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Angela Kamitsi

Baking with Seasonal Fruits: Summer-Inspired Sweet Treats



Discover delightful summer desserts with seasonal fruits! Indulge in pies, cakes, and more bursting with fresh flavors.

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in the vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits while satisfying your sweet cravings. From luscious berries to juicy stone fruits, there's an abundance of fresh produce waiting to be transformed into delicious desserts. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of sweet treats inspired by the bounty of summer fruits, catering to both novice bakers and seasoned pastry enthusiasts. Get ready to elevate your baking game and delight your taste buds with these mouthwatering creations.


1. Berrylicious Summer Cake


Kick off the season with a show-stopping Berrylicious Summer Cake that celebrates the natural sweetness of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. This moist and tender cake, adorned with a crown of fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, is sure to impress at any summer gathering. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe.


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:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture alternately with the milk until just combined.

  6. Gently fold in the mixed berries.

  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

2. Peachy Keen Pie


Indulge in the classic comfort of a Peachy Keen Pie, showcasing the succulent flavor of ripe summer peaches encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This timeless dessert is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or lazy summer evenings. For a vegan twist, use a plant-based butter alternative and replace the traditional pie crust with a gluten-free option made from oats and almond flour.


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:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Roll out half of the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.

  3. In a large bowl, toss the sliced peaches with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated.

  4. Pour the peach mixture into the prepared pie crust and dot with pieces of butter.

  5. Roll out the remaining pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.

  6. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.

  7. Make several small slits in the top crust to vent steam.

  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

  9. Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.

3. Tangy Lemon Berry Tart


Combine the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of summer berries in a Tangy Lemon Berry Tart that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. The zesty lemon custard perfectly complements the assortment of fresh berries, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Opt for a gluten-free tart crust made from a blend of rice flour and coconut flour for a light and crisp base.


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:

  1. Spread the lemon curd evenly over the pre-baked tart crust.

  2. Arrange the fresh berries on top of the lemon curd in a decorative pattern.

  3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

  4. Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

4. Tropical Mango Coconut Popsicles


Beat the summer heat with refreshing Tropical Mango Coconut Popsicles that transport you to a tropical paradise with every lick. Made with creamy coconut milk and ripe mangoes, these dairy-free popsicles are a guilt-free indulgence that's both refreshing and satisfying. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts over the popsicles before freezing.


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:

  1. Place the diced mangoes, coconut milk, sugar or honey, and lime juice in a blender.

  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

  3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.

  4. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

  5. Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds and garnish with shredded coconut or chopped nuts, if desired.

5. Watermelon Lime Sorbet

Cool down on scorching summer days with a refreshing Watermelon Lime Sorbet that's bursting with the natural sweetness of juicy watermelon and the tanginess of fresh lime juice. This vibrant sorbet is a light and refreshing treat that's perfect for hot afternoons or as a palate cleanser between courses. Plus, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence for all to enjoy.


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:

  1. Place the cubed watermelon, lime juice, and sugar or honey in a blender.

  2. Blend until smooth.

  3. Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze for 2 hours.

  4. After 2 hours, use a fork to scrape the partially frozen mixture to break up any ice crystals.

  5. Return the dish to the freezer and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours or until firm.

  6. Serve scoops of sorbet garnished with lime zest.


Now that you have a plethora of summer-inspired sweet treats to try, it's time to head to the kitchen and whip up some delicious desserts using seasonal fruits! Share your baking adventures with us by commenting below and don't forget to spread the love by sharing this post with your friends and family. For more mouthwatering recipes and baking inspiration, be sure to check out our previous posts.


Explore the world of flavors in our "Culinary Chronicles" section, a haven for food enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the art of cooking with our carefully curated cookbooks, now conveniently available for purchase on Amazon. Each page unfolds a symphony of tastes, and every recipe is an invitation to craft unforgettable moments in your kitchen. Take a leap into our collection and transform your culinary endeavors into masterpieces. Your journey to delightful dishes begins here.


Happy Cooking!

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