The Sweet Life

BY KATHRYN O’MALLEY

These delicious, warm-weather desserts are perfect for all your summer picnics and backyard parties.

There’s something magical about a casual summer soirée, even if all you’re eating is a simple potato salad, some char-grilled burgers and a last-minute bowl of the ripest, juiciest fruits you can find. Great weather, after all, is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated, so the more time you can spend outdoors with family and friends—and the less of it indoors cooking—the better. And, like everything else you eat this time of year, summer desserts should hold up well over lingering conversation and plenty of carefree fun. You want treats that are fresh, easy to serve and portable—or simply so delicious you’ll want to savor every bite. Here are a handful of favorites.

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Cece Campise

Pastry Chef & Food Stylist

Pastry chef Cece Campise wondered how she could improve upon her recipe for tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. Lucky for us, she found the answer in a layer of fudgy brownies.

TEDDY’S FILLED TRES LECHES CUPCAKES

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Caroline Wright This petite and portable rendition of the traditional tres leches cake is “part Hostess cupcake and part pyromania,” says Caroline Wright, author of Twenty-Dollar, Twenty-Minute Meals. A blowtorch— Recipe Developer & Cookbook Author if desired—can be used to caramelize the frosting that tops these tender little treats filled with gooey dulce de leche.

Peak-season strawberries and a hit of aromatic basil make this nostalgic American classic taste both sweet and refreshing. “Best of all,” says creator Elizabeth Fife, “it’s light enough that you could still go for that afternoon bike ride or play at the beach.”

Elizabeth Fife

Founder & Owner of Batter & Cream Bakery

STRAWBERRY BASIL WHOOPIE PIE

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Josh Gripper

Pastry Chef at The Dutch, Miami, FL

“Key lime pie is a Miami favorite but tends to be on the tart side,” says chef Josh Gripper, who makes his version with just a hint of sweet orange liqueur, plus a dash of salt to balance the flavor. You can serve the cool, creamy dessert à la mode, or with fresh fruit salad and homemade whipped cream.

SALTED LIME PIE

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