There is no dessert more synonymous with the summer months than a homemade fruit dessert. These American staples can be found at backyard barbeques across the country as the preferred dessert choice to enjoy after a hearty meal of grilled steaks, fried chicken, and sauteed vegetables. And while some may be self taught baking experts, there are plenty of us who are still learning the ropes. Thankfully, there are plenty of recipes for every level of home baker, from culinary experts to kitchen novices. Many of these guides to baking fruity delights are surprisingly simple and easy to follow, and only require some fresh ingredients, a little bit of time in the kitchen, and a touch of creativity for delicious results. Need some culinary inspiration? We’ve collected some of the most unique and delectable fruit dessert recipes and tips so you can turn your barbeque desserts from “meh” to masterpieces.
Farm Fresh Fruits
Your fruity desserts are only as fresh as their ingredients. High quality fruits make all the difference in the world when it comes to baking a summery dessert. Head to your local farmer’s market or co-op for the chance to score some locally grown fruits that are far fresher than the selection found at your run of the mill grocery store. Once you’ve acquired them, be sure to begin baking as soon as possible in order to maximize their freshness. Pull off your outdoor table cover and spread out your fruit haul to get a head start on your baking. No one wants to indulge in a dessert made with fruits that have been sitting around for days on end!
Pies In The Sky
Cherry, apple, blueberry, strawberry, rhubarb, peach: the possibilities are endless when it comes to fruit-filled pies. These barbeque dessert classics are not only simple to prepare, but are an exciting way to spend an afternoon. No matter which fruit you choose for your pie filling, there are plenty of pointers for baking a dessert that will delight all of your backyard barbeque guests.
- For apple pies, be sure to use a variety of apples for your filling. Not only does it improve texture, the taste profile will become more diverse and delicious.
- Keep your crusts in tip top shape by protecting them with a layer of aluminum foil when par baking. This will prevent any burning of the crust while keeping them perfectly crisp.
- Keep your pie dough cool every step of the way right up until you place it in the oven for a perfect texture and a strong crust that will hold together instead of crumbing away.
Smooth Summer
Dessert doesn’t always have to mean baked goods. In the summer heat there’s never been a better time to whip up a cool fruit smoothie decked out with sweet garnishing touches. While smoothies may seem like an unconventional dessert choice, there are many fruity smoothies that are just as decadent as your typical baked dessert. For the cake lovers, there’s carrot cake and strawberry shortcake inspired smoothies, while tropical paradise and orange creamsicle smoothies keep things fresh for those who love a good popsicle. And the best part about these blended delights? They can be modified from desserts to healthy breakfasts with just a few ingredient swaps. Now that’s what we call a summer win-win.
Tarts And Treats
For those of us who want all the deliciousness of a pie without having to cut and serve slices, tarts are the answer you’ve been looking for. These bite sized treats offer all of the flavor and fun of a pie with the convenience of an individual serving. The two most important parts of a tart are no doubt the shell, which keeps all of the fruity goodness together in one buttery bite, and the custard. A soft shell or runny custard will kill the sweet vibe your tarts in one bite. Premade shells are available at grocery stores, but making your own shells is not nearly as difficult as it may seem. As for fillings, any fruit will do, but many chefs recommend using whichever fruits are in season for the freshest taste. Peaches, blueberries, and blackberries are having their moment in the sun during summer and are sure to taste nothing short of amazing in a homemade barbeque tart. When your tarts have been cooked to perfection, simply pull off your cushion & pillow covers and invite the whole family to enjoy on your patio.
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