Summer is the perfect time for light, refreshing, and fruity desserts!
Here are some delicious and easy summer dessert recipes to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth:
1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake
A timeless summer favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions:
- Toss strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden. Let cool.
- Split the shortcakes in half, layer with strawberries and whipped cream, and top with the other half.
2. No-Bake Cheesecake with Fresh Berries
Cool, creamy, and no oven required!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan and chill.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream.
- Spread the mixture over the crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top with fresh berries before serving.
3. Mango Sorbet
A tropical and refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
- Blend mangoes until smooth.
- In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Let cool.
- Mix the mango puree, sugar syrup, and lime juice.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze until firm.
4. Lemon Bars
Tangy, sweet, and perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Press into a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, and zest. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until set. Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
5. Watermelon Granita
A light and icy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
- Blend watermelon, sugar, and lime juice until smooth.
- Pour into a shallow dish and freeze for 1 hour.
- Scrape with a fork every 30 minutes until flaky and frozen (about 3–4 hours). Serve in chilled glasses.
6. Peach Cobbler
Warm, fruity, and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced peaches
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss peaches with 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Place in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter over the peaches. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
7. Pineapple Coconut Popsicles
A tropical frozen treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
- Blend pineapple, coconut milk, and honey until smooth.
- Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours.
8. Berry Trifle
Layers of berries, cake, and cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cake, cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup berry jam
Instructions:
- Layer cake cubes, berries, and whipped cream in a trifle dish.
- Drizzle berry jam between layers. Repeat until the dish is full. Chill before serving.
These summer desserts are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself. Enjoy the flavors of the season!
