Sweet Summer Delights: Desserts for Your Restaurant’s Summer Menu
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, diners seek more than just air conditioning and cold drinks, they’re craving refreshing, light, and satisfying desserts that celebrate the flavours of the season. For restaurants, this is the perfect time to showcase seasonal produce, creative presentation, and cool textures that elevate the summer dining experience. Here are some top dessert ideas that strike the perfect balance between indulgence and refreshment, ideal for any summer menu.
1. Fruit-Forward Favourites: Summer is peak season for berries, stone fruits, and melons. These naturally sweet and colourful ingredients shine in lighter desserts and offer a healthier indulgence that appeals to wellness-conscious diners.
- Berry Shortcake – A twist on the classic strawberry shortcake using a mix of berries, whipped cream, and a buttery biscuit or sponge cake.
- Peach Cobbler (served chilled) – Baked ahead and chilled for a refreshing twist, served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Watermelon Granita – Light, icy, and super hydrating—perfect as a palate cleanser or a standalone dessert.
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2. Frozen and Chilled Treats: Nothing cools off your guests like a frozen dessert. These options are crowd-pleasers and often easy to batch-prepare in advance.
- Gelato & Sorbet Trio – Offer rotating seasonal flavours like mango, coconut, lemon basil, or raspberry. Serve in elegant glassware for a refined presentation.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Freshly made cookies (think lavender sugar, chocolate chip, or snickerdoodle) filled with artisan ice cream. Not sure where to find great premade cookies and cookie dough? Check out English Bay cookies from Cérélia! With an array of flavours and baked varieties, they will have what you need. Check them out in our program here: Cerelia | BP+ Products
- Affogato – A scoop of gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. The perfect blend of cold and warm, bitter and sweet.
3. Tropical Temptations: Exotic flavours evoke a vacation vibe, and summer is the perfect time to lean into that escapism.
- Coconut Panna Cotta – Creamy, light, and tropical—served with a passionfruit glaze or pineapple compote.
- Mango Sticky Rice (with a twist) – This Thai classic can be adapted for a fine-dining menu with black rice or a coconut foam.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (mini versions) – Individual portions that are easy to prep and plate. Check out Pantry Shelf’s variety of pineapple types to make this dish extra delicious! Find them and their products here: Pantry Shelf | BP+ Products
4. No-Bake and Lightly Baked Options: These are ideal for kitchens looking to reduce oven use during hot months, and guests who want something sweet without feeling weighed down.
- No-Bake Cheesecake Cups – Mason jars or ramekins layered with graham cracker crumble, whipped cheesecake filling, and fresh fruit. For a great cream cheese option, visit Lactalis on our page, and find what delicious dairy products they have to offer that take your desserts to the next level! Find them here: Lactalis | BP+ Products
- Lemon Tartlets – Light citrus curd in a crisp shell, topped with a fresh mint leaf or candied zest.
- Chilled Chocolate Mousse – Rich, yet airy—made summer-friendly with a hint of orange zest or chili.
Refreshing, flavourful, and visually appealing desserts can become summer showstoppers on your restaurant’s menu. Whether you’re going for rustic charm or elegant flair, incorporating seasonal ingredients and chilled textures will keep your guests coming back for more.
