6 Delicious Desserts to Make the Most of Spring Fruit

By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

A little bit naughty and a whole lot nice, these Spring fruit desserts make the most of the season’s fresh produce: 

Strawberries are perhaps the quintessential Spring fruit and they shine brilliantly in a classic strawberry sponge cake. The key to a great sponge cake is a fluffy texture, layered with sweetened strawberries and freshly whipped cream. For added flavour, consider macerating the strawberries in a touch of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.

 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a way to preserve the taste of Spring for later in the year, consider making a batch of strawberry jam. This sweet spread is perfect on toast, paired with scones, or used in baking all year round. 

Recipe idea: Start by preparing the sponge cake batter using a combination of flour, eggs, sugar and baking powder. Bake the sponge until it’s golden and springy to the touch. Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally to create layers. Spread a layer of whipped cream on one sponge layer, then top with sliced strawberries.

Place the second sponge layer on top and finish by spreading more whipped cream over the top. Garnish with whole strawberries and a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation. For an added touch of elegance, drizzle a bit of strawberry sauce or a light dusting of icing sugar before serving.

While its apple-y counterpart works well almost year-round, the abundance of rhubarb as the weather warms up makes this version a spectacular Spring fruit dessert. 

 

With a tart flavour, that pairs beautifully with a sweet, buttery crumble topping, this dessert is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a comforting, crisp topping. You can enjoy rhubarb crumble on its own or serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of custard.

Recipe idea: Combine chopped rhubarb with sugar and a bit of lemon juice, then top with a mixture of oats, flour, brown sugar and butter. Bake until the topping is golden and the rhubarb is tender. For an extra flavour boost, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the crumble mix.

With their sunny orange hue and delicate flavour, apricots are an excellent addition to Spring fruit desserts. Like a classic almond frangipane filled with apricots - to create a rich, nutty dessert with a burst of fruitiness that is tart is perfect for a Spring afternoon tea or a special dessert.

 

Recipe idea: Prepare a sweet pastry case and fill it with almond frangipane made from ground almonds, butter, sugar and eggs. Arrange halved apricots on top and bake until the filling is set and the pastry is golden. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.

Chocolate cherry slice (aka Cherry Ripe slice) is a luscious dessert that combines the rich, chocolatey flavour of the popular chocolate bars with a creamy, indulgent base. This no-bake treat is perfect for showcasing the vibrant taste of cherries and is incredibly simple to prepare. With its smooth chocolate coating and chewy cherry filling, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the best of seasonal fruit.

Recipe idea: Begin by creating the base with crushed biscuits mixed with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a lined baking tin. For the filling, blend desiccated coconut, chopped cherries, sweetened condensed milk and a touch of cocoa powder. Spread this mixture evenly over the biscuit base and refrigerate until firm. Once set, melt some dark chocolate and pour it over the top, smoothing it into an even layer.

Chill until the chocolate is set, then cut into squares. Garnish with a few extra cherry pieces or a light dusting of desiccated coconut for an attractive finish.

Blueberries, with their burst of flavour and vibrant colour, are a Springtime favourite that pairs wonderfully with creamy cheesecake. A tangy lemon flavour adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet blueberries. This cheesecake can be made as a traditional baked cheesecake or a no-bake version for a lighter, easier option.

 

Recipe idea: Prepare a crushed biscuit and butter crust and top with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, eggs and lemon zest. Swirl in a blueberry compote made from fresh blueberries, sugar and lemon juice. Bake until set, then chill thoroughly before serving. Garnish with extra blueberries and a sprig of mint.

Peach cobbler is a quintessential dessert of the American South that has gained popularity around the world - with unique versions that celebrate the delightful flavour of local ripe peaches. This comforting treat pairs juicy, tender peaches with a golden, buttery topping, making it an ideal way to enjoy fresh peaches at their peak.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, peach cobbler is a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings a taste of Spring to any occasion. For those willing to wait a little longer, late Spring is also an excellent opportunity to whip up a delicious fresh fig version. 

 

Recipe idea: Start by combining peeled and sliced peaches with sugar, a splash of lemon juice and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the filling.

Transfer this mixture to a baking dish. For the topping, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spoon the topping over the peach mixture and bake until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

When using Spring fruit in your desserts, opt for ripe, fresh produce to ensure the best flavour. You can also mix and match fruits to create your own unique combinations. Experimenting with different textures and flavours can lead to delicious new creations that highlight the season’s bounty.

As Spring unfolds, take advantage of the vibrant, seasonal fruits available to create desserts that are not only delightful but also celebrate the essence of the season. Whether you’re baking a classic strawberry shortcake or trying a new apricot almond tart, these Spring fruit desserts are sure to bring joy to your table and a touch of seasonal sweetness to your life.