Calling all sweet tooths, we’ve got some tasty summer treats for you! The bounty of fresh, seasonal produce that summer brings allows us to indulge our sweet tooth without totally abandoning our health goals.
From grilled peaches to no-bake blueberry cheesecake, this collection of summer indulgences offers the perfect balance of flavour, texture, and feel-good ingredients.
-
Grilled Peaches with Honey-Sweetened Whipped Mascarpone
This simple yet elegant dessert showcases the natural sweetness of the summery peaches, while a dollop of subtly sweetened whipped mascarpone provides a rich and creamy contrast. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice fresh peaches in half, brush with olive oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until softened and slightly charred. Next, in a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese with 2-3 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup) and a few drops of vanilla (or almond) extract until light and fluffy. Serve the warm grilled peaches with a generous spoonful of whipped mascarpone and prepare to transport to foodie heaven.
-
Strawberry Shortcake
A summertime classic, strawberry shortcake celebrates fresh, seasonal flavours. Start with store-bought shortcakes to save time. Next, prepare your strawberries and whipped cream: Slice 1 pound of fresh strawberries and toss them with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a separate bowl with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Assemble the shortcakes by splitting them in half and topping them with the sweetened strawberries and whipped cream. If you're in a hurry, you can also purchase whipped cream to save a little more time. If entertaining, tear some mint leaves as a fresh and fancy garnish.
-
Lemon Mousse
For a light and refreshing lemon mousse, try whipping up some Greek yogurt until it's smooth and creamy. Then, stir in a couple of tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it. You can also zest a lemon and fold that into the mixture for an extra burst of citrusy flavour. Finally, gently fold some whipped egg whites to give the mousse a light, airy texture. Spoon the lemon mousse into individual serving dishes and refrigerate until chilled and set. Garnish with a lemon slice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving this healthy and delicious treat.
-
Greek Yogurt Fruit Pops with Caramel or Chocolate Swirl
These creamy, wholesome pops are a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth on a hot summer day. Mix 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh mango or strawberries. Spoon the yogurt mixture into popsicle moulds, stopping halfway (or twice for a layered effect) to drizzle caramel sauce or melted dark chocolate, then insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 6 hours but preferably overnight to be firmly set and ready to enjoy.
-
Berry Crumble with Grain-Free Granola & Frozen Yogurt
Celebrate summer berries bursting with flavour with this easy-to-make crumble. In a large bowl, gently toss 3 cups of mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) with 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Transfer to a baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of grain-free granola (or oat-based granola), 1/4 cup of almond flour, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted), and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle the granola mixture over the berries. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of your favourite frozen yogurt or ice cream.
-
Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake
This no-bake dessert is the perfect make-ahead treat for warm-weather entertaining. In a food processor, blend 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer graham crackers, the cheesecake mixture, and 2 cups of fresh blueberries repeating the layers until all the ingredients are used up. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours. Serve chilled.
* Disclaimer: The photos featured in this article are for inspiration and example purposes only. The actual recipes may look different depending on how you prepare them.
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.
