Sweet Summer Treats Are Here
When the temperature starts to climb, there’s nothing more satisfying than savoring a light and airy dessert. These delicate treats like panna cotta, tiramisu and other vibrant or chilly concoctions offer a perfect balance of refreshing sweetness. With their vibrant flavors, they offer up the essence of summer and a present a moment to indulge while escaping the heat.
Check out these light desserts from around the Fox Valley. It will be a challenge to pick just one favorite!
Explore a world of flavors with desserts that focus on the fresh fruits of summer!
Crepe Cake Rolls, Blissful Bellies Cafe
Even the name sounds dreamy for this fluffy and fruity dessert. The crepes are made with cake flour, eggs, butter, sugar, milk and vanilla extract. This dessert is available as crepe rolls or cake. Fruit is placed both inside and outside of the crepe cake or rolls and finished off with whipped cream.
Mai Lor Chang of Blissful Bellies Cafe in Appleton says a love for sweets was the inspiration behind the crepe cake rolls.
“We love this dessert because it’s light and can fulfill our sweet tooth!” Lor says. “It’s not too sweet, it’s just the perfect amount of sweetness!”
The cafe also serves soft Mochi donuts and fried bananas.
Limoncello Tiramisu, Luigi’s
It’s hard to envision summer without the puckering taste of lemons! Luckily Luigi’s in Appleton has merged the best of both worlds with their refreshing Limoncello Tiramisu.
This dessert consists of pillowy lemon whipped mascarpone cream, lemon zest and ladyfingers soaked in a Limoncello syrup.
Together, it gives a light and citrusy twist to the classic tiramisu.
“Limoncello tiramisu is served cold, making it wonderful on a hot summer day,” dessert creator Rosa Sollena, says.
Sollena says the tiramisu is highlighted by the mascarpone cream, which makes it satisfying without being heavy.
“The inspiration behind our Limoncello Tiramisu is summer nights back in our hometown in Sicily—everything bright, fresh and fragrant” she adds.
Growing up there, Sollena said she remembers being surrounded by fields of lemon trees and that the scent of lemon blossoms is deeply nostalgic.
“It brings back memories of childhood and the simple beauty of those days,” she says.
Mango Panna Cotta, Patty & Pablo’s
Mango is both juicy and sweet, which makes it the perfect accompaniment for light desserts. The Mango Panna Cotta at Patty & Pablo’s in Kaukauna is made with fresh mangoes, mill, sugar and lime, and resembles a pudding.
Fruit is at the forefront of desserts at Patty & Pablo’s and the restaurant also offers Frescas con Crema, another light dish that is made with ripe strawberries, cream and sugar.
“The Mango Panna Cotta is particularly refreshing in summer and features our family’s favorite fruit,” co-owner Noe Garcia says. “Both are perfect for summer since they’re in season which means they will be extra flavorful and fresh since they don’t have to travel as far.”
Whether you crave gooey chocolate, tangy cheesecake or chilled ice cream classics, these desserts will not disappoint!
Schaum Torte, Mark’s East Side
Make room for a Schaum Torte, a German delicacy. It features a baked meringue dessert with a light, crisp outside and a marshmallowy interior. Mark’s East Side in Appleton finishes theirs off with delicious raspberry topping and vanilla ice cream.
Ice Cream Nachos, Doughlicious
For a fun dessert or afternoon treat, head downtown Appleton to try the Ice Cream Nachos at Doughlicious. The dish features a choice of vanilla or chocolate soft serve ice cream with chocolate or hot caramel dipping sauce and mini cookies or crunchy waffle cone pieces. The shop also has dozens of flavors of ready-to-eat cookie doughs!
Cherry Topped New York Cheesecake, Just Dzuricks Cheesecakes
Who can resist a slice of delicious cheesecake? At Just Dzuricks in Neenah, they serve over 60+ flavors plus limited edition creations! Each day offers a new flavor and the menu is always changing. Their traditional Cherry Topped New York variety is a great go-to for a pop of flavor and when chilled, it’s an even more irresistible dessert for summer.
Nutella Banana Split, Sweetberry’s Family Restaurant
Is it really summer without a giant banana split with all kinds of tasty toppings? Sweetberry’s in Neenah whips up a generous split which includes a Banana, filled with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, and finished with whipped cream, Nutella and a cherry. It also can be garnished with a fruit of choice.
Basil & Mint Pavlova, Field & Fire
Mint is a cool addition to many desserts, including Pavlova at Field & Fire in Greenville. Made with mango, basil, mint and egg, the offering is a unique treat no matter the temperature. Similar to Meringue, Pavlova involves whipping egg whites and sugar and baking the shell on low to create its airy texture.
Signature Sponge Cake, ellinor
The staple at ellinor in Appleton is no ordinary sponge cake, but instead welcomes an array of ingredients that will send your taste buds into bliss. The dessert features vanilla sponge cake, coconut syrup, pistachio and orange sherbet for a tropical taste. The restaurant also offers other rotating options like the lemon shortbread which joins the addition of lemon zest, lemon cream, roasted figs and light vanilla meringue.
Vegan Carrot Loaf Cake, Rusted Roost Restaurant & Bar
Summer isn’t just about fruit, but vegetables, too! The Vegan Carrot Loaf Cake at Rusted Roost in Menasha will remind you of all those summer farmers markets. The cake dons a soft base filled with flavor and is garnished with a Vegan cream cheese frosting and sweet candied walnuts. Don’t forget to try their Irish Cream Bread Pudding and Creme Brulee, too!
Chocolate Lava Cake, Waverly Beach
It doesn’t matter if it’s scorching or just warm, there’s no way I would pass on a scrumptious chocolate option for dessert. In true summer fashion, Waverly Beach in Menasha boasts a yummy Chocolate Lava Cake. The cake has a molten chocolate center and is sprinkled with powdered sugar and is presented with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Now that’s the true dessert of summer.
