When the summer heat is at its height, it’s natural to crave frozen treats. But it’s also an indication that summer produce is at peak ripeness. Right now, fruit is amazingly sweet all on its own, making dessert quick and easy to come by.
I have this problem. I can’t seem to make it home from the farmer’s market with all of my fruit. I make big plans as I pick and choose—peach cobbler, poached cherries, apricot pancakes—and then it starts. A nibble turns into a bite, more bites turn into a full-fledged snack. Then there’s not quite enough for any of my big plans.
I always tell myself to buy more, but the truth is that fresh fruit is best enjoyed naturally this time of year. Don’t get me wrong: I have a sweet tooth and love a good baked good, but nothing beats the fleeting fresh flavors of perfectly ripe fruit.
No point in complaining. Fresh summer fruit is a gift and I’m glad to accept. So while I’ve happily churned out a couple of pies and cobblers this summer, I’m also enjoying the fact that dessert is easiest—and best—kept simple.
Here are a few ideas for you to enjoy the same:
- Sprinkle hulled and chopped berries with sugar and lemon or lime zest. Allow them to sit in a bowl in the fridge for a couple of hours. The berries will release juices making them a killer topping for anything from yogurt to waffles (especially if the waffles are stuffed with ice cream).
- Mix honey into frozen Greek-style yogurt and top with fresh peaches.
- Spread nutella on crepes and roll them up with fresh cherries.
- Spoon fruit over ice cream and top with crumbled biscotti.
- Blend vanilla yogurt with a dollop of cream cheese and lemon zest. Top with fresh apricots.
- Mix ricotta with a dash of vanilla, maple syrup, cardamom, and cinnamon. Serve as a topping on fresh plums (roasted or grilled, if you have the time).
- Make a fruit smoothie and pour it into popsicle molds and freeze for a lower-calorie frozen snack.
What are your favorite easy fresh fruit desserts?
