Summertime is the perfect time for sweet treats! The colder months are all about warm puddings, but summer is the time to get creative with refreshing desserts that tantalise the taste buds.
In this post, we'll reveal some fabulous summer desserts that will please your friends and family. Ready to go?
Let's do this.
The Classics
We live in a constantly changing world, and sometimes it's hard to keep up. Well, these desserts are long time favourites and prove that some things are meant to live on.
Eton Mess
This delightful dessert is a classic English summertime treat. It's made with meringue, whipped cream, and fruit - usually strawberries.
Perhaps the best thing about the traditional Eton Mess is it's so easy to make.
All you need is the above ingredients. Better still, you can put a healthier twist on an Eton Mess by swapping cream with Greek yoghurt.
Pavlova
Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dish is a meringue-based dessert often served with fresh fruit.
Pavlovas are sweet, creamy, and a traditional British dessert which is ideal as a BBQ dessert.
Summer Fruits Tart
A tart made with summer fruits is the perfect way to show off seasonal produce, including any fruit, although berries are always a safe option because they're popular with everyone.
If you're not a fan of baking, cut some corners and buy ready-made tart cases. All you need to do is fill them with your chosen fruits and sauce.
Ice Cream Cake
Is there anything more refreshing than ice cream on a hot day? You can do so much with ice cream cakes because they're versatile. This popular dessert combines two fan favourites; ice cream and cake!
Why not keep it traditional and go for a classic Victoria Sponge? Or you can get creative with an Oreo themed ice cream cake. Remember that these desserts won't last long outside, so keep them chilled for as long as possible.
Strawberries and Cream
A summer classic, strawberries and cream is a refreshing dessert that you can whip up in minutes. All you need is some fresh strawberries and whipping cream.
If you want to get a bit fancy, you can make your own strawberry sauce by cooking the strawberries down with sugar until they form a syrup. Serve this on top of the whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Baked Alaska
This retro dessert is making a comeback! Baked Alaska combines ice cream, sponge cake and meringue - how could it not be delicious?
It's best served straight from the oven so that the ice cream stays soft and melty in the middle.
You can get creative with flavours, and while it's not mainly a summer dessert, you won't regret choosing it for your gathering.
Trifle
This is another English classic and one that's perfect for summer. A trifle is a layered dessert made with sponge fingers, fruit, custard and cream.
Trifles are also perfect if you want to use up a leftover cake or any excess fruit you may have lying around.
Simply layer everything up and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Unique Summer Desserts
While these desserts are popular, they're also common, and most people will expect them at a summer gathering.
So, if you'd like to go out of the box and offer your guests something more unique, these ideas won't fail you.
Frozen Yoghurt Bark
Frozen yoghurt bark is so simple to make, and all you have to do is pour yoghurt onto a baking tray, top it with your favourite fruits, nuts or seeds, and then freeze.
Once it's frozen solid, simply break it into pieces and enjoy.
Pick and Mix
This is an excellent option if you're preparing a dessert for a large group of people with different dietary requirements.
Simply set up a table with bowls of various fruits, biscuits, sauces and sweets, then let everyone create their masterpiece.
There are plenty of summer sweets to choose between, including nougat, cola bottles and marshmallows.
Creamy Fruit Salad
A fruit salad might not sound like an exciting dessert, but this one is worth trying. It's made with yoghurt, honey and any fruit you like.
We recommend using seasonal fruits for the best flavour and texture. Once you mix everything, place it in the fridge and serve chilled.
Slushy Drinks
Slushies are refreshing and make a great dessert for kids (and adults!). Simply buy some fruit juice, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Once they're frozen solid, blend in a blender or food processor until you have a smooth consistency.
Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately. You can also add some booze to your slushies for an adult-only version.
Worms in Mud
Worms in mud might not sound like the most delicious dessert, but it's good! It combines chocolate mousse/pudding, crushed cookies and gummy worms.
Simply layer everything up in a glass and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
While this isn't going to be a hit with adults, younger people love the idea of this dessert, and many popular restaurants recreate it.
Greek Yoghurt Lollies
These are a healthier alternative to store-bought lollies, and they're just as delicious! All you need is some Greek yoghurt and fruit. Simply mix everything, pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze.
You can use any fruit you like, but we recommend using berries or stone fruits for the best flavour. Greek yoghurt lollies taste amazing, but they're much healthier than sugary ice cream and a great choice if you want to promote healthier eating.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Ice cream sandwiches have always been popular in the USA, but Oreo has now made them a UK favourite. Why not make your own?
All you need is some freshly baked (or shop-bought) cookies and your favourite ice cream.
Scoop the ice cream between two cookies, then wrap and freeze. When you're ready to serve them, take them out of the freezer and enjoy!
The Wrap Up
Summer desserts are a great way to cool down on a hot day, and there are plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you prefer traditional treats or want to go out of the box, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to follow our blog. We regularly update it with awesome tips, tricks and confectionery news.