Fresh Fruit Desserts 4 Ways

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries—even the first sign of cherries. They’re all coming into markets right now and we can’t wait to get started baking with some of our favorite summer fruits. These four recipes are just the way we like to do it: Simply. Easy, no-frills preparations put the flavor of the fruit first and (bonus!) come out of the kitchen looking great every time. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more in the summer sun.

Focaccia with Cherries, Honey & Thyme

We’re at the front end of cherry season this month. Although we would never turn down a good cherry pie, there are so many other ways to showcase these popular stone fruits, including this sweet-and-savory focaccia. We dot the top of the flatbread with cherries, then finish it with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of fresh thyme after baking. A good cherry pitter will make fast work of pitting the fruit.

Pavlova with Fresh Berries

Named for the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, the baked meringue known as a pavlova makes an impressive dessert centerpiece, and it’s much easier to prepare than you might think. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this pavlova is topped with a colorful assortment of spring-fresh berries nestled on a bed of whipped cream. Bake the meringue a day in advance, then top with the cream and berries just before serving.

Fresh Strawberry Popovers

Here, classic popovers get a fresh makeover for spring with the addition of thinly sliced strawberries. Is this a lightly sweet dessert or a delectable brunch treat? There’s no need to choose—enjoy them any time of day. No popover pan? No problem. They bake up beautifully in a standard 12-well muffin pan.

Sunken Blueberry Cake

A welcome addition to any springtime gathering, this almond-scented cake topped with juicy blueberries makes a lovely dessert or even a splurge-worthy brunch dish. A dollop of whipped cream enriched with Italian mascarpone cheese takes it over the top.