Fruity Summer Dessert

Fruity Summer Dessert Recipe - Strawberry and Peach Preserves with Whipped Topping

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

This Fruity Summer Dessert is a refreshing and light treat perfect for warm weather. It combines the sweetness of white cake with the tartness of strawberries and peaches for a delicious combination.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on classic fruit-topped cakes that have been enjoyed for generations. The combination of strawberries and peaches is a popular choice for summer desserts due to their fresh and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

1 package of white cake mix
0.5 cup of strawberry preserves (not jelly or jam)
12 strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
1 to 2 fresh peaches, sliced thinly
1 cup of peach preserves
0.5 cup of whipped topping

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour a 13”x9”x2” pan.
Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions and bake.
Split the cake in half horizontally.
Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread this layer with strawberry preserves.
Place the top layer of cake over the strawberry preserves.
Score the top of the cake with a knife to mark 24 servings.
Alternate fresh strawberries with peach slices in a quilt design.
Heat the peach preserves and strain. Brush the fruit with the warmed glaze.
Garnish with whipped topping and a curled chocolate strip.

Variations

Try using different fruit combinations such as raspberries and blueberries for a different flavor profile.
For a lighter option, use angel food cake instead of white cake mix.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the strawberries and peaches thinly for easy layering on the cake.

- Heating the peach preserves before brushing them on the fruit will help create a shiny glaze.

- To create a quilt design with the fruit, alternate the strawberries and peaches in a checkerboard pattern.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is best served chilled and pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is layering the fruit in a quilt design on top of the cake. This creates a visually appealing presentation that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have peach preserves, apricot preserves or orange marmalade can be used as substitutes.

- Any type of fresh fruit can be used in place of strawberries and peaches, depending on personal preference.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dessert with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful and elegant presentation. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This Fruity Summer Dessert pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity cocktail for a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Fruity Summer Dessert contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively light and guilt-free treat for those watching their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This dessert is high in carbohydrates due to the white cake mix, jam, and fruit preserves. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The whipped topping and chocolate garnish add a small amount of fat to this dessert. While fats are high in calories, they are also essential for absorbing certain vitamins and providing energy.

Proteins

There is a minimal amount of protein in this dessert, primarily from the white cake mix. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries and peaches are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the white cake mix and may also contain dairy from the whipped topping. Those with gluten or dairy allergies should use gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free whipped topping as substitutes.

Summary

Overall, this Fruity Summer Dessert is a delicious and relatively healthy treat that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is high in carbohydrates and vitamins from the fruit, making it a refreshing and satisfying dessert option.

Summary

This Fruity Summer Dessert is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any summer occasion. With its combination of sweet white cake, fresh strawberries, and juicy peaches, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fruity Summer Dessert. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret who lived in a quaint little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her delicious desserts, and I always looked forward to trying her latest creations.

On this particular day, Margaret greeted me with a bright smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have something special for you today, my dear," she said as she led me into her cozy kitchen. As I sat at the kitchen table, Margaret pulled out a tattered old recipe book from her shelf and began flipping through the pages.

"I learned this recipe from my grandmother many years ago," Margaret explained as she pointed to a faded page in the book. "It's a simple yet delightful dessert that is perfect for the warm summer months."

As Margaret began gathering the ingredients, I couldn't help but be captivated by the way she moved around the kitchen with such grace and confidence. She had a way of making even the most complicated recipes seem effortless.

The first step in making the Fruity Summer Dessert was to prepare a buttery graham cracker crust. Margaret showed me how to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix them with melted butter and sugar. The sweet aroma of the crumbs filled the kitchen as Margaret pressed them into a pan to form the crust.

Next, we moved onto the fruity filling. Margaret pulled out a variety of fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries – and began slicing them with precision. She explained that the key to a successful Fruity Summer Dessert was to use ripe, juicy fruits that would burst with flavor in every bite.

After arranging the sliced berries on top of the graham cracker crust, Margaret whipped up a light and creamy topping using whipped cream and a hint of vanilla extract. She carefully spread the fluffy mixture over the berries, creating a beautiful and vibrant dessert that looked almost too good to eat.

As we waited for the Fruity Summer Dessert to chill in the refrigerator, Margaret regaled me with stories of her grandmother and the many recipes she had passed down through the generations. She spoke of family gatherings filled with laughter and love, and how food had always been a way to bring people together.

When the dessert was finally ready, Margaret served me a generous slice on a delicate china plate. The first bite was a burst of sweet and tangy flavors that danced on my taste buds. The buttery crust provided the perfect balance to the fresh fruits, and the creamy topping added a luxurious touch to each bite.

As I savored the last morsel of the Fruity Summer Dessert, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience. Margaret had not only shared a delicious recipe with me, but she had also given me a glimpse into the rich tapestry of her family history and the traditions that had shaped her into the amazing cook she was.

From that day on, I knew that the Fruity Summer Dessert would hold a special place in my heart. Whenever I made it for family and friends, I would think of Margaret and her grandmother, and the love and care that went into each and every bite. And I would always remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw that recipe come to life in Margaret's kitchen on that warm summer day.