Quirky and refreshing summer desserts to beat the heat

When the temperature soars and the sun is relentless, nothing beats a cool, refreshing dessert to keep you fresh and satisfied. Summer calls for treats that are light, chilled, and bursting with flavors. Are you a fan of chilled Cadbury mousse or a Cadbury cake? Let’s explore some quirky, delicious, and cooling summer desserts that you can whip up at home!

Watermelon Granita: The Ultimate Ice Crush

Watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit– sweet and hydrating. It’s the perfect base for a frozen treat. Granita is like a sophisticated slushie—fruity, and utterly refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 800 gm seedless watermelon
• 50 gm sugar
• 60 ml lemon juice
• Mint leaves (for garnish)

Procedure:

1. Chop the watermelon and blend it in a food processor until it is smooth.
2. Mix in sugar and lemon juice in the same processor.
3. Then pour the mixture into a shallow pan and freeze for a couple of hours.
4. Every hour, use a fork to scrape the mixture to create a fluffy, icy texture.
5. After about four hours, you’ll have a flaky granita.
6. Garnish it by serving the dessert in a fancy glass with fresh mint leaves on top and enjoy!

Mango Coconut Pudding

Love the king of summer fruits? Pair them with creamy coconut milk, and you have a tropical dessert that transports you to a beach paradise.

Ingredients:

• 300 gm pureed ripe mangoes
• 250 ml coconut milk
• 10 gm agar-agar
• 40 gm sugar
• 100 ml water
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Procedure:

1. Dissolve the agar-agar in water. Then heat the mixture until it melts completely.
2. In a big pan, combine the coconut milk and sugar. Then, bring it to a gentle boil. Do not increase the heat too much, it can burn the milk.
3. Now stir in the agar-agar mixture into the coconut mixture. Then let it simmer for two to three minutes.
4. Once it is ready, pour the mixture into molds and let it set in the fridge for two hours. Instead of molds, you can use fancy shot glass or Victorian cups.
5. Once they are set, top the dessert with more mango puree and fresh mint leaves before serving.

Cucumber-Lime Sorbet

Cucumber in a dessert? Yes! This might sound quirky, but cucumber and lime are a match made in summer heaven. Cucumber is cooling and light, while lime adds a zesty kick.

Ingredients:

• 250 gm cucumber (peeled and chopped)
• 100 ml lime juice
• 100 gm sugar
• 200 ml water
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Procedure:

1. Blend the cucumber in a food processor or blender until smooth.
2. In a pan, heat the water and sugar to make a simple syrup. Wait till the sugar dissolves and boils. The consistency will be slightly sticky.
3. Once cooled, mix the cucumber puree and lime juice into the syrup. Mix them very well.
4. Freeze the mixture in a serving tray, scraping every hour to achieve a sorbet texture. The more you scrap, the texture will be better.
5. Serve in chilled bowls or margarita glasses with fresh mint leaves on top for an extra cool factor.
6. This sorbet is as refreshing as a cold breeze on a hot day. It’s light, tangy, and perfect for cooling down after a long day in the sun.

Lychee and Coconut Ice Pops

Lychee and coconut come together in this exotic ice pop recipe, perfect for an instant cool-down. The subtle sweetness of lychee pairs perfectly with creamy coconut milk for a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing, making it the perfect summer dessert.

Ingredients:

• 200 gm lychees (peeled and pitted)
• 50 gm sugar
• 30 gm lime juice
• 100 ml water

Procedure:

1. Peel the lychees and puree the lychees until smooth.
2. In a bowl, mix in coconut milk, lime juice, and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Now take some cute ice pop molds and pour the mixture into ice pop molds.
4. Freeze the pops for at least four hours or overnight. Make sure they freeze completely to form the pops.
5. Once they are frozen, take them out of the freezer and pop out the molds. Indulge in these refreshing treats with your friends and family. Enjoy them with a glass of Oreo shake.