Summer is all about light refreshing flavors and treats to help us cool down in the summer heat. It’s time to play with tropical fruits & incorporate delicious ice creams into recipes. The summer harvest offers a wide variety of seasonal ingredients for your desserts. Capture the essence of summer on your taste buds as we dive into some ideas to spark your creativity.
Fruit
Summertime is synonymous with an explosion of juicy fruits and luscious berries. Incorporating seasonal fruits into your bakes adds natural sweetness and a delightful pop of flavor.
Tropical Fruit:
Tropical fruits and flavors are synonymous with summer and exotic beaches. Incorporate a taste of the tropics with ingredients like pineapple, coconut, mango, passion fruit, and kiwi.
Berries:
Summer is the peak season for berries as this is when they reach their peak of juiciness and flavor. Not only can you top your treats with fresh berries, but you can also incorporate them into your batters for a hint of sweetness and a burst of flavor.
Citrus Zest:
Citrus thrives in the summer. Bring a burst of tanginess to your baked goods by adding a little zest. Most people will gravitate toward lemon zest but you can also experiment with limes, oranges, grapefruit, or even yuzu. Nothing is more refreshing than a touch of citrus.
Ice Cream
Ice cream might be consumed all year round but nothing beats ice cream during those summer months. Summer is peak season for ice cream treats and desserts, the sky is the limit with what you can create.
Ice Cream Sandwiches:
The Ice cream sandwich is a classic summer treat that combines a cookie, wafer, or baked goods with ice cream. Bake a batch of soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies or brownies, and place a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor in between. Roll the edges in colorful sprinkles or some nuts for added texture. With endless flavor combinations, ice cream sandwiches are a delightful way to enjoy a frozen summer treat.
Ice Cream Pies and Tarts:
Create delicious Ice cream pies and desserts by combining a crumbly buttery crust with velvety ice cream fillings. Fill it with layers of your favorite ice cream, and top with whipped cream, fresh fruits, or chocolate sauce. You can also try mini-ice cream tarts using a tart shell filled with a scoop of ice cream. These frozen treats are sure to provide a refreshing end to any summer meal.
Ice Cream Cakes:
Take your skills to the next level by creating a delicious ice cream cake. Layer cake rounds or cookies with different ice cream flavors, creating a beautiful and decadent frozen dessert. Customize the cake by adding delicious fillings like fudge, caramel, or crushed cookies between the layers. Finish it off with a generous coating of whipped cream, sprinkles, or grated chocolate. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Baking with seasonal ingredients allows you to fully savor the vibrant flavors of summer. So head over to your local farmers market and indulge in the freshest flavors of summer. What is your favorite flavor this season? Let us know in the comments below!