Summer Baking

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to stop by and wish you all a great weekend, and to share some of my favorite summer dessert recipes with you! I love baking in the summer because of all the great fresh fruit that’s available, it makes such a difference! The ripe, juicy berries and fresh, fragrant plums, peaches and apricots… they add so much flavor (and vitamins, I like to think!). It’s such a great time to bake and make the most of the fresh ingredients at this time of year. The only problem I ever have is that at this time of the year the kitchen can get VERY hot with both of the ovens and the hob on. Even with the doors and windows open, baking can be a sweaty ordeal. If you have the same problem, try WireNut Home Services or someone similar to have air conditioning installed in your kitchen. Having an icy breeze blow over you as you stand over a hot oven is a welcome relief, and it can help you to enjoy the experience. Sometimes getting too hot in the kitchen can be overwhelming, making you can lose your appetite. Instead, it’s better to be cool and breathe in all of the delicious smells, helping every kitchen creation become an enjoyable one.

I’ve been baking for a good while now (longer than I care to admit!), so I have a good range of equipment at my disposal. Summer baking is a little different to winter baking, so you might need a few new things. Don’t forget you can always add to your baking collection from websites such as PromoCodeWatch.com to get discounts on your baking equipment! I hope you enjoy these recipes I’m sharing with you, and that you have fun baking for your friends and family this summer! But first, how cute are these mugs that my mom got me from Whittard?! Pretty much a baker’s life motto and some solid good life advice!

Ok, now let’s eat cake!

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These Blueberry Crumb Bars (Left: recipe HERE) are one of my summer favorites! They are a great way to use fresh blueberries, or any other summer fruit actually! The sweet crumb topping really makes these, I can’t wait to make another pan of these soon! Or if you prefer using something other than blueberries, you can make these Apple Crumb Bars (Right: recipe HERE) which are also really tasty! The tart apples, the crunchy walnuts, the buttery topping and the sweet glaze…. oh so good!

For another berry, strawberry, recipe, try this Strawberry Layer Cake (Right: recipe HERE)! I love love love layer cakes like this because they look impressive, yet are one of THE easiest desserts to throw together! All you need is three things: cake, whipped cream and fruit! I know these Sour Cream Pancakes with Blueberries (Left: recipe HERE) are technically breakfast, but they are so good they might as well be dessert for breakfast! As far as I’m concerned, sour cream makes everything better, including these pancakes! And the fresh juicy berries make this a great summer breakfast!

If you love fruit crisps, this Plum Oatmeal Crisp (Left: recipe HERE) is a great one to try! I love Italian plums, and they work so well here! The tart, juicy filling is so good paired with the crunchy oatmeal topping! For a similar recipe, try this Summery Peach Cobbler (Right: recipe HERE) which is a great way to use fresh peaches!

To cool down on a hot day, try this Strawberry & Mint Flavored Water (Left: recipe HERE) which is so refreshing! And if that doesn’t cool you down, these Homemade Ice-Cream Sandwiches (Right: recipe HERE) definitely will! I LOVE making these, because what could be better than ice-cream sandwiched in between two homemade chocolate chip cookies, coated in chopped nuts and candy bars! YUM!

And lastly, here are some s’mores inspired summer desserts! Oven Baked Banana Boats (Left: recipe HERE) that can either be made at home in your oven, or outside on your campfire! The best part is, you can stuff them with any delicious treats you can think of, wrap them up in some foil, and a couple of minutes later, you have the most delicious ooey-gooey summer treat to enjoy! Or try these Summery S’mores Treats (Right: recipe HERE) which are super quick and easy to make, and great to share with friends!

I hope this has given you some summer baking inspiration, and that you are all enjoying your summer so far! If you are cooking with fire, you might to keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Campfires can sometimes get out of hand and you might want to read on here about how to handle an out of control fire. I’ll see you again soon with some more recipes and ideas! Until then, have a great weekend!