When temperatures soar, we all fancy something fresh… but not necessarily an overly sweet cake! The good news? There are plenty of light summer desserts that combine indulgence, balance and simplicity. Sorbet, ice creams made in minutes, verrines, fresh fruit or pudding: here are 10 perfect recipes for your seasonal sweet cravings, chosen for their freshness and their wonderfully indulgent side.
1. Homemade watermelon sorbet (no ice cream maker needed)
- 500 g watermelon, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp agave syrup (optional)
Method:
Blend the watermelon with the lime juice and agave syrup. Pour into a container and freeze for 3 hours, stirring every hour.
Why it’s light: made with fruit, with no refined sugar, high in water and wonderfully refreshing, this light summer dessert is ideal when the weather turns hot.
2. Mango frozen yogurt
Ingredients:
- 2 plain 0% yogurts
- 1 ripe mango
- 1 tsp honey
Method:
Blend all the ingredients, pour into ice lolly moulds or a container, and freeze for 4 hours.
The lighter touch: this dessert combines the natural sweetness of mango with the lightness of yoghurt for a frozen treat without overdoing it.
3. Strawberry and light fromage blanc verrines
Ingredients:
- 250 g strawberries
- 200 g 0% fromage blanc
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- Fresh mint
Method:
Alternate layers of sliced strawberries and sweetened fromage blanc in verrines. Add a few mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Why we love it: a light summer dessert that provides protein, with little added sugar.
4. Pineapple carpaccio with lime
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple
- Juice of 1 lime
- A few mint leaves
Method:
Slice the pineapple very thinly, drizzle with lime juice, and add finely chopped mint. Leave to marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes.
-27%Your evening cuppa, ten dried botanicals
- Peppermint contributes to digestive function, and green anise helps support digestion
- Couch grass brings its gentle sweetness, hibiscus its tangy note and meadowsweet its floral touch
- Linden, for its part, adds a soft, floral note and aids digestion
The lighter touch: zero fat, no added sugar. This fruity “cake” is perfect when you fancy something sweet in a hurry.
5. Light peach crumble without butter
- 3 peaches
- 40 g ground almonds
- 30 g rolled oats
- 1 tbsp honey
Method:
Cut the peaches and place them in a baking dish. Mix the ground almonds, oats and honey, then crumble over the fruit. Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.
Why it works so well: butter-free, with rolled oats and ground almonds, this dessert keeps a lovely crisp texture.
6. Banana-chocolate nice cream
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp plant-based milk
Method:
Blend everything until creamy. Serve immediately.
An alternative to cake: a fruit-based instant ice cream that’s indulgent and free from added sugar. The ultimate light summer dessert.
7. Lemon mousse with silken tofu
Ingredients:
- 400 g silken tofu
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Lemon zest
- 2 tbsp agave syrup
Method:
Blend all the ingredients and chill for at least 1 hour.
A light vegan version: with protein and no cream or eggs, this light mousse also suits those who prefer to avoid dairy.
8. Quick apple-mint compote
Ingredients:
- 3 apples
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- A few mint leaves
Method:
Cook the apple pieces with a splash of water and the mint. Blend and serve warm or cold.
The fresh touch: with no added sugar and lifted with lemon and mint, this fresh compote is a great alternative to cake.
9. Fresh fruit skewers with yogurt sauce
Ingredients:
- Grapes, melon, watermelon, kiwi…
- 1 plain yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
- A few drops of lemon juice
Method:
Assemble your skewers, mix the sauce ingredients together, and serve well chilled.
Indulgent yet light:
A real feast for the eyes and palate, perfect for a light summer dessert to share with friends.
10. Coconut-raspberry chia pudding
Ingredients:
- 200 ml light coconut milk
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- A handful of raspberries
Method:
Mix the milk and seeds, then let them swell in the fridge for 4 hours. Add the raspberries just before serving.
Superfood & indulgence: chia seeds provide fibre and omega-3s, for an original and indulgent dessert.
Which ultra-light dessert should you choose this summer?
If you’re after an ultra-light dessert, go for recipes based on fresh fruit with no added fat. The pineapple carpaccio with lime, with no fat or added sugar, can be made in just a few minutes. The watermelon sorbet, which is high in water, and the apple-mint compote, with no added sugar, are also good choices.
For a light summer dessert that’s a little more indulgent, the strawberry and 0% fromage blanc verrines, the mango frozen yoghurt or the coconut-raspberry chia pudding bring a creamy texture. Adjust the amount of honey or agave syrup to suit your taste, and choose ripe, seasonal fruit.
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