Summer is a great time to indulge your sweet tooth and savor the vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits. There is a bounty of fresh produce, from juicy stone fruits to luscious berries, just waiting to be turned into delectable desserts. This blog post will cover a range of sweet treats that are perfect for both inexperienced bakers and seasoned pastry lovers, all of which are inspired by the abundance of summer fruits. Prepare to up your baking game and satisfy your palate with these delicious treats.
Berrylicious Summer Cake
Start the season off right with a visually stunning Berrylicious Summer Cake that highlights the inherent sweetness of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. At any summer gathering, this cake will look stunning with its crown of fresh berries and dusting of powdered sugar. It is moist and tender. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture alternately with the milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mixed berries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Peachy Keen Pie
Savor the traditional comfort of a Peachy Keen Pie, which highlights the delicious taste of ripe summer peaches baked in a light, buttery crust. Perfect for lazy summer evenings, picnics, and barbecues, this classic dessert is sure to please any number of people. Use a vegan substitute for butter and use oats and almond flour to make a gluten-free pie crust in place of the traditional one.
Ingredients:
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade, use gluten-free crust for GF option)
- 5 cups sliced fresh peaches
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out half of the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced peaches with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated.
- Pour the peach mixture into the prepared pie crust and dot with pieces of butter.
- Roll out the remaining pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Make several small slits in the top crust to vent steam.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.
Tangy Lemon Berry Tart
This visually stunning and delicious Tangy Lemon Berry Tart combines the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of summer berries. With each bite, the array of fresh berries and the tart lemon custard blend harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors. Choose a rice flour and coconut flour combination to make a light and crispy gluten-free tart crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-baked tart crust (store-bought or homemade, use gluten-free crust for GF option)
- 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade, use vegan curd for vegan option)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Spread the lemon curd evenly over the pre-baked tart crust.
- Arrange the fresh berries on top of the lemon curd in a decorative pattern.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tropical Mango Coconut Popsicles
Tropical Mango Coconut Popsicles are a refreshing treat that will take you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Perfect for beating the summer heat. These guilt-free, refreshing, and satisfying dairy-free popsicles are made with rich mango puree and creamy coconut milk. Before freezing, top the popsicles with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Shredded coconut or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the diced mangoes, coconut milk, sugar or honey, and lime juice in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds and garnish with shredded coconut or chopped nuts, if desired.
Watermelon Lime Sorbet
Enjoy a cool, refreshing Watermelon Lime Sorbet on hot summer days, bursting with the natural sweetness of juicy watermelon and the tanginess of fresh lime juice. Delicious and light, this colorful sorbet is ideal as a palate cleanser in between courses or on hot afternoons. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegan, so everyone can indulge without feeling guilty.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
- Lime zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Place the cubed watermelon, lime juice, and sugar or honey in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, use a fork to scrape the partially frozen mixture to break up any ice crystals.
- Return the dish to the freezer and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours or until firm.
- Serve scoops of sorbet garnished with lime zest.
Now that you have a bunch of sweet treats to try that are inspired by summer, it’s time to get in the kitchen and make some yummy desserts using seasonal fruits!
Please leave a comment below with your baking adventures, and don’t forget to tell your friends and family about this post to help spread the love. Make sure to read through our earlier posts for more delicious baking ideas.
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