Fruit Recipes for Dessert
Sweetness is the defining characteristic of a dessert, but as more people become conscious about health risks associated with too much sugar, they are looking to fruit recipes to provide a natural sweetener. With some fruits providing a very smooth, sweet flavor while others offer a sharper, tangy taste, it is possible to choose different fruits that will satisfy the sweet tooth for anyone craving a healthier, yet still delectable dessert.
Types of fruits commonly used for dessert dishes include:
- The entire berry family, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Cantaloupes and other melons
- Tree fruits including peaches, apricots, pears, and apples
In fact, nearly any fruit can be made into a dessert. The combinations are virtually endless, and include warm, cold, and frozen dishes such as:
- Puddings
- Cobblers
- Cocktails
- Salads
- Fluffs
- Gelatins
- Ices
- Soufflés
- Molds
- Whips
Tips for Fruit Desserts
It's not as simple as choosing a delicious fruit and hoping it makes a superb dessert. To create the best fruit recipes, it is vital to choose fresh, firm fruit at the peak of flavor, unless the recipe specifically offers alternative suggestions. Color is often a consideration, since fruit desserts make attractive as well as delicious dishes. Do not substitute frozen or canned fruit for fresh unless the recipe recommends it; the additional liquid in these preserved fruits may adversely affect the recipe's taste and texture.
To further lower the sugar content of a particular recipe, consider lessening any added sweeteners to suit individual tastes or choose a non-sugar substitute. When using fresh fruit, be aware that spoilage can still occur even after the recipe is prepared - store leftovers properly and eat them promptly to prevent fermentation and waste.
Do not be afraid to experiment with fruit recipes. Combining complementary tastes and textures including different fruits, nuts, and coconut can lead to delightful discoveries and new-found favorites, guaranteeing that these sweet desserts become a healthy addition to any menu.
