Baking with seasonal fruits is a wonderful way to enhance your dishes while celebrating nature’s bounty. Seasonal fruits not only bring vibrant flavors and colors to your baked goods but also ensure that you’re using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Let’s dive into three delightful examples of baking with seasonal fruits that you can easily try at home!
When the summer sun shines, berries are at their best! A berry crisp is a fantastic way to showcase these juicy fruits while creating a warm, comforting dessert.
In this example, we’ll use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine 2 cups of fresh mixed berries, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. For the topping, mix 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Spread the topping over the berry mixture and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
Notes: You can swap in any berries you have on hand. For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts to the topping.
As the leaves turn and autumn arrives, apples become a staple in baking. These apple cinnamon muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack and are a great way to use up those crisp fall apples.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup of milk. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Fold in 1 cup of diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well).
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon sugar on top. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes: You can add walnuts or raisins for added texture. These muffins freeze well, so make a batch to enjoy later!
As winter rolls in, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits brighten up our plates. A citrus tart is a refreshing dessert that balances sweetness with zesty flavors.
To make this tart, start with a pre-made tart shell or make your own by combining 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press this mixture into a tart pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. For the filling, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon. Pour this mixture into the cooled tart shell and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until set.
Once cooled, garnish with fresh citrus slices and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes: Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits or even add a layer of whipped cream for extra indulgence. This tart can be made a day in advance and is perfect for holiday gatherings!
By exploring these examples of baking with seasonal fruits, you can create delicious desserts that highlight the flavors of each season. Happy baking!