When it comes to summer dessert, nothing is better than fresh fruit. Berries, melons, peaches, and more are at their ripest, and most fruit can be eaten straight or doused in a little honey or cream. But sometimes you want something a little more complex, that still highlights the best summer flavors—or you're looking to use up a pint of berries before they go bad. That's why we come bearing the best fruit dessert recipes that you simply must try out this summer.
Naturally sweet and full of flavor, fruit makes the perfect addition to cake recipes, pie recipes, and other treats. This season, we invite you to make a blackberry-filled dessert the freshest finale to all your summer dinners. You can also stick to classics like cherry pie and berry cobbler, but we encourage you to think outside the box, too. Try semifreddo—a creamy cousin to ice cream cake that easy to make and easier to finish. Or you can add grown-up twists to your after-dinner treat, like cucumber key lime pie or blueberry-basil frozen yogurt.
A handful of cool concoctions, like a berry icebox cake and blueberry yogurt ice pops, will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, they'll also help you beat the heat. And remember, fruity fares don’t need to be classified as strictly after-dinner indulgences — some of these are perfectly at home at the breakfast table as they are capping off dinner. (Either way, they pair well with a cup of coffee!) No excuse is needed to try your hand at a new fruit dessert recipe (although the lemon curd mousse will be a certified party pleaser). For even more ideas, check out these healthy dessert recipes.
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1
Peach Upside-Down Cake
Almost magically simple to make, this bourbony cake benefits when the summer peaches are at their sweetest, just at the point of being overripe.
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2
Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo
Any summer berry will work in this velvety, creamy cool dessert. But fresh raspberries look particularly striking.
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3
Cherries Jubilee Ice Cream
Fresh pitted cherries and a generous portion of brandy give this summery scoop all the flavor of its namesake dish.
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4
Blackberry Buckle Ice Cream
Another classic dessert that's arguably even better as an ice cream, save this recipe for right after you've gone blackberry picking!
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5
Raspberry Crumb Bars
These easy bars may just be the best use of rolled oats and fresh raspberries we've seen.
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6
Fruit and Nut Trifle
Is there anything more elegant (or sneakily simple) than a decent trifle, in a big, beautiful bowl? We think not.
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7
Cucumber-Key Lime Pie
Hear us out: Your average key lime pie is delicious, but it can be a tad straightforward. Adding cucumber gives it a mildly refreshing counterpoint flavor. Guests will wonder what you did to make it taste so good.
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8
Blueberry Basil Frozen Yogurt
Lighter than ice cream and far more delicious than the store-bought kind, this blueberry fro-yo takes on a superbly grown-up flavor with the addition of fresh basil.
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9
Blackberry Tart
Got fresh blackberries? Quick: Make this elegant, delicious tart! All you need are pre-made pie crusts and some mascarpone.
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10
Blueberry Mint co*cktail
Sometimes the best dessert is a relaxing co*cktail. Fresh blueberries and a few sprigs of garden mint make this whiskey drink the perfect summer refresher.
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11
Pie-Spiced Apple Fritters
You know what they say—an apple fritter a day keeps the doctor away...or something like that. No matter the season, these little guys give regular apple pies a run for their money.
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12
Chamomile-Mascarpone Tart With Fresh Strawberries
Even without the strawberry toppings, this dreamy tart largely owes its light, fruity flavoring to an unexpected ingredient: chamomile tea.
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13
Cast-Iron Apple-Blackberry Crumble With Sour Cream Whip
A dollop of whipped cream and fruit desserts go hand in hand. Get the best of both worlds with this sweet-meets-tangy treat.
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14
Mini Stars Berry Pies
These cute-as-a-butt0n pies have inspired a new summer motto: red, white, and scoop of ice cream.
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15
Blackberry Almond Buckle
Serve this streusel-topped buckle with crème fraîche for an elegant dessert.
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16
Meyer Lemon Pie
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17
Orange-Chamomile Cake
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18
Duke's Lemon Drop Sheet Cake
This 12-serving tangy dessert is the perfect size for your next neighborhood cookout.
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19
Apple-Cinnamon Layer Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting
Use Pink Lady or Granny Smith apples to make this decadent three-layer cake.
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20
Jiffy Mixed Berry Cornmeal Cobbler
Any variety of berries works with this cobbler recipe—go for an assortment for more dimensional flavor.
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