Tutti frutti is an Italian confection made with sliced fruit which has been candied or dried to preserve it. The fruit in tutti frutti is often brightly colored with various dyes to make it more visually interesting, and it may be used in a variety of ways. Classically, tutti frutti is used in ice cream and confections like spumoni. Many markets carry tutti frutti, along with products which are manufactured with it.

In Italian, “tutti frutti” means “all fruit,” so it should not surprise you to learn that a wide variety of fruits can be used in tutti frutti. Essentially, as long as it dries well, any fruit can be included in a tutti frutti mix. Some common fruits include: pineapple, papaya, mango, apricot, and grapefruit, although many others can be used, and sometimes nuts are employed as well. All of the fruit is generally diced fairly small, making it difficult to recognize by sight, especially after it has been dyed.

Traditionally, tutti frutti is sold preserved in brandy, with cooks ladling out what they need as they need it. Several firms also make a mixed fruit flavoring which they call tutti frutti; this flavoring usually comes in the form of a syrup which can be drizzled onto food or blended into food as it is prepared. Like regular tutti frutti, the flavoring tends to be very sweet.

Tutti frutti can be used in ice cream, cakes, and other confections, such as cookies and scones. Many people like to use it in holiday baking, because the colors are bright and festive. Some stores sell several varieties of tutti frutti, ranging from traditional versions preserved in brandy to dry versions which come in sealed plastic packaging.

In addition to purchasing tutti frutti, you can also make it at home. If you are feeling especially motivated, you can dry and chop the fruit yourself, coloring it if desired. You can also use dried fruit purchased at the store to make your own tutti frutti blend. In both cases, having more control over the ingredients can be an advantage, especially if you want a particular flavor. You can also package your tutti frutti and give it out during the holidays.