50 Fresh Berry Desserts For Every Summer Occasion

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Updated on May 23, 2024

Southern Living Strawberry Shortcake Biscuit âPuddingâ in the baking dish to serve — Photo:
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

While fresh berries are delicious all on their own, there are so many ways to transform these summer fruits to make sure they won't go to waste. Throw your extra berries into tarts, pies, cakes, or jams to create sweet treats or eloquent desserts for any occasion. Accidentally overloaded on farmers market strawberries? Turn any day into a summer celebration with a slice of Strawberry Dream Cake. New to the neighborhood? Bring new life to almost-overripe berries (and make instant friends) by gifting the neighbors a container full of thumbprint cookies.

From flaky blackberry galettes to simple yet elegant parfaits, any one of these berry desserts is sure to delight as the finale for your next summer dinner party.

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Triple Berry Sonker With Dip

Berry Sonker with Dip — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

The approach to sonker is decidedly casual, with the baker making little effort when tossing on the top crust. Noticeably absent from sonker are crimped edges, or any fancy adornment on the crust. What else is special to this dessert from North Carolina? It is a tradition to use dip for your bites of this berry delight.

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Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

Southern Living Classic Strawberry Shortcake on plates to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sometimes, you just can't beat the classics. Strawberry shortcake is not only light with an irresistible tart sweetness, it has broad appeal. Have this time-tested recipe on hand for summer dinner parties or spontaneous social gatherings.

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Blackberry Jam Cake

Blackberry Jam Cake — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Topped with a slightly savory caramel cream cheese frosting, this jam cake packs a punch of harmonious flavors. Allspice, cloves, raisins and black walnuts deliver appeal in every bite. The inclusion of buttermilk in the batter lends moisture and richness.

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Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies — Southern Living

Tie a stack of these cute-as-a-button lemon and raspberry cookies in ribbon or twine to deliver as a thoughtful, homemade gift. The offering of sweet treats as a tasty present transcends all seasons and holidays. Don't forget that a gesture such as this would brighten anyone's day.

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Strawberry Banana Pudding Icebox Cake

Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake — Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Hadas Smirnoff

Remember craving the taste of cold pudding on a hot day? This icebox cake with a fruity twist will take you right back to your childhood. You will not miss the Nilla wafers, as the graham cracker crust stands in nicely.

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White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries — Micah A. Leal

These beautiful berries can be used to decorate cakes, cheesecakes, or dessert platters. But who's to say you can't make a batch just for yourself? These little bites of juicy delight are an indulgence that you deserve.

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Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam — Jennifer Causey

Make strawberries carry on their tasty appeal with this classic recipe that can be refrigerated for up to two months. Once you use this recipe to make your summer flavors last longer, you will be tempted to try and capture the freshness in other ways. Consider making a syrup for cocktails or a shrub with those fresh berries.

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Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Southern Living Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss

The addition of strawberries makes this pound cake healthy… right? We would love to think so! But this is truly a great representation of why we all love pound cake so much. It's rich, it's moist, and it's a crowd pleaser. This cake is not delicate, and is the perfect candidate to be transported to a potluck.

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Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Southern Living Strawberry Lemonade Cake sliced and ready to serve

Layer cakes take a little more effort, but the presentation is so worth it. With this beautiful example, strawberry lovers can rejoice. It doesn't get much better than layer after layer of lemony cake and tangy Strawberry-Lemonade Jam.

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Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake — Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Strawberry shortcake gets an inventive makeover with this easy sheet cake recipe. This is a crowd pleaser, and the no frills presentation makes serving so simple. If you want to win the last course at your neighborhood BBQ, show up with this tasty number.

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Red, White, And Blue Cheesecake Bars

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars — Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The swirled top of these cheesecake bars are so fetching, it makes it hard to ruin the artful way they come together. At the same time, you would be a fool not to take more than one serving! These are actually cookie bars, and the taste is addicting.

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Red, White, And Blue Poke Cake

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake — Jennifer Causey

Fillings made with fresh berries replace the usual gelatin filling found in poke cakes with this marvelous blend of fresh ingredients. The red, white and blue presentation makes this an easy choice for Independence Day festivities. On the other hand, why wait for a special occasion to offer this enticing dish?

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Strawberry Fields Cocktail

Strawberry Fields Cocktail — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Who's to say that your berry dessert can't be liquid? For a cool and refreshing end to a meal, serve this effervescent gin cocktail. The strawberry base is made from scratch, and will inspire you to create a refrigerated stock of shrubs or cocktail syrups.

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Blueberry Lemon Crunch Bars

Blueberry-Lemon Crunch Bars — Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

Although these look like bar cookies, you'll need a fork to enjoy these fruity treats. A crunch sandwiches jammy flavors between two buttery layers, and the dense treat will satisfy. Consider offering this dessert as a pairing with morning coffee, and skip time at the stove prepping breakfast.

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Berry Chantilly Cake

Berry Chantilly Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Mix fresh berries into the frosting of this cake for a masterful presentation. Cream cheese gives it a slight tang, and mascarpone cheese makes it buttery, smooth, and rich. For a finishing touch, top the cake off with pretty whole fresh berries and a few sprigs of fresh mint just before serving.

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Blueberry Lemon Cake

Blueberry-Lemon Cake — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This layer cake will steal the show at any summer function. The flavor combo of blueberries and lemon cannot be beat, and the presentation is a knockout. The question isn't who will like it, the question instead is how many times can you make it in one season?

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Mascarpone Cheesecake

Mascarpone Cheesecake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

The use of mascarpone cheese makes this gorgeous dessert ultra creamy. Don't let the long freeze time put you off. It comes out of the springform pan with ease and is still melt in your mouth good.

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Blueberry Galette

Blueberry Galette — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

The rustic galette always comes across beautifully, even without the aid of a pie pan. This galette should be your latest go-to, especially if you're a blueberry fan. It's easier to make than a pie and doesn't even require homemade dough.

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Strawberries And Cream Sheet Cake

Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake — Photo: Hector Sanchez

Bring a little bit of England to the South with this crowd pleasing summertime sheet cake. The garnish of fresh strawberries brings it to life, and using just a bit of fresh basil to dress it up further is even better. Be sure to bookmark theStrawberry Frosting recipe used here, which deserves a special place in your rotation for the best birthday cake ever.

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Cakey Strawberry Cobbler

Cakey Strawberry Cobbler — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This cakey dessert is also known as a batter cobbler, and the ten minute prep time is a miracle. The roasted berries are enveloped in the light and airy cake batter, and the golden top rises as the cobbler bakes. You can swap out any berry or stone fruit for this recipe, and still win delectable results.

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Petite Blueberry Cheesecakes

Petite Blueberry Cheesecake — Jennifer Davick

As pretty as petits fours, these luscious little two bite gems can be finished with any kind of berry or preserves. Get ahead, and bake the cheesecakes in advance. After baking, they'll freeze up to one month. Thaw and top with preserves and fruit before serving.

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Strawberry Dream Cake

Strawberry Dream Cake — Photo: Greg Dupree

You'll fall in love with this too-good-to-be-true strawberry cake. Fluffy whipped frosting made with marscapone cheese, sugar, whipping cream, and vanilla and almond extracts is the perfect finishing touch. We love the presentation of cake slices with upright strawberries between the layers. When it comes down to the details, this sweet confection takes the cake.

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Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Southern Living Strawberry Vanilla Cake sliced on a cake plate to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

This pink layer cake is packed with fresh strawberries. The layered interior is an alluring pink, and the rich and creamy vanilla buttercream strikes a harmonious balance on the palate. Ripe strawberries are primed to perform as the best topping for this cake.

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Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

chocolate raspberry cheesecake — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

A raspberry topping is the perfect addition to this chocolate cheesecake. May we suggest a special occasion that absolutely requires this recipe? Your Valentines Day will be one of the most memorable when you place this on the table,

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No Bake Strawberry Pie

No-Bake Strawberry Pie — Joy Howard

A little lemon zest in this no bake strawberry pie makes all the difference in fresh flavor. Many of the ingredients are more than likely already in your pantry, making this an easy approach. Feel free to make it one day ahead, and be ready for it to be devoured.

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Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake

Raspberry-Lemon Cheesecake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

This made in heaven flavor combo will give you just one more reliable cheesecake recipe to add to your arsenal. With a touch of tartness layered alongside the creamy texture, this recipe stands out. Baking in a water bath will keep the top crack-free.

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Raspberry Snack Cake With Salted Milk Chocolate Frosting

Raspberry Snack Cake with Salted Milk Chocolate Frosting — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

The salted chocolate frosting is the perfect topping for this easy, raspberry-filled snack cake. Keep in mind that the term snack cake means you should be eating this bite of delight at any time of the day. We are certain the frosting will surface again on cupcakes and birthday cakes.

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Blackberry-Brownie Ice Cream Sundae

Southern Living Blackberry-Brownie Ice Cream Sundaes in a bowl ready to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Just because you don't own an ice cream machine doesn't mean you can't make a batch of a frozen treat worthy of an ice cream shop. This blackberry-brownie sundae comes from Rabia Kamara, owner of Virginia-based ice cream shop Ruby Scoops, and is a rich, sweet delight.

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Red, White, And Blue Trifle

Red White and Blue Trifle - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Impress your guests at your fourth of July cookout with this patriotic trifle. Made with a variety of berries, angel food cake, and pudding mix, this recipe couldn't be easier to make and will be enjoyed by all guests.

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Blueberry Crumb Cake

Southern Living Blueberry Crumb Cake sliced on plates to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Make your mornings better with this zesty, fruity, and warm blueberry crumb cake. The moist lemony cake is flowered with fresh blueberries and topped with a nicely spiced crisp for perfectly balanced flavor and texture.

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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake

Southern Living Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake sliced and ready to serve — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This strawberry shortcake ice cream cake has a true "wow" factor in both look and taste. With just 25 minutes of active time, this recipe is much easier to make than it looks and will be the star of any gathering this summer.

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Berry Upside-Down Cake

Southern Living Berry Upside Down Cake sliced and ready to serve — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Celebrate berry season to the fullest with this stunning mixed berry upside-down cake. This version is made with blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries that are caramelized and topping a warm cinnamon-spiced cake.

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Strawberry Shortcake Biscuit "Pudding"

Southern Living Strawberry Shortcake Biscuit âPuddingâ in the baking dish to serve — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Bread pudding just got a whole lot better with this strawberry shortcake biscuit twist. Buttery biscuits serve as an irresistible substitute for sliced bread and fresh strawberries add a sweet, fruity bite to this unique dessert.

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Strawberry Upside-Down Cake

Southern Living Strawberry Upside Down Cake sliced on a plate to serve — Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Costen King, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines

Show off your bounty of strawberries with this beautiful strawberry upside-down cake. Fresh strawberries caramelize and sit on top of a moist lemon cake for a fruity celebration that all will enjoy.

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Peach-Blueberry Pie

Southern Living Peach Blueberry Pie with a slice cut out to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This blueberry-peach pie is an explosion of summer in your mouth. Flaky pie crust contrasts the gooey fruit filling, and hints of lemon and cinnamon add extra flavor elements that take this gorgeous pie to the next level.

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Berry Tiramisu

Southern Living Berry Tiramisu in a casserole dish to serve with a slice cut out — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Skip the coffee and make this summery version of a tiramisu. Classic ladyfingers are layered with the summer's freshest berries and mascarpone to make a refreshing treat that is perfect for a crowd.

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Lemon Raspberry Cake

Southern Living Raspberry Lemon Cake ready to serve with a slice cut out — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

For a light, fluffy treat after dinner, try this lemon raspberry cake. Made with fresh lemon zest, juice, and tangy sour cream to balance out the sweetness of the berries, the cake is then covered with a thick layer of dreamy cream cheese-raspberry frosting made with fresh berries.

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