As the scorching summer heat envelops India, fruits and berries (as well as lots and lots of liquids) is what your body calls out for. While cherries are traditionally a winter fruit and their availability is limited during the summer season, you can still incorporate their sweet-and-sour juicy goodness in a range of desserts with the expedient measure of investing in dried cherries, cherry essence and frozen options if your local supermarket stocks them. Let's take a look at 10 very-cherry desserts!
Cherry Delight Parfait: Combining the freshness of cherries with creamy layers of yoghurt and granola, the Cherry Delight Parfait is a refreshing dessert. The tartness of cherries complements the smoothness of yoghurt, creating a delightful balance of flavours. Served in individual glasses, this dessert is both visually appealing and delicious.
Cherry Cardamom Ice Cream: Cherry Cardamom Ice Cream infuses the rich taste of cherries with the aromatic notes of cardamom. Even when cherry availability is limited due to the season, a small quantity can elevate your homemade ice cream to new indulgent heights.
Cherry Lassi: Lassi gets a cherry makeover in this refreshing and nourishing iteration. Blend cherries with yoghurt, a touch of honey, and a hint of lime to create a vibrant and tangy Cherry Lassi. This cooling drink will provide relief from the heat and tantalise your taste buds simultaneously.
Cherry Coconut Barfi: A cherry-infused twist on a traditional sweet. Cherry Coconut Barfi combines the sweetness of cherries with the rich flavours of coconut and condensed milk. The resulting fudgy and delectable dessert is an absolute treat for any occasion. While cherries may be pricier during summer, this dessert is worth the indulgence.
Cherry Semolina Cake: Add a fruity surprise to your afternoon tea with a Cherry Semolina Cake. The nutty texture of semolina blends seamlessly with the burst of cherry sweetness, creating a cake that's both light and satisfying. A slice of this cake paired with a steaming cup of chai is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the summer.
Cherry Yoghurt Popsicles: Cherry Yoghurt Popsicles combine the goodness of cherries with creamy yoghurt in a fun and refreshing treat. The vibrant red colour of the cherries adds an inviting touch to these icy delights. Despite the limited availability of cherries, you can still create these popsicles using frozen or canned cherries.
Cherry Cheesecake Tart: The buttery crust provides the perfect base for the luscious cream cheese filling, topped with a generous layer of fresh cherries. This elegant dessert is sure to impress dinner guests and satisfy your dessert cravings.
Cherry Chocolate Mousse: Unleash your inner chocoholic with a velvety Cherry Chocolate Mousse. The smooth and airy mousse infused with the fruity goodness of cherries creates a tantalising dessert that will melt in your mouth. Drizzle some chocolate sauce and garnish with fresh cherries to add a touch of elegance to this decadent treat.
Cherry Almond Crumble: Savour the delightful combination of cherries and almonds in a warm and comforting Cherry Almond Crumble. The sweet and juicy cherries are topped with a crunchy almond crumble, creating a symphony of flavours and textures. Serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Cherry Infused Kulfi: Give the classic Indian kulfi a cherry makeover by infusing it with the vibrant flavours of cherries. The creamy and rich texture of kulfi, combined with the burst of cherry sweetness, creates a delightful frozen dessert. Garnish with chopped pistachios for an added crunch.
Although cherries may not be in abundant supply during the Indian summer, you can still savour their essence of occasions like National Cherry Dessert Day by experimenting with these delightful cherry-based treats. Whether it's a refreshing Cherry Delight Parfait, a cooling Cherry Lassi, or a twist on traditional Indian sweets like Cherry Coconut Barfi, these desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.