The registered dietitians at Healthier Tomorrows truly do believe that all foods fit – there is always a place for the savory and the sweet, for appetizers and desserts! So, to help welcome in the warmer weather and the more relaxed days of summer, we have compiled here a few of our favorite summer desserts… please enjoy!!
This dish is very refreshing after a day outside or even to add to a day of self-care this summer! I love the sweetness of the fresh strawberries and light/creaminess of the homemade whipped cream. It truly is a wonderful snack or dessert. This recipe can be modified based on preferences as well. Peaches and blackberries are another great option!
My go-to summer dessert is cooling down with any sort of ice cream! I’m not too picky either – a local ice cream shop, ice cream truck, or the grocery store will do the trick. I’m always debating if I go the fruity flavor route or chocolate/cookie direction. If I’m going the fruity route, I might end up with something along the lines of raspberry cheesecake ice cream, while if I’m going in the other direction, I might opt for a simple chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich! Either way, it always hits the spot!
I have such happy memories through my childhood of eating chocolate eclair cake at potlucks, and it’s still my go-to summer dessert recipe! It’s easier to make than it may sound, only requiring 5 ingredients. Plus, it’s a no-bake recipe which helps keep your home cooler than using your oven in the midst of the summer heat. The best part (besides how yummy it is!) is that you can make it ahead of time and it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator!
No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake (there are many variations, but here’s one! https://www.thecountrycook.net/eclair-cake/#recipe)
I love ice cream cake! There are tons of variations out there. A personal favorite is a Buster Bar ice cream cake. My mom made something like this growing up so I have many fond memories. I love that you don’t have to turn on the oven and it doesn’t take too much effort. The hardest thing about it is planning ahead to give yourself enough time for each layer to freeze. But the great thing is it can be made many days in advance.
https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/buster-bar-ice-cream-dessert/
Anna Kreiser<
My favorite summer dessert is a red, white, and blue trifle! It’s easy to put together and combines all the tasty sweets into one. This a recipe I enjoy using: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36321045/red-white-and-blue-trifle/ but instead of making my own whip (the cream cheese and granulated sugar). I use cool whip for convenience. This is my go-to dessert to bring to family gatherings and parties.
Homemade banana muffins! This is a current favorite in our house! Although they serve as a delicious dessert, they are great as a balanced snack too. They freeze well, so I typically make 2-3 times the recipe and freeze extras so they are readily available!
My favorite is a grilled peach crumble with ice cream!
I love grilling in the summer so if I can do that with a dessert than I am IN! There are many components to this dessert that pair well together like the hot and cold contrast and the smooth and crunchy combo. Such a tasty dish!
One of my favorite summer treats is super refreshing and very simple to make. After cutting up a watermelon, freeze some of the cubes and keep them to make this Watermelon Lime Slush. It’s hydrating, tart and has the perfect amount of sweetness: Blend 2 cups of frozen watermelon and the juice from one lime in a blender. Add mint as a garnish and serve in a glass. Enjoy!!
Combine frozen bananas and nut butter of choice in the food processor or blender, blend until smooth, and enjoy!
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out yogurt into a smooth layer. Top with mini chocolate chips, coconut shreds, and fruit of choice, and freeze for at least 2 hours. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Peel ripe bananas and insert a popsicle stick. Dip in melted chocolate and roll in sprinkles or nuts of choice. Let cool on parchment paper and store in a gallon freezer bag. Keep in the freezer for an easy grab-and-go cold sweet treat!
Article by Megan J. Campbell, MS, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S