As our favourite season comes back around, it brings forth both exciting fun and uncomfortable heat. From beach days to patio dining to backyard picnics, you’re likely going to spend a lot of time under the sun. For the days when it feels like your skin is melting right off, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cool, sweet treat to calm things down. Below, we’ve compiled a list of incredible, easy-to-make, revitalizing summer desserts that will make your summer holiday feel all the sweeter. 

Mango & Passionfruit Sorbet

Mango and passionfruit are two quintessential summer fruits that make the perfect pair. Coming together in this delightfully cold treat, you’ll be taken away to a tropical paradise with just one bite.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe mangoes

• 6 passionfruit

• 1 cup of sugar

• 1 cup of water

Start by making a simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a saucepan, then bring it to a boil. Once mixed, allow it to cool. Puree the mangoes and sieve out the pulp; do the same with the passionfruit. If you prefer a little crunch, you can keep the passionfruit seeds. Combine the fruit puree and the cooled syrup, then churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze until set and then scoop out generous portions!

Image by VIVIANE M. from Pixabay

Raspberry Lemonade Popsicles

Transform your glass of lemonade into the perfect summertime grab-and-go treat - raspberry lemonade popsicles! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh raspberries

• 1 cup of fresh lemon juice

• 1 cup of sugar

• 2 cups of water

Simply blend your raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water until nice and smooth. You want to avoid any lumps. Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds and add the sticks. Freeze until firm, and they’re ready to enjoy!

Image by Joan Njenga from Pixabay

Coconut Milk Panna Cotta with Pineapple Salsa

For the perfect refreshing and creamy dessert, try challenging yourself to make this delicious coconut milk panna cotta with pineapple salsa. 

Ingredients:

• 400 ml of canned coconut milk

• 1 tablespoon of gelatin

• 4 tablespoons of honey

• 1 ripe pineapple

• Juice and zest of 1 lime

• Fresh mint leaves

Warm the coconut milk on the stove, add in honey and gelatin, then stir until everything is well combined. Pour into serving glasses or molds, and chill in the fridge until nice and firm. For the salsa, finely chop the pineapple and mix it with lime juice, zest, and chopped mint leaves. Top each serving of panna cotta with a generous dollop of pineapple salsa, and enjoy.

Image by Blandine JOANNIC from Pixabay

Berry & Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Perfect for a light dessert or midday snack, these Berry & Yogurt Parfaits are as healthy as they are tasty. They’re great for those hot days when you don’t want something too heavy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• 2 cups of Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• Granola for topping

Prepare glass cups of your choice, layering in Greek yogurt, drizzling with honey, and adding in your choice of mixed berries. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients or reach the top of your glass. Finish with a light sprinkle of crunchy granola on top, adding the perfect amount of texture. 

Image by Larry White from Pixabay

Watermelon Pizza

Who says you can’t take inspiration from pizza to create a delicious dessert? This watermelon pizza isn’t only super tasty, it’s a colourful feast for the eyes too. 

Ingredients:

• 1 large watermelon slice (about 1 inch thick)

• 1 cup of Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• Assorted fruits for topping (kiwi, berries, peaches)

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Spread the Greek yogurt mixed with honey onto a thick slice of watermelon, creating your “pizza” base. Top it with finely chopped mixed fruits of your choice. Slice it like a pizza, garnish it with mint leaves, and it’s ready to serve.

Image by Silvia from Pixabay

Thanks to these simple but delicious summer dessert ideas, you’ll be staying nice and cool all summer long. Great for surprising guests, whipping up in the kitchen with your kids, or enjoying all on your own, give these fantastic recipes a try!