What’s the best way to get your daily serving of fruit? In a delicious dessert, of course. From no-bake delights to creamy berry-filled dishes, we’ve got plenty of quick and easy dessert recipes to complete any meal. And because they’re full of fruit, you don’t have to feel guilty about polishing off seconds.

Here are eight fruity ideas for light and mouth-watering summer desserts that you’re sure to love.

1. Fruit pops  

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s actually healthy, our fruit pops are a winner. They’re also incredibly easy to make and a great option for the kids. Simple puree some fresh fruit, pour the puree into an ice pop mould (if you don’t have one, paper cups and paddle pop sticks work just as well) then place in the freezer. When they’re set, whip them out for a cool, refreshing treat perfect for a summer’s day. This is a great recipe, as there are so many flavour combinations to try – the only limit is your imagination. You can even add natural yoghurt to the puree for a creamier fruit pop.

2. Peaches and coconut cream

There’s no better pairing than peaches and cream, and when you’re looking for a light dessert, this is a true summer classic. But if you’re looking for a new twist, how about bringing some coconut to the table? Instead of using standard cream, open a can of coconut cream and whip together with powdered sugar for the perfect creamy peaks. It adds a whole new flavour to the dish, and your vegan pals are sure to love it.

3. Grilled fruit skewers

Grilled fruit skewers are delicious and nutritious, and are a genuinely healthy option when you’re looking for something sweet. Simply thread chunks of fruit onto skewers and grill on the barbecue for the perfect end to a hot summer’s day. Stone fruits like nectarines and peaches always do well, as does watermelon, apple, strawberry and pineapple. Just make sure they’re coated lightly with a healthy oil so they don’t stick, and then cooked over indirect heat. You want them nicely caramelised, not burnt to a crisp.

4. Summer berry soufflé

You should always make the most of the fruits available in the summer, and this berry soufflé lets you do just that. Combine fruit, sugar, and water in a pan, then add vanilla and lemon juice and bring to a simmer. Next, stir in cornflour and a tablespoon of water until thickened. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites to form soft peaks and beat in caster sugar. Swirl in your berry mix to leave streaks, spoon into ramekins, then top with the soufflé mixture and bake until golden. It’s lighter than air, and not too hard on your waistline either.

5. Fruit salad with spicy lemongrass syrup

A juicy fruit salad is always a refreshing treat, but to spice things up a bit, why not add a tangy lemongrass syrup? Chuck some lemongrass, chillies, lime zest, sugar and cup of water into a saucepan and bring to boil. Let it all simmer away until moderately thickened, then transfer the pan to ice water to chill. Then all you have to do is strain the syrup and drizzle over your chopped fruit for a delectable salad.

6. Eton mess

Rather than making a calorific Eton mess, use light cream or low-fat yoghurt to make a ‘skinny’ version of this speedy dessert. Chop up a handful of your favourite summer berries, crush up some meringues (which you can either bake yourself or buy premade from the supermarket) and fold all the ingredients together with your choice of healthy cream. We have to say, fat-free vanilla yoghurt works really well with this dessert.

7. Fruit sushi

Instead of classic sushi, try this cute and fun dessert the kids are sure to love. Combine short grain rice, water, salt and sugar in a saucepan, then cook until the rice absorbs the water. Add coconut milk and vanilla to form a mouldable mixture. Then, spread the rice mix on a square of baking paper and top with slices of any fruit you like. Roll it up, coat with toasted coconut and slice into pieces. For an extra kick of sweetness, serve with a honey dipping sauce.

8. Fruit parfait

All you need is a handful of ingredients to perfect this healthy end-of-meal treat. Pineapple, mango or berries are all great options to make this dessert super satisfying, but you can use any type of fruit you want. Then combine with a little maple syrup for natural sweetness, and opt for yoghurt or ricotta instead of cream to cut down on the calories. Then just alternately layer glasses with yoghurt or ricotta and the syrupy fruit mix and you have an impressive dish in less than 10 minutes. And if you’re nuts about nuts, sprinkle some toasted almonds on top.    

The only thing that can make creating these recipes even easier is ensuring you have the right cookware. Check out Yellow Pages today to find your local cooking supplies stores.