Summer desserts for parties
There's nothing that represents our long and gorgeous summer more than fresh seasonal produce prepared to perfection. And of course, one of our all-time favourite summer menu items is the dessert! If you're in a quandary and need a good dessert to bring to a BBQ or for entertaining a few guests, try these ideas.
You'll find great summer dessert recipes including no-bake desserts, as well as tips on how to store desserts in summer.
Summer dessert ideas
The great thing about summer desserts is that they're chilled, and (most of the time) that means that they're made ahead! The ideas below are wonderful for summer entertaining because they can be made ahead. Here's a few ideas plus tips for storing these desserts during the hot summer months.
- Cheesecakes
Most no-bake cheesecakes can be made up to 2 days before topping and serving. Wrap completely in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Baked cheesecakes can also be kept in the fridge in the same way. Top them just before serving. - Pavlovas
With pavlovas, the number one thing you want to avoid is moisture. Make your pavlova on a day that's not humid, then store your un-topped and unfilled pavlova shell in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, not in the fridge. If conditions are dry, you can store it for up to 2 days ahead. However, any humidity my cause the pavlova to lose its crispiness. - Trifles
Depending on the vessel you use to make your trifle, you'll need to plan ahead and ensure it will fit in the fridge as most trifles need to be refrigerated during hot and humid weather. Other trifles, like the Easy Custard Berry Trifle can be put together just before serving. If you can, save the final whipped cream layer to just before serving as it may not transport well or maintain its height. - Frozen desserts
Of course these need to be in the freezer! Depending on the dessert, wrap well in plastic wrap first or put it in an airtight container so that it can't be damaged or get freezer burn.
Summer dessert recipes
The dessert recipes below would be a wonderful addition to a summer BBQ. If you're transporting your desserts, make sure you pack them at the last minute in a chiller bag with ice to keep them nice and cool.
GET THE RECIPE: Easy Custard Berry Trifle by Australian Eggs
The beauty of this trifle is that you can make the custard up to 2 days before and have it ready in the fridge. Simply assemble the trifle on the day or just before serving. It's ready in no time.
GET THE RECIPE: Lemon and White Chocolate Crackle Cheesecake by Copha
This no-bake cheesecake can be kept in the fridge and is easy to transport in an airtight container to your next barbecue or party. Take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving (depending on how hot the weather is) to make it easier to cut through the white chocolate crackle base.
GET THE RECIPE: Mini pavlovas with poached peaches by Summer Stonefruit
Sometimes mini individual pavlovas is the way to go. Make the poached peaches up to a day before – this will actually help the flavours to develop and the syrup will be delicious. Also make the mini pavs and keep in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Top with the cream and poached peaches just before serving to avoid the meringue from going soggy.
