How to serve dessert in glasses and jars

How to serve dessert in glasses and jars

We love nothing more than a feast with friends, and like every courteous dinner guest we always offer to bring something. Lately, dessert seems to be the main request.

If you want to create a sweet masterpiece that has everyone marvelling at your talents and requesting the recipe, a fool proof option is dessert in a glass.

Not only are they easy, but everything looks uber-impressive when served in a glass. Fast, easy, delicious and stunning. What more could you ask for? Restaurants all over town have been doing it forever, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s difficult. Here’s a nifty little formula which will have you whipping up sweet heaven in no time. Simply layer the components into glasses, serve straight away or refrigerate until you need it!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Some glasses or jars + Something Creamy + Something Fruity + Something Crunchy

Beautiful glasses or jars

As simple or extravagant as you desire. Go retro-chic with cut crystal tumblers which are fabulous for dessert making (and a sneaky G&T), or if you’re lucky enough to have some, stemless wine glasses are perfect for a sleek finish. Ikea has some gorgeous and very affordable tumblers, but if nothing else, you can even use your drinking glasses! For picnics or portable desserts, try using plastic glasses or empty jars.

Something creamy

Choose something as simple as whipped cream, or take it up a notch with luscious ricotta, mascarpone or even Greek yogurt. A combination of yogurt or ricotta and cream will keep your dessert decadent but refreshing. For something “cheesecakey” mix cream cheese with yogurt or thickened cream. Leave it plain or flavour with sugar, a bit of vanilla, a dusting of cinnamon, or perhaps a grating of zesty lime rind. The options are endless!

Something fruity

This all depends on the season. During summer, try mangoes, blueberries, or grilled nectarines and pomegranate. In the cooler months, stewed apples, roasted rhubarb or berry compote work fabulously. Try gently cooking fruit in a syrup with a few spices like vanilla, cloves or even chai tea to give your dessert a bit of saucy pizazz, but is not essential.

Something crunchy

It’s all about texture here! The crunch can go on the bottom of the glass or on the top, whatever you prefer. If you’re serving your dessert later, sprinkle these on top just before serving to make sure they stay crisp. Choose one or two things from the list below or whatever tickles your fancy, but remember to always toast nuts or coconut to intensify the flavour:

• Meringues

• Shredded coconut

• Flaked almonds, macadamias, pistachios, hazelnuts

• Toasted muesli or granola

• Crushed biscuits (gingernut, shortbread or Oreos work a treat)

• Cubes of cake or brownie

• Chopped honeycomb, cherry ripe or peppermint crisp

• Caramel popcorn

So choose your bits, get layering and presto, dessert in minutes!

Easy dessert in a glass ideas

Here are some great combos to spark your creative juices.

• Lime mascarpone with mango and blueberries, crushed meringue and toasted coconut

• Crushed gingernuts, roasted rhubarb, double cream with chopped pistachios

• Crushed Oreos, cream cheese mixed with cream and fresh strawberries

Dessert in a glass recipes

Need some ideas right now? Below are some delicious dessert recipes in a glass that have been tried and tested. Check them out, and don’t forget that if you have a myfoodbook account you can save them to your free online cookbook!

Lovers of Tiramisu will adore these divine crunchy crackle tiramisu pots!

These gorgeous smooth custards are spiked with a cheeky splash of brandy for an adults-only dessert. If you're making it for kids, simply leave out the alcohol for a family-friendly treat.

These gorgeous jars of sunshine take the dessert-in-a-glass concept to the next level. Zingy passionfruit curd, crunchy biscuits and a swirl of toasty meringue - this dessert will steal the show.

This rich and velvety curd tastes like a pine lime splice! Enjoy it as a dessert in yoghurt and fruit pots, or simply spread on toast as a sweet breakfast spread.