6 Tasty Candied Fruit Tray ideas That Will Wow your Guests

Candied fruit trays have become a staple in almost all types of gatherings because of how easy it is to make, the varieties you can make, as well as the fact that they add sweetness, color, and a touch of elegance to any gathering.

So regardless of what the event is, be it a holiday celebration, a wedding, or you are just thinking of how to give your guests a special and mind-blowing dessert, a properly prepared candied fruit tray is, without doubt, the right choice.

Tasty Candied Fruit Tray ideas

1. Classic Candied Fruit Staples

For decades, a good number of fruits have been used in candied form, and they have grown to become very popular especially when it comes to the art of confectionary. Keep in mind that these timeless fruits are super perfect for any tray:

• Candied Orange Peels

Your guests will love the zesty, aromatic, and slightly bitter, candied orange peels that guarantee an exciting burst of citrus flavor. The bright orange hue inculcates a lovely contrast to the tray, and their chewy texture aligns perfectly with other softer fruits.

• Candied Pineapple

Pineapple has its own natural sweetness that will be heightened when candied. It delivers a tropical flavor with a chewy yet soft texture, and this makes it one of the best options to pair with other fruits.

• Candied Cherries

This is one common option you will find in holiday cakes and desserts. Note that candied cherries are soft and slightly tart. Their vivid red color also ensures that they’re visually appealing.

• Candied Ginger

This is a good option since the spicy and sweet candied ginger gives a unique contrast to the other fruits. Aside from that, its warmth and slight heat will interfere with the sweetness, infusing variety into the flavor profile.

2. Exotic Candied Fruit Options

This is the option to go with if the plan is to put together a more adventurous and diverse candied fruit tray. These unique choices will impress guests with their rarity as well as their not-so-common flavors:

• Candied Mango

This tropical fruit when candied still keeps its juicy sweetness while becoming slightly chewy. In addition, its rich yellow-orange color will make it visually alluring and enticing.

• Candied Papaya

This is another tropical fruit you would also like to consider. Note that when Candied, it becomes softer and will give off a very ravishing flavor. Keep in mind that it is less common than other fruits; howbeit, its bright orange-red color will set it apart

• Candied Kiwi

You would also want to go with this option owing to its vibrant green color and tart sweetness. Note that when candied, kiwi infuses both flavor and visual contrast to the tray.

• Candied Kumquats

Another good option that will add a good quantity of citrus flavor and a unique texture. Note that their slight bitterness aligns well with the sweetness and makes it one of the best-sophisticated choices.

3. Dried and Candied Combination

This is an option where you can combine candied fruits with dried fruits on the tray to ensure that your guests can enjoy a wide array of textures and flavors that align with each other:

• Candied and Dried Apricots

Candied apricots will keep your guests happy due to their rich, honey-like sweetness, whereas dried apricots are well renowned for being tangy and chewy, guaranteeing a pleasing contrast.

• Candied and Dried Figs

Note that when candied, fig produces a soft, jammy texture, although dried figs are dense and chewy. Keep in mind that the pairing guarantees a rich and robust flavor profile.

• Candied and Dried Cranberries

Candied cranberries will indeed turn out to be sweet and tangy, whereas dried cranberries will come out with a little tarter bite. When combined, they produce a mind-blowing balance of flavors.

4. Pairing with Nuts and Chocolate

Note that infusing nuts and chocolate into your candied fruit tray will in many ways boost its gourmet status. Aside from that, the contrasting flavors and textures will ensure guests cannot resist having a taste:

• Candied Pecans or Walnuts

Note that the crunchy texture of candied nuts guarantees an exciting contrast to the soft fruits. Additionally, the nuts as well infuse a caramelized, nutty sweetness that aligns perfectly with most candied fruits.

• Chocolate-Dipped Candied Fruits

This simply refers to dipping candied orange peels, cherries, or pineapple slices in dark chocolate. Note that this will work to add a unique layer of flavor. Also, note that the bitterness of the chocolate further elevates the sweetness of the fruit.

• Chocolate-Covered Almonds or Hazelnuts

This entails scattering some chocolate-covered nuts around the tray to give it that additional rich touch. Note that this aligns perfectly with the fruit and ensures an astonishing crunch.

5. Herbs and Spices for Added Flavor

Adding herbs and spices to your candied fruit tray will indeed inculcate a distinctive layer of complexity and sophistication. Below are some ideas to give extensive consideration:

• Candied Rosemary Orange Peels

Note that adding rosemary to the sugar syrup before candying orange peels will infuse a delicate, subtle savory note that aligns perfectly with the citrusy sweetness.

• Spiced Candied Apples

This entails making use of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg when making candied apples. Keep in mind that the warmth of the spices will align with the apple’s natural tartness, giving it a festive flavor that is ideal for autumn or winter gatherings.

• Candied Lavender Lemon Slices

This means adding lavender into the syrup when making candied lemon slices to give it a distinctive floral note that aligns very well with the bright, tart citrus.

6. Seasonal and Themed Candied Fruit Trays

It is also recommended you seek ways to align your candied fruit tray to the season or occasion to further elevate the entire dining experience. Below are a good number of ideas for creating themed trays:

• Holiday-Themed Tray

You would want to offer red and green fruits like candied cherries, cranberries, and kiwi. Note that it is possible to infuse candied ginger for warmth and top it up with chocolate-dipped oranges to give it that festive touch.

• Tropical Summer Tray

The perfect options include candied mango, papaya, and pineapple, accompanied by accents of candied coconut strips or lime peels. Be sure to serve with chilled drinks to make it a complete and refreshing summer treat.

• Spring and Floral Tray

Be sure to come up with a light, floral-themed tray that features candied lavender, lemon slices, and rose petal-infused fruits. Combine with delicate, pastel-colored desserts to ensure guests can enjoy a well-organized spring event.