Beat the Heat with Sweet Summer Treats

Our Community feature by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

As temperatures heat up this summer, it’s time to cool down with some sweet treats. After all, summer means eating outdoors, and no backyard barbecue is complete without a sweet seasonal dessert.

Summer desserts are the best because you can cool down with a rich and creamy ice cream sundae or you can enjoy a colorful, flavorful and lighter treat using delicious seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries and peaches. Or, put those seasonal fruits on top of your ice cream sundae and have the best of both worlds!

Either way, summertime calls for fun and relaxation, so back away from the brownie batter because there’s no need to turn on your oven! Instead, let’s whip up some delicious and simple summer treats.

Let’s start with fruit pizza. Oh yes, this is the showstopper of desserts. It is super simple, perfect for a party and it’s so easy to make! Start with a soft sugar cookie base that you can buy at the store. Add a layer of cream cheese and create your own pattern of fruit using seasonal selections like blueberries, kiwi, raspberries and pineapple. Top it all off with a little whipped cream and your guests will surely be impressed.

Next up is a fun and fruity twist to your traditional s’mores. Try adding sliced strawberries and substitute gourmet chocolate chip cookies for the graham crackers. Or slice some bananas and add a dollop of peanut butter for extra gooey goodness.

One of the easiest-to-make, crowd-pleasing desserts out there is the icebox cake. While it doesn’t necessarily travel well, it is a huge hit when you’re the host! All you need is a box of ice cream sandwiches, sugar, vanilla extract, chocolate sauce and toppings of your choice. The important thing to remember is that it needs to set in the freezer for three hours before serving.

Speaking of ice cream, if you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned hand-dipped cone, a creamy milkshake or a big banana split, we know the place to go. Head over to The Sugaree in Newtown Square, where they want to make your day a little sweeter.

Finally, cool summer treats would not be complete without popsicles. It’s time to ditch the plastic wrapper pops from the grocery store and make your own gourmet frozen treats! All you need is to puree some fruit like papaya and raspberries, then add in some sugar, a pinch of salt and lime juice to your liking. Have fun experimenting with combinations of seasonal fruits. Just be sure to taste the mixture before you freeze the batch.

Remember that many deserts can be modified to meet specific dietary needs. Whether you want dairy-free, sugar-free or gluten-free, many of our area stores carry pre-made options or have alternate ingredients so you, too, can enjoy a little treat!