Best Dessert Recipes for Every Season

No matter the time of year, there’s always a perfect dessert to complement the season. From fruity delights in the summer to warm and spiced treats in the fall and winter, here are the best desserts to enjoy all year long.

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Spring: Lemon Blueberry Cake

Bright and refreshing, this lemon blueberry cake is perfect for spring. The tangy lemon pairs beautifully with fresh blueberries to create a moist and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
5. Gently fold in the dry ingredients and then the blueberries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Summer: Strawberry Shortcake

Nothing says summer like a classic strawberry shortcake. Light and fluffy biscuits, fresh whipped cream, and juicy strawberries make for a delightful dessert on a warm day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup sugar (for strawberries)
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the heavy cream until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut out biscuits with a 3-inch round cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
6. While the biscuits cool, toss the strawberries with sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes.
7. Split the biscuits in half, spoon strawberries and their juices over the bottom half, top with whipped cream, and then the biscuit top.

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Fall: Apple Cinnamon Crisp

This warm and cozy apple cinnamon crisp is perfect for fall. With a buttery oat topping and tender, spiced apples, it’s a classic dessert that celebrates the flavors of the season.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Arrange in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
6. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Winter: Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

Rich and fudgy with a hint of peppermint, these chocolate peppermint brownies are the ultimate winter treat. Perfect for cozy nights in or holiday gatherings, they are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Stir until combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Allow the brownies to cool slightly, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes before serving.

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Year-Round: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

This elegant and creamy vanilla bean panna cotta is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in any season. Top it with fresh berries in summer or warm caramel sauce in winter for a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 2 tsp powdered gelatin
• Fresh berries or caramel sauce for topping

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over ¼ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
2. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, remaining milk, and sugar over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and add them to the cream mixture.
3. Once the mixture is hot (but not boiling), remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture into individual ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
5. Serve chilled with your choice of toppings.