15 Berry Desserts So Juicy and Bright They Taste Like Summer
There is something about a bowl of ripe berries that makes everyone smile. These berry desserts bring that same happy feeling to your table, whether you use fresh summer fruit or a bag of frozen berries from the freezer in late October. Some are baked and cozy, some are cool and creamy, and a few take only minutes. Pick one tonight and see which one your family asks for again..
Strawberry Shortcake: Where Great Berry Desserts Begin
Is there a more loved berry dessert than strawberry shortcake? Tender, buttery biscuits get split open while still warm, then piled high with sweet, juicy strawberries and clouds of whipped cream. The berries sit with a little sugar until they make their own bright red syrup that soaks into the biscuit. It feels fancy, yet it is simple enough for a weeknight. Would you eat yours warm or cold?
You will need: You need: 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup cream, 1 pound strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar for the berries, 1 cup whipped cream.
How to make it: Slice the berries, toss with sugar and let them rest 30 minutes. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar and salt, then cut in the butter. Stir in the cream until a soft dough forms. Pat out, cut 6 rounds and bake at 425F for 14 minutes. Split, fill with berries and cream.
Lattice Blueberry Pie
A blueberry pie with a woven lattice top looks like it came from a county fair. Inside, the berries cook down into a thick, glossy, purple filling with a hint of lemon. The trick is to let the pie cool for at least three hours so the filling sets and slices cleanly. Few berry desserts disappear faster, so serve it with vanilla ice cream and watch it go. Do you like your blueberry pie runny or firm?
You will need: You need: 2 pie crusts, 6 cups blueberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 egg for brushing.
How to make it: Toss berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon and salt. Pour into the bottom crust and dot with butter. Cut the second crust into strips and weave a lattice. Brush with egg. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes, then 350F for 40 minutes more. Cool fully before slicing.
Blueberry Crumble Bars, Berry Desserts You Can Pack in a Lunchbox
These bars are like a pie you can hold in your hand. One buttery dough makes both the crust and the crumbly topping, so there is less work and fewer dishes. The blueberry layer turns jammy in the oven while the edges get golden and crisp. They travel well, which makes them perfect for potlucks, school bake sales and road trips. Fresh or frozen berries both work here.
You will need: You need: 3 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup cold butter, 1 egg, 4 cups blueberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 4 teaspoons cornstarch, juice of 1 lemon.
How to make it: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter and stir in the egg until crumbly. Press half into a lined 9×13 pan. Toss berries with sugar, cornstarch and lemon and spread on top. Crumble the rest of the dough over. Bake at 375F for 45 minutes. Cool, then cut into bars.
Blueberry Cheesecake With a Glossy Berry Topping
Creamy, rich cheesecake meets a shiny blueberry topping in this classic berry dessert. The topping is just blueberries simmered with sugar and lemon until they burst and thicken. Spoon it over the cold cheesecake right before serving so it stays bright. It is a showstopper for holidays, birthdays or any day that needs a little extra love. Quick poll: A) graham crust, B) cookie crust, C) no crust at all?
You will need: You need: 1 1/2 cups graham crumbs, 5 tablespoons melted butter, 24 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups blueberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
How to make it: Press crumbs and butter into a springform pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar, then add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Pour over the crust and bake at 325F for 55 minutes. Cool and chill overnight. Simmer berries, sugar, lemon and cornstarch for 5 minutes, cool and spoon on top.
Glazed Strawberry Cake
This tall strawberry cake is soft and fluffy with chopped berries baked right into the batter, then crowned with a shiny strawberry glaze. Every slice shows little pink pockets of fruit. It tastes like a summer afternoon, but frozen berries make it easy to bake any time of year. Bring it to a party, and like all good berry desserts, someone will ask for the recipe before the plates are cleared.
You will need: You need: 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 2 cups chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup strawberry jam for the glaze, 1 cup sliced berries for the top.
How to make it: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder and salt, alternating with milk. Fold in chopped berries. Bake in a 9×13 pan at 350F for 35 minutes. Cool. Top with sliced berries and brush with warmed jam.
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Chocolate and raspberry are one of the best pairs in the world of berry desserts. The deep cocoa cake balances the bright, slightly tart berries, and a swirl of cream on top makes every bite feel special. This is the cake to make for anniversaries, Valentines Day or a cozy night in. Would you add a raspberry jam layer in the middle too?
You will need: You need: 1 3/4 cups flour, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup hot coffee, 1 cup whipped cream, 2 cups fresh raspberries.
How to make it: Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk and oil, then stir in the hot coffee. Pour into two 9 inch pans and bake at 350F for 30 minutes. Cool completely. Stack the layers with cream and raspberries and pile more berries on top.
Strawberry Yogurt Berry Popsicles
Kids love making these, and grown ups love how simple they are. Layer creamy yogurt with crushed strawberries and blueberries in popsicle molds, then let the freezer do the work. The result is a cool, pretty treat with streaks of red and purple. They are a smart way to use berries that are getting soft. What flavor would you add next?
You will need: You need: 2 cups vanilla yogurt, 1 cup strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, popsicle molds and sticks.
How to make it: Mash the strawberries with honey and lemon. Spoon yogurt and mashed berries into molds in layers. Drop in a few whole blueberries. Swirl gently with a skewer. Add sticks and freeze for 6 hours. Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to release.
Fresh Raspberry Tart With Vanilla Cream
A crisp, buttery tart shell filled with silky vanilla pastry cream and topped with rows of fresh raspberries looks like it came from a French bakery. The secret is that every part can be made a day ahead and put together at the last minute. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it sparkle. Is this the prettiest berry dessert on the list?
You will need: You need: 1 tart shell (9 inch), 2 cups milk, 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3 cups raspberries, powdered sugar.
How to make it: Bake the tart shell until golden and cool it. Heat milk. Whisk yolks, sugar and cornstarch, then slowly add the hot milk. Cook, stirring, until thick. Stir in butter and vanilla, cover and chill. Fill the shell, arrange raspberries on top and dust with powdered sugar.
Three Ingredient Strawberry Sorbet for Dairy Free Berry Desserts
You do not need an ice cream machine for this bright, refreshing sorbet. Frozen strawberries, a little sugar and lemon juice get blended until smooth and scoopable. It tastes like pure fruit and is naturally dairy free, so almost everyone can enjoy it. Serve it with a sprig of mint after a heavy holiday meal for a light finish.
You will need: You need: 4 cups frozen strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar or honey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 to 4 tablespoons water, mint for garnish.
How to make it: Let the berries sit for 5 minutes. Add berries, sugar and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend, scraping down the sides, adding water a spoon at a time until smooth. Serve right away as soft serve, or freeze for 2 hours in a loaf pan for firmer scoops.
Easy Berry Parfait Cups, the Fastest Berry Desserts Here
Layers of cream, berry sauce and fresh fruit in a clear glass make a dessert that looks like you worked hard. You did not. This parfait comes together in ten minutes and can be made in the morning for a dinner party. Swap the cream for Greek yogurt and it becomes a lovely breakfast too. Poll time: A) blueberries, B) raspberries, C) strawberries, D) all of them?
You will need: You need: 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 cup mascarpone or cream cheese, 1 cup mixed berries, 1/2 cup berry jam, mint leaves, 4 glasses.
How to make it: Whip cream with sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in the mascarpone. Stir jam with a spoon of water to make a sauce. In each glass, layer sauce, cream and berries. Repeat once more. Top with a blueberry and mint. Chill until serving.
No Bake Fresh Strawberry Pie
This is the berry dessert to make when the strawberries look too good to cook. A baked pie shell gets filled with whole and sliced berries, then covered in a quick, shiny strawberry glaze that sets in the fridge. Every slice is bursting with fresh fruit flavor. A dollop of whipped cream on top is a must. Would you try it?
You will need: You need: 1 baked pie crust, 2 pounds strawberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder, whipped cream.
How to make it: Hull the berries and pile them into the crust. Cook sugar, cornstarch and water until thick and clear. Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin powder. Cool for 10 minutes and pour over the berries. Chill for 4 hours until set. Serve with whipped cream.
Mixed Berry Custard Tart for Holiday Berry Desserts
Why choose one berry when you can have them all? This tart is filled with a smooth custard and topped with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries for a colorful finish. A light brush of warm jelly makes the fruit shine like jewels. It is a beautiful centerpiece for brunch, baby showers or a holiday dessert table.
You will need: You need: 1 tart crust, 1 cup cream, 1/2 cup milk, 3 egg yolks, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3 cups mixed berries, 2 tablespoons apple jelly.
How to make it: Bake the crust and let it cool. Whisk yolks, sugar and cornstarch. Heat cream and milk, then whisk into the yolks. Cook until thick, add vanilla and chill. Spread the custard in the crust. Arrange the berries on top. Melt jelly and brush it over the fruit.
Berry Crepes With Whipped Cream
Thin, golden crepes folded around sweet berries are a treat for a slow weekend morning or a cozy dessert. The batter takes five minutes and can rest in the fridge overnight. Fill them with berries, a drizzle of chocolate and a swirl of whipped cream, and you have a cafe style dessert at home. Sweet or simple, how do you like your crepes?
You will need: You need: 1 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/4 cups milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, pinch of salt, 2 cups mixed berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce.
How to make it: Blend flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar and salt until smooth. Rest 20 minutes. Heat a buttered nonstick pan and pour in a thin layer of batter. Cook 1 minute, flip, cook 30 seconds. Fill each crepe with berries, fold and top with cream and chocolate.
Raspberry Panna Cotta Cups
Panna cotta sounds fancy, but it is just sweet cream set with a little gelatin. Topped with a bright raspberry sauce, it becomes one of the easiest make ahead berry desserts you can serve guests. Make it in glasses so there is no stress about unmolding. The creamy layer and the tangy red sauce are a perfect match.
You will need: You need: 2 cups cream, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 1/4 teaspoons gelatin, 3 tablespoons cold water, 2 cups raspberries, 3 tablespoons sugar for the sauce.
How to make it: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom. Heat cream, milk and sugar until steaming. Stir in the gelatin and vanilla. Pour into glasses and chill 4 hours. Simmer raspberries with sugar for 5 minutes, strain, cool and pour over the set cream.
Blackberry Naked Cake, the Prettiest of All Berry Desserts
A naked cake shows off its layers with just a thin coat of frosting, and fresh blackberries make it look straight out of a garden party. Blackberries are a little tart, which keeps the vanilla cake and cream cheese frosting from tasting too sweet. Add figs or a few herbs on top for a rustic look. For more fruity bakes, try these cranberry recipes that go beyond the can. Which berry dessert will you make first?
You will need: You need: 1 vanilla cake recipe baked in three 8 inch pans, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups blackberries, a few figs or herbs for decoration.
How to make it: Bake the cake layers and cool completely. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Stack the layers with frosting and a few crushed blackberries between them. Spread a thin coat on the outside and scrape most of it off. Top with berries and figs.
