Ambrosia Recipe Citrus Cream With Maraschino Free Cherries

I’ve perfected this ambrosia recipe to be both incredibly easy and delightfully fresh, a true test-kitchen favorite. This vibrant Citrus Cream With Maraschino Free Cherries offers a visually stunning, creamy-bright texture that’s perfect for family dinners or a casual potluck. It’s a healthy, quick-to-make dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something special, especially when you need a lighter option after a busy week.

Ingredient Map for Your Fresh Ambrosia Recipe (Amounts • Role • Swap)

The Core of Our Citrus Cream Ambrosia

• 1 (15 oz / 425g) can mandarin oranges, drained: Sweet citrus burst; (swap for fresh segments if seasonal, peel carefully)
• 1 (8 oz / 227g) can pineapple chunks, drained: Tropical tang, natural sweetness
• 1 cup (150g) seedless red grapes, halved: Juicy pop, color
• 1/2 cup (45g) shredded coconut, unsweetened: Texture, tropical flavor
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pecans or walnuts: Crunch, healthy fats; (or use slivered almonds for a milder taste)
• 1 cup (240g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat): Creamy base, protein; (I always grab full-fat for maximum richness)
• 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or cream cheese, softened: Richness, tang; (sour cream gives a lighter feel than cream cheese)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh orange juice: Brightens citrus cream
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste): Natural sweetener
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract: Warm notes
• Maraschino-Free Cherries (see below for options): Color, sweetness without artificial dyes. This delicious ambrosia recipe Citrus Cream With Maraschino Free Cherries truly shines with natural fruit.

Healthier Swaps & Dietary Adjustments

Customize this family-friendly ambrosia for various dietary needs:

• Dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt and a dairy-free sour cream alternative. This creates a delicious vegan ambrosia.
• Lower sugar: Omit added honey/maple syrup; choose unsweetened fruit for a diabetic-friendly ambrosia.
• Nut-free: Skip pecans/walnuts; add toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Extra protein: Boost with more Greek yogurt or a scoop of collagen powder.
• Gluten-Free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free! A simple gluten-free dessert.

Quality & Seasonality Tips for Your Ambrosia

• Choose ripe, firm red grapes; organic citrus is best if you plan to add zest.
• Fresh pineapple can be used for brighter flavor, though canned is convenient and ready.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut offers better control over the final sweetness of your ambrosia.
• Use high-quality plain Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture and tang.
• For Maraschino-Free Cherries: Use fresh pitted cherries, dried tart cherries rehydrated, or thawed frozen dark sweet cherries.

Step-by-Step Assembly for Your Fresh Ambrosia Recipe (Kid-Friendly Cues)

1. 1. Prep the Fruit (5 minutes): Gently drain mandarin oranges and pineapple well. Halve the red grapes. If using fresh cherries, pit and quarter them. Little hands can help by sorting fruits into bowls!
2. 2. Mix the Citrus Cream Base (3 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream (or softened cream cheese), fresh orange juice, honey/maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and beautifully creamy. The color should be a beautiful pale yellow or orange.
3. 3. Combine & Fold (2 minutes): Add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, halved grapes, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (if using), and your chosen maraschino-free cherries to the cream base. Gently fold everything together until all fruit is coated in the luscious citrus cream. Avoid mushing the fruit too much to maintain texture. My test-kitchen tip: If the cream looks too thick to coat evenly, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of extra orange juice until it’s just right.
4. 4. Chill & Serve (Minimum 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ambrosia to chill. The longer it chills, the better the flavors will develop, resulting in a perfectly cold and refreshing ambrosia recipe. This is a great make-ahead dessert.

Quick Fixes:

• Too thick? Add a splash more orange juice or a tablespoon of milk to reach desired consistency.
• Too bland? A tiny pinch of salt can boost flavors, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Not sweet enough? Add a bit more honey or maple syrup to taste, whisking well.

No cooking equipment beyond bowls and a whisk is needed for this simple ambrosia recipe Citrus Cream With Maraschino Free Cherries.

Portioning, Serving & Pairings for Your Ambrosia Recipe

This ambrosia recipe yields approximately 6 adult portions or 8-10 kid-sized servings; a good adult serving is about 1 cup.

Best Times to Serve

• Weeknight Dessert: A fast, fresh finish to any family dinner.
• Potlucks & Parties: Always a crowd-pleaser and easy to transport.
• Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go snacks or lunches.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of This Ambrosia Recipe

• Power-Packed Protein: Greek yogurt offers a protein boost, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Fiber-Rich & Digestive Health: Loaded with fruit, it’s a natural source of dietary fiber.
• Dietary Flexibility: This ambrosia is naturally gluten-free and easily adapted for vegan or low-carb lifestyles with simple swaps.

Time & Budget Cheatsheet for Easy Ambrosia

Time Breakdown

• Active Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Passive Chill Time: 30 minutes (minimum) to 2 hours (ideal)
• Total Time: 40 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes

Smart Shopping & Make-Ahead Strategy for Ambrosia Recipe Citrus Cream

Where to Buy Your Ingredients

• Supermarket: Your primary source for all canned fruits, yogurt, sour cream, coconut, and fresh grapes.
• Farmers Market: Great for seasonal fresh cherries (if using), often with quality grapes.

Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Pantry

• Canned Fruits: Excellent pantry staples, always on hand for quick ambrosia.
• Fresh & Frozen Fruits: Grapes are best fresh, but thawed frozen dark sweet cherries work well for maraschino-free options.

Pro Tips, Flavor Paths & Safety for Your Ambrosia

Technique Upgrades for the Best Ambrosia

• Moisture Control: Ensure all canned fruits are very well drained; excess liquid thins the cream. I always press canned fruit lightly with a paper towel; it prevents the cream from getting watery.
• Chilling is Key: Don’t rush the chill time; it allows flavors to meld beautifully and the cream to set.

Allergy-Aware Swaps & Safety Notes

• Dairy/Nut-Free: Use coconut yogurt/dairy-free sour cream; substitute nuts with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Safe Fruit Prep & Storage: Wash fresh fruit thoroughly; quarter grapes/cherries for children. Keep refrigerated, not at room temp over 2 hours.

FAQs About This Ambrosia Recipe Citrus Cream With Maraschino-Free Cherries

Q: Is this ambrosia recipe good for weekly meal prep or weight goals?

Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep! Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go servings. The protein from Greek yogurt and fiber from fruit make it a satisfying, goal-friendly treat for healthy eating.

Q: Healthiest substitute for ambrosia if I’m gluten-free/vegan?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For a vegan ambrosia, simply swap Greek yogurt and sour cream for plant-based versions like coconut yogurt and dairy-free sour cream, using equal amounts for a similar texture.

Q: How long do leftovers keep and how to reheat?

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This ambrosia is served cold, so no reheating is needed; just scoop and enjoy! I find that portioning it into small containers right after chilling makes meal prep a breeze.

This delightful ambrosia recipe Citrus Cream With Maraschino Free Cherries is a family-friendly, nourishing dessert that’s quick and easy.

Save this vibrant, healthy eating recipe on Pinterest to enjoy quick meals and sweet treats!

ambrosia recipe Citrus Cream With Maraschino Free Cherries

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Harper Lane
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: General

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This incredibly easy and delightfully fresh ambrosia recipe features a vibrant, creamy-bright texture from a citrus cream base, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s a healthy, quick-to-make dessert transforming simple ingredients into a special lighter option.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 (8 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup (150 g) seedless red grapes, halved
• 0.5 cup (45 g) shredded coconut, unsweetened
• 0.25 cup (30 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 0.25 cup (60 g) sour cream or cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
• Maraschino-Free Cherries (fresh pitted, dried rehydrated, or thawed frozen dark sweet cherries)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep The Fruit: Gently drain mandarin oranges and pineapple well. Halve the red grapes. If using fresh cherries, pit and quarter them.
2. Mix The Citrus Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream (or softened cream cheese), fresh orange juice, honey/maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and beautifully creamy.
3. Combine And Fold: Add the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, halved grapes, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (if using), and your chosen maraschino-free cherries to the cream base. Gently fold everything together until all fruit is coated.
4. Chill And Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and the ambrosia to chill.

Notes

To customize, use coconut yogurt for dairy-free, omit sweetener for lower sugar, use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for nut-free, and add more Greek yogurt for extra protein. If the cream is too thick, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of extra orange juice or milk. A pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon can boost flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200 g)
• Calories: 250 calories
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg