21 Fun Christmas Fruit Ideas for Dessert, Dinner, and More

By Hayley Sugg

December 18, 2019

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Credit: Kim

Besides the token orange in the Christmas stocking, fruit don't always earn the spotlight of holiday meals and dishes. But these recipes are ready to change that! Sweet apple butter, tender fruit-stuffed pork loin, and refreshing herbed pomegranate salsa are all in-season and delicious options for your Christmas celebration. Indeed, these Christmas fruit ideas provide a great deal of inspiration for your next menu, whether that's a comforting meal at home or an ultra-glamorous dinner party where you need to impress your spouse's boss.

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Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad

Credit: Jennifer Baker

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This sweet side salad may just steal the show at Christmas dinner. "I will definitely be making it again," says Allrecipes user CookinMommy, "It is sweet, crunchy, and a little bit tangy."

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Grinch Kabobs

Credit: CNM CATERING

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Your heart will grow three sizes with the cuteness of these Grinch Kabobs. If you want to keep the banana from browning, add a little lemon or orange juice to the slices. The best part? Kids can easily help make these simple treats.

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Cranberry Orange Cookies

Credit: Kimberly Kahmann Harvey

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Equally sweet and tart, these seasonal cookies rely on orange zest and chopped cranberries for bursts of flavor. User MJones says, "I usually make cranberry orange bread during the holidays, but from now on I'm making these cookies instead. "

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All-Day Apple Butter

Credit: CC

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You only need five ingredients to make this unbeatable apple butter. This isn't just a yummy topping for toast or waffles, you can also jar it up for a practical (and tasty) gift.

Related: 10 Homemade Food Gifts to Get Started On Right Now

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Fruit-Stuffed Pork Loin

Credit: mauigirl

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Pork already makes for a great holiday main — including crown roast of pork — but by stuffing it with seasonal dried fruit it becomes a unique and delicious dish that's wonderful for a weeknight meal but still special enough for a Christmas dinner.

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Christmas Cinnamon Pears

Credit: SHORECOOK

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No one will miss these stand-out cinnamon pears thanks to their bright red color. User Mary Baner says, "At holidays with all the fuss and pressure, this is quick and looks as if you have spent hours creating it."

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Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts

Credit: Chef John

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Tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts combine with creamy brie for an irresistible appetizer. Many reviewers recommend sticking the dish in the freezer for a few minutes to make slicing easier.

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Janet's Rich Banana Bread

Credit: FoodFan

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Classic banana bread gets an upgrade with rich additions like sour cream and melted butter. Add extra flavor to the bread with a dash of your favorite wintery spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg.

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Caramel Apple Pork Chops

Credit: CoOkInGnUt

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A beloved combo, pork and apples unite to create a wow-worthy winter dish. Love things extra saucy? Some reviewers recommend doubling the sauce ingredients for a more generous serving.

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Hot Spiced Christmas Wine

Credit: The Gruntled Gourmand

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Spiced wine can warm you up on even the coldest of evenings. Slices of fresh oranges add a bright zip to this bold drink.

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Herbed Pomegranate Salsa

Credit: Julie Castro

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Pomegranate seeds, along with a range of herbs, are the star of this unusual appetizer. "This recipe is fabulous, it is like a party in your mouth with all of the flavors," says user Kristen Mcintosh.

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Baked Apple Roses

Credit: Ariel Liberda

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Delicately sliced apples are placed in puff pastry to create these adorable roses. For easier serving, try baking in cupcake liners.

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Cranberry-Orange Tea Ring

Credit: SunnyDaysNora

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Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or tea time, this tangy pastry can do it all. The rapid-rise yeast used makes this a relatively quick bake, but with all the soft texture of a yeasty bread.

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Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie

Credit: Dianne

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Creamy lemon filling is key to this delicious Grandma-made dessert. Remember to not wrap it with plastic wrap after baking, otherwise you'll be left with an overly wet pie.

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Cranberry Clafouti

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine

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This classic French dessert gets a decadent upgrade with the addition of cranberries and Grand Marnier. If using all cranberries is too tart for you, add in some sweeter berry varieties to balance out the flavor.

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Blood Orange Tart

Credit: Kim

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If you're searching for a show-stopping dessert, then this tart will check all your boxes. The tangy blood orange filling is housed in a tender shortbread crust, before being decorated with fresh citrus slices.

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Poached Pears Belle Helene

Credit: Chef John

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To make this delicate fruit dish, pears are poached in a vanilla syrup before being dipped in chocolate. The best part is this recipe works equally well with bruised pears, so there's no need to waste less-than-perfect fruit.

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Hasselback Pear Tart

Credit: Nicholio

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Hasselbacked pears and sweet cream cheese frosting are delicately layered in this impressive tart. The three pear varieties used ensure a variety of flavors and colors.

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Pavlova with Winter Fruits

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Crunchy meringues are layered with creamy lemon curd and tender winter fruits in this unusual dessert. As a bonus, the recipe is naturally gluten-free so you can easily accommodate any gluten-sensitive guests.

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French Apple Tart (Tarte de Pommes a la Normande)

Credit: Caroline A

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Don't hide your apples under a pie crust. Instead make this beautiful tart to display them front and center. User cookiecoco says, "This baby comes out beautiful and taste like a trip to Paris!"

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Persimmon Cheesecake with Blueberries

Credit: AnastasiasKitchen

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Give persimmons the recognition they deserve by putting them into a stellar cheesecake. The bright orange color and sweet taste are contrasted with a sprinkling of tart blueberries on top.

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By Hayley Sugg