Popular and easy summer desserts
This pavlova is ready to steal the show at summer celebrations. (ABC News: Clementine Day)
Summer desserts are for sharing and we have 10 options for end-of-year gatherings and Christmas.
Your favourite recipes include very simple desserts that can be assembled quickly and the classics, such as pavlova and trifle.
1. Pavlova with berries and cream
If you've never baked a pavlova, this recipe steps you through everything you need to know, including the easiest way to separate eggs. A dusting of freeze-dried raspberries is an easy and impressive finish.
2. Mango and coconut cream pie
This sunny mango pie is simple to make and can be made vegan. (ABC News: Zain Ayub)
A food processor does most of the work in this recipe and doesn't need to be cleaned between steps. The pie can be made vegan if needed. Add the finely diced mango and whipped cream right before serving.
3. Eton mess with passionfruit curd
Eton mess is a colourful, fun and unfussy summer dessert. (ABC News: Hetty Lui McKinnon)
More forgiving than a pavlova, this recipe includes a cheat's way of making meringue that only takes 10 minutes. This dessert is dairy-free and a great make-ahead option.
4. Summer trifle
This trifle features green tea jelly, store-bought pandoro and ricotta cream. (ABC News: Eve Wilson)
An Italian pandoro takes the place of sponge cake in this trifle with minimal prep. It involves making jelly, toasting a store-bought pandoro and poaching peaches. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
5. Matcha tiramisu
A fun take on a favourite summer dessert that can be made a few days in advance. (ABC News: Hetty Lui McKinnon)
Impress the matcha lovers in your life with this take on tiramisu, with matcha replacing coffee. You'll need very little equipment to make this recipe, just a bowl and a whisk. There are tips if making it vegan or gluten free.
6. Strawberry and lime cheesecake
This cake will impress any date. (ABC News: David Sier)
This no-bake cheesecake is perfect for summer. With a short ingredient list and simple techniques, it comes together quickly and needs four hours to set in the fridge.
7. Lamington ice-cream cake
Impress your family and friends with this delicious, easy lamington ice-cream cake. (ABC News: Hetty Lui McKinnon)
This low-effort ice-cream cake has five ingredients, including ice cream and jam. Melt chocolate chips and cream together to create a chocolate coating and it's time to serve.
8. Summer fruit galette
It's easy to transform summer fruit into a delicious rustic pie. (ABC News: Ella Rossanis)
The stone fruit and berries in this recipe are flexible. Make a simple dough in a food processor, toss sliced fruit in brown sugar and cinnamon and then assemble your rustic pie. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with ice cream.
9. Mango, coconut and ginger trifle
A simple dessert that's perfect for vegans too. (ABC Everyday: Hetty McKinnon)
Enjoy a lighter, vegan take on the classic trifle. This version uses chia seeds, coconut milk, gingernut biscuits and fresh mango. The prep is simple and perfect for summer as there's no cooking involved.
10. Watermelon granita
Making granita is as easy as blitzing, freezing and scraping. (ABC News: Annika Kafcaloudis)
Simple and refreshing, this granita is easily made using a food processor or blender. Blitz watermelon with sugar, freeze and scrape the mixture to create a fluffy texture. It's an easy one to prep ahead of time.