Fruity Delight might strike some as an odd duck, but it is a delicious one! It’s essentially a rice pudding that uses tender, small cut pasta instead of rice. The dressing is rich and custardy, infused with tropical pineapple flavor, and the pudding itself is soft and filled with juicy oranges, sweet pineapples, and even fluffy clouds of marshmallows. Fruity Delight is truly a delight, an ethereally light dessert that will leave you refreshed and craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (16-ounce) package acini di pepe pasta, can substitute with orzo
- 3 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
- 2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 (12-ounce) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
- maraschino cherries, optional, for topping
Directions
Step 1 –In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, the flour, and the salt.
Step 2 –Gradually stir the pineapple juice into the sugar mixture.
Step 3 –Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
Step 4 –Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the eggs, gradually adding it and whisking constantly to temper them.
Step 5 –Add the egg mixture to the juice mixture once the eggs are tempered. Stir constantly.
Step 6 –Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes.
Step 7 –Transfer the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the lemon juice.
Step 8 –Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and cool to room temperature without stirring.
Step 9 –Cover the surface of the mixture with waxed paper, then refrigerate until cooled, about 1 hour-1 hour 30 minutes.
Step 10 –Cook the pasta according to package directions.
Step 11 –Drain and rinse the pasta in cold water.
Step 12 –Place the pasta in a large bowl and stir in the oranges, the pineapple, the marshmallows, the coconut, and the dressing mixture.
Step 13 –Fold in the whipped topping.
Step 14 –Cover and refrigerate the delight until chilled, about 3 hours.
Step 15 –Serve, garnished with the cherries.