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parade fruit cocktail

Parade Fruit Cocktail Recipe

A homemade 3-ingredient copycat of the classic Applebees Parade Fruit Cocktail featuring a medley of fresh and canned fruits in a sweet, tangy syrup. Ready in just 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 1 cup fresh or canned peaches, diced The backbone of any fruit cocktail, providing sweet, tender fruit pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or canned pears, diced Adds a mellow sweetness and soft texture that complements the peaches
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks Brings tangy brightness and firmer texture contrast
  • 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved Provides a juicy pop and slight firmness
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved The prize of any fruit cocktail, adding color and nostalgic sweetness
  • 1/3 cup sugar Creates the light syrup that preserves and enhances the fruit
  • 1 cup water Forms the base of the syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens flavors and helps preserve color
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey in place of some sugar
  • 1 dash cinnamon
  • fresh mint leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • cocktail shaker or mason jar
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. The entire process takes just 15 minutes of active preparation, plus cooling time. Begin by preparing all your fruits - dice the peaches and pears, halve the grapes and maraschino cherries, and ensure the pineapple chunks are ready.
  1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes a light syrup.
  1. Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.
  1. In a large bowl or container, combine all the prepared fruits - peaches, pears, pineapple chunks, grapes, and maraschino cherries.
  1. Pour the cooled syrup over the fruit mixture and gently stir to combine, ensuring all fruits are evenly coated.
  1. Allow the fruit cocktail to cool completely before serving. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.