Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Dessert & Treats Recipes
  5. 20 Quick Fruit Desserts That Are Sweet and So Refreshing

20 Quick Fruit Desserts That Are Sweet and So Refreshing

kelly-vaughan-headshot-0419
By Kelly Vaughan Updated August 26, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
wine dessert sauce
Credit: Bryan Gardner

All of these recipes come together in 45 minutes or less.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
wine dessert sauce
Credit: Bryan Gardner

When you're crunched for time but want to make a sweet treat for family and friends, consider one of these quick fruit dessert recipes. They may come together fast, but they don't lack in the flavor department. Take our Quick Red-Wine Dessert Sauce, pictured here, for example. Paired with pound cake, fresh berries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's a complete, creative dessert that no one will know you whipped up on the fly. And that's the beauty of all the desserts you'll find here; each one comes together in 45 minutes or less, and that includes any time needed for prepping, baking, and chilling. They're also seasonally inspired—you'll find desserts featuring juicy blueberries and strawberries, plump peaches and apricots, figs, and citrus fruit.

We have several delicious variations of upgraded fruit salads. Instead of simply cutting up melon, grapes, and berries, we've created stunning displays of fruit complete with sweet, crunchy toppings. This Tropical-Fruit Salad with Coconut Crunch will transport you to the island of your dreams. Arrange sliced papaya, mangoes, pineapple, and strawberries on a platter and top the mix with our genius combination of poppy seeds and unsweetened shredded coconut. Or try Tropical Fruit with Coconut-Pistachio Crunch; this recipe calls for lychee, banana, and star fruit, but we encourage you to use whatever sweet produce is in season.

Looking for something a little more elegant? We have just the dairy-free answer—Roasted Cherries with Tofu "Panna Cotta," which is cozy and comforting. The best part is that it comes together in 30 minutes total.

From patriotic berry trifles to fruit sauces that you can serve with ice cream or pound cake, these quick fruit dessert recipes are sure to end your dinner on a sweet note.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Cherries with Tofu "Panna Cotta"

tofu panna with roasted cherries
Credit: Ren Fuller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Panna cotta is a traditional Italian dessert made with heavy cream and gelatin. Enjoy this vegan version made with silken tofu, which is topped with fresh caramelized cherries and raspberries.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cara Cara Oranges with Toasted Honey Meringue

grapefruit dessert
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This bright pink variety of Navel oranges are elevated with dollops of whipped, toasted meringue. Egg whites are beaten with honey and the seeds of a vanilla bean, which are then transferred to individual baking dishes and broiled until the meringue is toasted. Set alongside the citrus rounds.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Boozy Melon Three Ways

boozy melon fruit in glass bowls
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Did someone say happy hour? Cool off on a hot summer day with your choice of tequila-soaked watermelon, gin-soaked honeydew, or vodka-soaked cantaloupe for a quick fruit dessert. Of course, feel free to try all three if you're hosting a few people.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tropical-Fruit Salad with Coconut Crunch

Tropical-Fruit Salad With Coconut Crunch
Credit: Petrina Tinslay
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Everyone loves fruit salad but you'll wow the crowd by topping sliced seasonal fruit with our homemade coconut crunch. Start by whisking egg whites, orange-blossom honey, vanilla paste, grated Meyer-lemon zest, poppy seeds, and unsweetened shredded coconut, bake, and sprinkle over fresh fruit.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle

Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The ultimate patriotic sweet, serve this quick fruit dessert from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In a springform pan, layer ladyfingers with mashed sweetened raspberries and whipped cream, then top with nearly a pound of fresh blueberries.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

no-bake key lime cheesecake
Credit: Armando Rafael
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy, egg-free cheesecake comes together quickly. There's no need for a water bath and long baking time in this no-bake recipe. A combination of cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk are beaten until fluffy, then Key lime juice and zest and pure vanilla extract are added for flavor.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mixed Grapefruit with Ricotta and Cardamom Honey

grapefruit-and-ricotta-with-cardamom-honey-102817864.jpg
Credit: Armando Rafael
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Infuse honey with toasted green cardamom pods—they add a warm earthiness to the naturally sweet syrup. Then drizzle over fresh ricotta and segmented grapefruit for a quick fruit dessert.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Puff-Pastry Tarts with Stone Fruits and Frangipane

stone-fruit-tartlet-322-d112518.jpg
Credit: GENTL & HYERS
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make use of store-bought frozen puff pastry in this quick fruit dessert that's perfect for summer. Use a variety of seasonal stone fruits such as apricots, peaches, and plums. The fruit is then sliced and layered over individual squares of pastry and homemade almond frangipane.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Pound Cake with Peaches and Plums

grilled-pound-cake-202-d112972.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slice and grill store-bought pound cake (or make our classic recipe in advance!), then top with more grilled fruit and yogurt whipped cream. It's a delightful fruit dessert that comes together fast.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Persimmon Compote

dessert persimmon
Credit: Raymond Hom
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bright orange-red and super juicy, persimmons are the perfect topping for ice cream, pound cake, yogurt, and more. To make this quick fruit dessert topping, heat dry white wine, sugar, star anise, and one cinnamon stick with sliced persimmons, cool, and serve any which way.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tropical Fruit with Coconut-Pistachio Crunch

tropical fruit salad pistachio crunch
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is no ordinary fruit salad. Choose your own adventure based on what's in season. Here, we've used fresh sliced lychees, bananas, star fruit, papaya, and mangoes and topped them with an irresistible crunch made from chopped pistachios, coconut, honey, and lemon zest.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramelized Skillet Peaches

martha-bakes-505-tip-caramelized-skillet-peaches-1015.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Celebrate the bounty of summer peaches with this sweet fruit topping. Caramelize the peaches with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, light brown sugar, butter, and bourbon, then spoon over ice cream.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry Sauce

pound cake strawberry sauce
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make this syrupy, ruby red strawberry sauce with just three ingredients—berries, sugar, and lemon juice. From here, mix it into homemade ice cream, serve over Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, or drizzle over slices of pound cake.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apple Fritters

Apple Fritters
Credit: David Malosh
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When fall rolls around, you need to make this classic apple dessert. Our recipe calls for basic pantry ingredients like flour, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, milk, and butter, plus two apples. You won't believe how quickly this treat comes together.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramelized Figs with Honey and Cheese

figs honey cheese
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Figs are the ultimate winter fruit. Here, we cook them with honey, chopped fennel seeds, and almonds. Serve warm with shaved sheep's milk cheese (we love manchego!) and wheat crackers.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Broiled Apricots with Fresh Ricotta and Pistachios

dessert-2-002-mld109927.jpg
Credit: Raymond Hom
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You only need 10 minutes and four ingredients for this quick and easy fruit dessert. Dip halved, pitted apricots in sugar, place in a baking dish, and broil until the fruit is caramelized and juicy. Stuff the apricots with fresh ricotta cheese and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberries with Elderflower Cream

strawberries-i0c6610r-md109179.jpg
Credit: Marte Kopperud
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you've never tasted elderflower liqueur, you're in for a real floral treat. Beat the liqueur with heavy cream, zest lemon, and sifted confectioner's sugar for a bright whipped cream. Serve alongside the freshest strawberries you can find.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caramel Apples

caramel apples
Credit: Con Poulos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kids and adults alike will cheer for caramel-coated candy apples. Make your own caramel sauce (it makes all the difference) using sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream, then dip apples and let cool.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberries with Creme Fraiche and Sugar

Strawberries and Creme
Credit: Jonathan Lovekin
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple fruit dessert makes a big impact. Each of your guests can dip large strawberries in crème fraîche and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. The combination of tart berries and cream with sweet confectioner's sugar is a pleasant treat.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kelly Vaughan

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20
    2 of 20 Roasted Cherries with Tofu "Panna Cotta"
    3 of 20 Cara Cara Oranges with Toasted Honey Meringue
    4 of 20 Boozy Melon Three Ways
    5 of 20 Tropical-Fruit Salad with Coconut Crunch
    6 of 20 Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle
    7 of 20 No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake
    8 of 20 Mixed Grapefruit with Ricotta and Cardamom Honey
    9 of 20 Puff-Pastry Tarts with Stone Fruits and Frangipane
    10 of 20 Grilled Pound Cake with Peaches and Plums
    11 of 20 Persimmon Compote
    12 of 20 Tropical Fruit with Coconut-Pistachio Crunch
    13 of 20 Caramelized Skillet Peaches
    14 of 20 Strawberry Sauce
    15 of 20 Apple Fritters
    16 of 20 Caramelized Figs with Honey and Cheese
    17 of 20 Broiled Apricots with Fresh Ricotta and Pistachios
    18 of 20 Strawberries with Elderflower Cream
    19 of 20 Caramel Apples
    20 of 20 Strawberries with Creme Fraiche and Sugar

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    20 Quick Fruit Desserts That Are Sweet and So Refreshing
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.