Raspberries are kinda funny—one day you buy a little bush and next thing you know, you’re up to your ears in them. Raspberry harvests can be fruitful (pun intended) and with so many on hand, it’s hard to use them all…but we’ve got a couple of simple ideas!
1. Jam
Homemade jam is always a good way to get rid of a big harvest in a hurry. The best thing about it is that you only need three ingredients: raspberries, granulated sugar, and a dash of lemon juice. You can keep it for months with proper storage, too.
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2. Leather
Hang on just a minute—we’re not advocating you make a belt from your raspberries. But fruit leather is a real snack and it’s as delicious as it is healthy. If you don’t want to deviate from your jam ingredients, you don’t have to, but you can also make leather with raspberries and honey.
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3. Baked Goods
Cakes, pies, cookies, muffins—the possibilities are endless with a full raspberry harvest. Plenty of online recipes will direct you to delectable creations and there’s no shortage of options. If you’re looking for a simple place to start, try your hand at cookies since they only require a handful of ingredients.
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4. Ferment Them
Interested in a tangy twist on raspberries? Fermentation is a good way to store them! You only need a few ingredients to get the job done and they’ll keep for several months with proper storage.
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5. Chocolate Bark
Chocolate bark is a simple recipe that welcomes your creativity. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for the base and toss in any number of extras from sliced almonds to a pinch of sea salt.
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6. Tea
Whether it’s classic raspberry leaf tea or an iced variety perfect for summer, you can brew every part of this berry. Pluck, dry, and crush the leaves for a traditional tea, or gather a couple of black tea bags and some sugar to make iced tea.
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7. Vinegar
If balsamic isn’t your calling, maybe it’s time for raspberry vinegar. You won’t need more than three ingredients—raspberries, vinegar, and sugar—and you can drizzle it over fruit salad or even savory dishes like pork chops. Raspberry vinegar is also great for heart and gut health!
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8. Smoothies
Not only are smoothies healthy, but they’re also a good way to use an abundance of berries. Raspberries are a staple ingredient alongside other classics like bananas, honey, and strawberries. Raspberries also pair well with Greek yogurt or lime juice.
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9. Ice Cream
Don’t let ice cream intimidate you—it’s actually quite simple to make, especially with fresh raspberries on deck! You’ll only need a handful of common ingredients for this summer treat, though you can also make healthier tweaks.
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10. Dehydrate Them
If you really want those raspberries to last, consider dehydrating them. Dried raspberries are a healthy snack that can also be crushed into powder. Sprinkle that powder on cereals, ice cream, or yogurt for a healthy flavor boost.
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11. Lemonade
What’s summer without lemonade? Toss some raspberries in for a sweet twist on traditional recipes this season—whether they’re fresh or frozen, either work wonders alongside lemon juice and a few sprigs of mint.
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12. Sauce
Have you ever looked at your dessert and thought it needed a little flare? That’s where raspberry sauce comes in! Sugar, water, and lemon juice help build the foundation for this recipe, though you can also toss in a bit of vanilla extract.
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13. Savory Salad
You wouldn’t think it, but raspberries and chicken (or even pork) make one heck of a combo. The coolest thing about this recipe is that you can experiment with a variety of ingredients—most people start with celery, nuts, blue cheese, and a nice white wine vinegar.
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14. Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
One of the greatest kitchen combos is lemon, raspberry, and poppy seeds, which is exactly why you should bring them together. This bread loaf is moist, easy to make, and bursting with flavor…just be wary of those pesky seeds finding a new home between your teeth.
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15. Freeze Them
Frozen raspberries keep up to a year with proper storage, an ideal solution for bountiful harvests. Break them out for pancakes or smoothies, or eat them as a snack long after the season ends.
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16. Salad Dressing
Those leafy greens are begging for a tangy drizzle! Homemade salad dressing saves you money and turns that bland bed of greens into something far sweeter. Better still, it’s also simple to make.
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17. Sorbet
Sorbet is the perfect choice for our lactose-intolerant friends—it’s dairy-free, loaded with flavor, and just as refreshing as ice cream. Plus, with only four ingredients in most recipes, it’s also easier to whip up.
18. Pancakes
We all love blueberry pancakes, but it’s time to switch it up this summer. In addition to your flour, eggs, and milk, gently whisk fresh raspberries into the batter for a tart spin to your breakfast. Drizzle with maple syrup or top with even more raspberries!
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19. French Toast
Who can resist French toast in the morning? If you’re looking for a hearty brunch option, baked French toast with fresh raspberries and a splash of vanilla ought to do it. It takes a little longer to make than traditional French toast, but it also yields a larger helping.
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20. Popsicles
Popsicles always chase away the summer heat! Raspberries, lime juice, and maple syrup bring this sweet treat to life, though you can also include yogurt for a creamier consistency. You can even make popsicles with just raspberries, water, and sugar.
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