, add a few fresh mint leaves or a thin slice of orange on top to instantly make the colors pop. Next, consider how you’re serving it—use a glass dish for a fancy holiday table that feels extra special, or opt for a rustic bowl to create a cozier, more laid-back vibe. Either way, no matter which approach you choose, your guests will definitely be impressed and eager for seconds!

How do you elevate canned cranberries?

Canned cranberries can be easily elevated with just a few tweaks. Add a splash of orange or apple juice to enhance the fruitiness. Stir in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a holiday-inspired flavor. If you want a touch of texture, mix in chopped walnuts, raisins, or fresh fruit like diced apples. A dash of balsamic vinegar or a spoonful of honey can also add depth to the flavor. These little additions take the canned cranberries to a whole new level!

FAQs About Recipe Canned Cherries Canned Cranberries

Are canned jellied cranberries good for you?

Canned jellied cranberries can be a convenient and tasty addition to your meals. While they do contain added sugars, they are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, thanks to the cranberries. To make them a bit healthier, you can mix them with fresh or frozen cranberries to reduce the sugar content. Just keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re watching your sugar intake.

How do you serve canned jellied cranberries?

Canned jellied cranberries are incredibly versatile. Slice them into neat rounds and serve them as a side dish with turkey, ham, or roasted pork. Alternatively, mash them up and spread them over toast or biscuits for breakfast. You can also stir them into plain yogurt, use them as a topping for pancakes, or blend them into sauces for a tangy glaze on meats. Their smooth texture makes them a great base for creative pairings!

How do you get canned cranberries out of a can?

Getting canned cranberries out of the can can be a little tricky, but here’s the easiest method:

1. Use a butter knife to gently slide around the inside of the can to loosen the jelly.
2. Hold the can upside down over a plate and give it a few gentle shakes.
3. If it’s still stuck, run the bottom of the can under warm water for a few seconds—this will help release the cranberry jelly.
   Once it’s out, you can slice, mash, or use it however you like!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a simple, delicious recipe canned cherries canned cranberries that’s as versatile as it is flavorful. Whether you’re using it for a festive holiday pie, a quick dessert topping, or a creative brunch idea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

But don’t stop here! Pair it with other amazing dishes from my blog, like this Key Lime Pie Recipe or this Unicorn Cake. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors are unforgettable.

Let me know how you served it! Did you try something unexpected, or stick with the classic pie filling? Share your ideas in the comments below—I’d love to hear your twists and tips! Happy cooking, and remember: the best recipes are the ones you make your own.

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