Summer Desserts to Enjoy When It’s Too Hot For Chocolate
Chocolate is a classic sweet treat that always makes those taste buds smile—but sometimes you just might want to give it a break and indulge in something a little… lighter. Let’s be real, when it’s hot outside, chocolate can be a bit heavy. There are so many other types of baked goods, like pies, cakes, cookies and scones, to explore, and many use summer produce, so you’re making the most of these fresh fruits’ peak season and ripeness.
If you’re looking for a great dessert to bring to your next outdoor summer BBQ that doesn’t include chocolate, here are a couple of great options to consider. And don’t worry—you don’t need to say goodbye to those chocolate chip cookies or silky smooth chocolate mousse forever!
Apple Pie
A classic apple pie is an American staple—and it’s great for summertime festivities since it can withstand the heat fairly well with the crust and it tastes amazing a la mode with a few scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. And who doesn’t want to dig into ice cream on a warm summer day, right?
If you can’t seem to make it to the store or whip up a fresh homemade apple pie from scratch, you can still savor that sweet flavor by whipping up some mini apple pies. Plus, they’ll save you calories, sugar and fat, and they’ll offer satiating protein to keep you fuller longer.
Lemon Bars
Lemon is light and refreshing in the summer, and it’s easier to enjoy with a glass of wine or a spritzer than rich, heavy chocolate. You can make a batch of lemon bars with powdered sugar or make a pound cake with lemon flavored icing too. For the latter, make a big loaf and keep on hand for on the go breakfasts when you want a sweeter, more indulgent morning meal, too.
And if you’re light on time, there’s always the brand-new Quest Lemon Cake Protein Bar. It’s seriously good. It’s got a tasty light drizzle on the top with a lemon zest in every bite with these satisfying little lemon cake chunks throughout the bar. And since it’s summer you get the added bonus of 20g of protein, 4g net carbs and only 1g of sugar in the entire bar.
Sorbet
While sometimes you might want a bite of Rocky Road ice cream or a scoop of chocolate chip, you can also enjoy sorbet or sherbet that’s made with fruit instead. For instance, try coconut for something nutty and creamier, or go with strawberry, pineapple or mango for a delicious, in-season pick that works well with many cocktails, too.
It’s a good way to cleanse your palate after a meal. And to spike it, make a shot of tequila with a scoop of mango in it or combine rum with the pineapple. Yum!
Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream
Great for low-carb and keto eaters, fresh berries aren’t always just a snack or breakfast—they can be a sweet dessert when paired with something decadent, like whipped cream.
Put together a salad of mixed berries, which are low in carbs and sugar, and are keto approved, and top with delicious, thick and creamy whipped cream that adds that dessert essence to satisfy your after-dinner craving. You can even top with fresh mint, shredded unsweetened coconut, or other toppings to make it feel even more special—no chocolate necessary.
