As the seasons change, so do the fruits that become available for us to enjoy. Using seasonal fruits in your desserts not only enhances their flavor but also ensures you’re using the freshest ingredients. From summer berries to winter citrus, here are four scrumptious desserts that make the most of the fruits that each season offers.
1. Peach Melba Tart (Summer)
Peaches are a quintessential summer fruit, and this Peach Melba Tart is a beautiful, indulgent way to showcase them. Combining fresh peaches with the tartness of raspberries, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by preparing the tart crust: mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add ½ cup of cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1 egg yolk and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to form a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan. Blind bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
For the filling, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. After the tart crust has cooled, spread a layer of raspberry jam over it, then pipe the whipped cream onto the crust. Arrange sliced fresh peaches on top of the whipped cream and garnish with fresh raspberries. You can also drizzle a little honey or a light syrup over the top for added sweetness.
This tart offers a lovely balance of creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy flavors, with the juicy peaches perfectly complemented by the sweet, tart raspberries.
2. Apple Cinnamon Crumble (Fall)
When fall arrives, it’s time for apples to shine in all their glory. This Apple Cinnamon Crumble is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the filling, peel, core, and slice 6-7 medium-sized apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji works well). Toss the apples in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Spread the apple mixture into a greased baking dish.
For the crumble topping, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of rolled oats, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl. Add ½ cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces, and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect cozy treat.
The warm, spiced apples combined with the crispy, buttery crumble topping create a comforting dessert that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall.
3. Citrus Panna Cotta (Winter)
Winter citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and blood oranges are bursting with bright, tangy flavors. A Citrus Panna Cotta is an elegant dessert that highlights these fruits, creating a refreshing treat after a rich winter meal.
To make the panna cotta, start by soaking 2 teaspoons of gelatin in 3 tablespoons of cold water for 5 minutes. In a saucepan, heat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, ½ cup of whole milk, and ¼ cup of sugar over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Add the softened gelatin and stir until it completely dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into individual serving cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta has set.
For the citrus topping, peel and segment 2-3 citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruits. Arrange the citrus segments on top of the set panna cotta. You can also add a drizzle of citrus syrup by simmering the juice of 1 orange and 1 tablespoon of honey over low heat until it thickens slightly. Drizzle the syrup over the panna cotta for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
This dessert is the perfect balance of creamy and refreshing, with the citrus adding a bright, zesty contrast to the smooth panna cotta.
4. Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp (Spring)
Spring is synonymous with fresh strawberries and rhubarb, and this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful way to enjoy these seasonal fruits. The combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb is a timeless pairing, and the crisp topping adds a delightful crunch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the filling, combine 3 cups of chopped fresh strawberries with 2 cups of chopped rhubarb in a bowl. Add ¾ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, tossing the mixture to coat the fruit evenly. Transfer the filling into a greased baking dish.
For the topping, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl. Add ½ cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces, and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit filling.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Let the crisp cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
The combination of sweet strawberries, tart rhubarb, and crunchy topping makes this dessert a true celebration of spring’s flavors.