The scorching summer heat is a reminder that air conditioning and well-stocked kitchens are wonderful escapes from the sun. Whether hiding in a fan-filled room or enjoying the beautiful weather from your sunporch, turn to dairy foods for inspiration in your summer-time creations. Here are 5 summer desserts to beat the heat inside with when you crave something sweet.
Summer Berry Cobbler
Of course this list must start with a delicious treat with “summer” in the name! Made with a mix of sweet summer berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, this cobbler combines lemon and dairy goodness to create a buttery cake-like base that sets this cobbler apart from others. Top with a cardamom-spiced whipped cream or your favorite vanilla ice cream for that final touch of perfection.
Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Use up your ripe bananas for an evening indulgence. The perfect combination of bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a warm and flavorful experience in this glazed cake. It’s not too sweet with its chocolate and peanut butter glaze, but if you prefer more of a bread, bake in a loaf pan and omit the glaze for a tasty slice first thing in the morning.
Blackberry Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
Perhaps you want something sweet and ice cold. A summertime ice cream break is nothing new! This ultra-creamy custard-based ice cream has just the right amount of tang from the blackberries and sweetness from dark chocolate. Made with a smooth and seedless blackberry compote, chocolate, and plenty of heavy whipping cream, a scoop of this is a prime example of tasty summer dairy foods.
Blueberry Ricotta Lemon Cake
Blueberries, lemon and ricotta are always the perfect pair for a light yet sweet bite. The level of “yum” doesn’t disappoint in this lemon-glazed cake. It’s sweet enough to serve as a dessert, but not too sugary to have for breakfast or for a summer afternoon snack if you want to skip the glaze.
Hawaiian Harvest Smoothie Bowl
What’s more fitting for summer-time snacks than tropical flavors? Using kefir and coconut Greek yogurt, this protein-filled smoothie bowl is perfectly balanced with a little tang and just a hint of sweetness. Top with your favorite granola, nuts, and fresh fruit—pineapple, perhaps?–to make this filling smoothie bowl. If you prefer to take your tropical getaway on-the-go, make this smoothie instead.
For more recipes full of dairy foods, check out our recipe section that has plenty of cakes, smoothies, ice cream, and anything else you might want during these hot summer months.