Giada Fruit in Spiced White Wine

A refreshing and light Giada’s Fruit in Spiced White Wine is prepared using white wine, sugar, cardamom, vanilla bean, and a mix of fresh fruits. This easy dessert recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Recipe Ingredients

1¼ cups of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
⅓ cup of sugar
⅛ teaspoon of ground cardamom
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise with seeds scraped out
2 ripe persimmons, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces of strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 cup of green grapes, halved
2 tablespoons of freshly chopped mint leaves
Freshly whipped cream (optional, for serving)

How To Make Giada Fruit in Spiced White Wine

Start by preparing the spiced wine mixture. Pour 1¼ cups of dry white wine into a small saucepan, and add ⅓ cup of sugar, ⅛ teaspoon of ground cardamom, and the vanilla bean and its seeds.
Set the saucepan over medium heat and gently bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar completely dissolves.
While the wine is heating, prepare your fruit. Place the persimmons, strawberries, green grapes, and mint leaves into a medium, heatproof bowl.
As soon as the wine mixture is hot and fragrant, carefully pour it over the fruit in the bowl. Use a soft rubber spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring all the fruit is coated with the spiced wine.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, but no more than 4 hours. For even flavor distribution, gently toss the fruit every hour while it chills.
Before serving, allow the fruit to come to room temperature for the best flavor. If desired, top each portion with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luscious finish.

Recipe Tips

Adjust sweetness: For a sweeter dessert, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the wine mixture before simmering, ensuring it fully dissolves for a smooth flavor.
Boost the spice: Swap cardamom with a cinnamon stick or star anise for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the fruit’s natural flavors.
Use seasonal fruit: Experiment with seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries during summer or citrus slices in winter for a fresh and festive variation.
Make it alcohol-free: Replace white wine with white grape juice or apple cider for a kid-friendly and non-alcoholic version of this dessert.
Add a crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or crushed pistachios over the top before serving to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to each bite.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Fresh?

Frozen fruit can be used, but thaw it completely and drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent the dessert from becoming watery.

How Long Can the Fruit Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, though the texture of the fruit may soften over time.

What Type of White Wine Works Best?

Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, as their crisp and light flavors balance the dessert’s sweetness perfectly.

Can I Skip the Vanilla Bean?

Yes, substitute the vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, adding it after the wine mixture has simmered.

Is It Okay to Serve It Warm?

Absolutely! Serve the dessert warm as a comforting option by skipping the refrigeration step and letting it cool just slightly before serving.

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