The definition of a dessert is, “a type of food that is eaten after lunch or dinner. It is usually a sweet food, like ice cream, cookies, and cakes. In some countries, cheeses such as Brie cheese and fruit are served as dessert. Some desserts are decorated, like birthday cakes. Others are simple, like pudding.” (Source: Wikipedia)

Are there desserts that are better to eat in the summer or winter?

Winter Warmers

When it is dark and cold, a winter dessert should be warm and comforting. Warm crumble, steaming hot fondant puddings, tasty baked fruit pies are all perfect for when it’s cold outside. Winter desserts tend to be seasonal, with fruits like apples, pears and berries mixed with spices like cinnamon and ginger to give that warmth.

Winter desserts are often rich with pastry or sticky sponge bases. Fruit crumbles are particularly popular as they are considered a British staple. In the war, crumble was ideal as a dessert due to the rationing of ingredients like flour, butter and sugar. Crumble required minimal ingredients and was often made with leftovers like breadcrumbs if needed. Fruit fillings can be any combination from stewed rhubarb to tart summer berries.

deliciousmagazine.co.uk recently confirmed that warm apple crumble is the UK’s favourite dessert. Topped with hot custard, cream or ice cream, apple crumble is not just a perfect winter dessert, it’s considered the best dessert in any season!

Summer Sparklers

So if the crumble is the winter favourite, what do we all want to eat for pudding in the summer?

Standing over a hot oven is unsurprisingly not that appealing in the summer months, so for the warmer seasons desserts tend to be fresh, light and fruity! Pavlova, cheesecake, trifle and even jelly and ice cream are all perfect to finish a bbq or summer party.

Pavlova’s are popular as they can be very versatile, the light and airy meringue based dessert is usually topped with fruit and whipped cream. Meringue can be made in advance so that time can be taken to adorn the Pavlova with whichever fruits you wish. Strawberries and raspberries are a traditional choice, although you can use banana, blueberries, kiwi, passion-fruit or indeed any fruits you can find!

Top of the Table

Going back to deliciousmagazine.co.uk, what were some of the other top desserts in the UK?

• Banoffee Pie – banana, caramel, biscuit and cream, what isn’t to love?
• Scones – also a favourite at Anna Baker Cakes, scones with jam and cream are a popular choice for afternoon tea.
• Bread and butter pudding – a classic British dessert that is easily adapted to include chocolate or fruit instead of sultanas and raisins.
• Cheesecake – the dessert of many varieties. Baked, traditional, non-bake, spiced biscuit base, chocolate biscuit base, plain base, fruit topping, chocolate topping, no topping. The cheesecake possibilities are endless.
• Jelly – not just for children’s parties. Jelly has had a comeback with the addition of a burst of alcohol for adults. Prosecco or gin flavoured jelly is a popular choice.

Exciting Entertaining

Anna Baker Cakes has provided many delicious dessert options for all kinds of occasion. Anna is happy to suggest desserts that are seasonal and best suited to the event. For a summer garden party perhaps a mango and passion-fruit Pavlova? For an intimate dinner party maybe a praline soufflé with salted caramel ice cream? If you are looking for tasty afternoon tea for two or dessert for a party then contact Anna Baker Cakes today to discuss your dessert options!