Back in the fifties (along with the decades just before and after), vintage fruit co*cktail was the classic housewife’s dream, because it could supposedly be added to almost anything.
For example, you could mix it into boring oatmeal or basic coffee cake, embed it in sparkly jello molds and pastel-colored pies, or even use it on top of plain ham and canned luncheon meat.
The idea was that this ready-made mixture of diced peaches, pears, cherries, grapes, and pineapple, all swimming in a sugary syrup, could transform the simplest meals into something special.
In many ways, canned fruit co*cktail was a symbol of the era’s innovations in food preservation — a new way to offer a taste of summertime fruits year-round.
Despite its popularity and resulting widespread use, opinions on fruit co*cktail recipes were mixed. Some people found them uninspiring or overly simplistic, while others pretty much considered them culinary ingenuity.
Here are just a few of the many fruit co*cktail recipes and serving suggestions for the canned stuff. Some are weird, many seem bland, and more than a few seem like the ad agencies were pretty much just saying you should pour fruit co*cktail on everything.
Molded vintage fruit co*cktail and ham party loaf from 1953
Really different! Ham and salad molded in one loaf! To you, this means a grand time and trouble-saver you’re truly proud to serve.
5-fruit coffee cake: Breakfast with fruit co*cktail poured on top
Open their eyes with this roundup of summer fruits – Even Sunday-morning sleepy-heads brighten up with such marvelous flavor!
4-decker fruit tart dessert with fruit co*cktail from 1960
New “what-to-serve: for a party, and so spectacular made with Del Monte Fruit co*cktail!
Make this version for fancy affairs — other times, skip the pastry and serve the filling as pudding. The color and flavor of Del Monte fruit co*cktail will make it a sparkling success either way.
DEL MONTE Fruit co*cktail in Heavy Syrup, Canned Fruit, 12 Pack, 15.25 oz Can
$30.72 ($0.17 / Ounce)
02/18/2024 08:49 am GMT
Fruit co*cktail and pineapple jello vintage recipe
Fast, Fancy, Fun! Prepare Royal pineapple gelatin according to package directions. Add 4 drops of mint extract — chill until set. Then drain canned fruit co*cktail and spoon alternate layers of gelatin and fruit co*cktail into serving glasses.
ALSO TRY: Double pineapple upside-down cake recipe, step-by-step: A classic 1950s skillet dessert
Holiday ham slices tutti frutti retro recipe from 1966
Ham, ma’am? Cuddle it in Reynolds Wrap to bake in flavor.
Vintage fruit Bavarian molded dessert from 1948
California sponge dessert cake recipe with fruit co*cktail (1965)
Serve this unusual dessert cake to your family soon!
ALSO SEE:
Fruit Boston fruit co*cktail 1960s dessert recipe
Gay colors, neat cuts, ideal flavor — this brand has it all. (A baked custard layer with fruit, sandwiched between layers of cake.)
Del Monte Canned Fruit co*cktail in 100% Fresh Juice, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)
$27.36 ($0.15 / Ounce)
02/18/2024 04:44 pm GMT
Fruit co*cktail dessert recipes from 1960
For a dessert with the elegance to impress the most critical bridge club… for a dessert so breezily easy to make, it’s always sheer perfection.
Fruit surprise recipe: Here’s frothy dessert fun the whole family can enjoy! Make Jell-O strawberry chiffon as directed on the package. Then fold in well-drained fruit co*cktail, pour into individual dessert dishes, and chill. Makes 6 pink and pretty servings!
Lemon chiffon dessert recipe: Turn contents of a package of Jello lemon chiffon pie filling into large deep bowl. Add 1/2 cup boiling water and mix thoroughly.
Drain 1/2 cup syrup from no. 303 can fruit co*cktail and add to chiffon mix. Beat with rotary beater until very foamy, about 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until mixture stands in very stiff peaks. Fold in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and well-drained fruit co*cktail.
Sprinkle 3/4 cup fine graham cracker crumbs in bottom of 8-inch square pan. Turn in chiffon. Sprinkle with additional 1/4 cup crumbs. Chill until firm, then cut into squares to serve. Makes 9 servings.
1948 recipe for jeweled fruit salad – made with gelatin and canned fruit co*cktail
Perfect meal starter! Magic dessert! Glamorous, dainty, quick…
What beautiful desserts you can make! What showy salads! Even in baking, those sparkling fruits lose none of their lively color or sun-ripe flavor. Canned fruit co*cktail has dozens of uses!
Rainbow pudding fruit co*cktail recipe (1950)
Just guess how easy — you know how good!
When you get five luscious fruits as mellow and ripe as you know Del Monte packs them — that’s a flavor combination that has what it takes to help and help and help!One look, one taste — and you’re off to a gay and glamorous start!
Dole Fruit Bowls Cherry Mixed Fruit in 100% Juice, 4oz, 12 Total Cups, Packaging May Vary
$5.99 ($0.50 / Count)
02/19/2024 04:29 am GMT
Rainbow ham (1959)
Easy Easter feast with Hormel Ham and fruit co*cktail… Rainbow ham! Hot or cold… serve it saucy… tender pink ham slices with a jewel of a bright new idea… Rainbow fruit sauce!
It’s so easy to make… Here’s how: Drain one 2-1/2 can fruit co*cktail. Set aside fruit while you boil syrup until thick. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1-1/2 tablespoons vinegar, fruit. Heat and pour steaming hot on Hormel ham slices.
Diet Delight fruit co*cktail recipe (1959)
The fruit co*cktail that makes it fun to watch your weight!
Oatmeal and fruit… blended! (1959)
New breakfast idea! Stir in your favorite canned fruit while the oatmeal cooks
Holiday gelatin mold with fruit co*cktail (1949)
Festive treats are so easy with this fruit co*cktail and Jell-O!
Holiday fruit mold / Christmas tree salad / Fruit co*cktail appetizer
DEL MONTE No Sugar Added Fruit co*cktail, Canned Fruit, 12 Pack, 14.5 oz Can
$29.28 ($0.17 / Ounce)
02/18/2024 09:49 am GMT
Eggnog fruit co*cktail pie:New holiday pie idea…
GET THE HOW-TO: Fruit co*cktail eggnog pie: The old-fashioned recipe
Fruit Alaska recipe
Elegance made easy by the sparkling quality
You’ve noticed how beautiful Del Monte Fruit co*cktail looks just spooned out plain, haven’t you? You’ll find that this quality makes impressive desserts like Fruit Alaska prettier and easier, too!
Vintage recipe for cake casseroles
Start with a Betty Crocker cake mix, and you know your cake will come out light and moist and homemade-tender. Combine it with a wholesome fruit — bake the two together — and you’ve created a brand-new dessert! Serve your “creation” hot and heavenly, right from the oven, in your prettiest casserole. Someone’s going to love you for this!
Canned fruit co*cktail suspended in jello
What’s your pleasure? Would you like a colorful, shimmering salad? Or a light and delightful dessert?
1966 fruit co*cktail sandwich loaf topping
Prettiest party refreshments yet: a sandwich loaf covered in softened cream cheese and decked out with Del Monte fruit co*cktail. Fillings shown: deviled ham, chopped olive-cheese mixture, deviled egg salad.
SEE MORE: 20 frosted party sandwich loaf recipes to make… or avoid
NOW SEE THIS: These old Jell-O Crown Jewel Dessert recipes still make dazzling treats
