Fruit Dessert

This cake was first made in the north of England by young women for their fiancés. It's usually just layered with whipped cream and strawberries, but in this recipe the cake is spread with a berry and rhubarb compote for extra moistness. If your guests don't eat all of this, serve it with tea the next day.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A simple version of a Scandinavian fruit soup. This can also be served as a sauce over ice cream, frozen yogurt or pudding.

A bit more elegant than the average crisp, these pretty single-serving desserts are still quick to prepare.

This version of clafouti is like a custard.

Don't save shortcakes just for strawberry season. They're also delicious served with other fruits, like this tropical combination.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A thick puree of fresh peaches is added to the rich custard ice cream base. The ice cream can be made up to three days ahead.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

Spoon these cherries over ice cream or pound cake, or serve them topped with whipped cream and biscotti.

Be sure to brush the grill clean while it's hot before adding the fruit.

(Batido) This milk shake is a Puerto Rican and Cuban favorite; Palacio de Los Jugos on Flagler Street in Miami specializes in jugos and makes great tropical-fruit batidos. The fruit combinations are endless — try a mixture of strawberry and kiwi or guava and pineapple — and you can even use coconut milk instead of whole and spike with a shot of rum.

The colonists planted around 150 varieties of apples in New England, many of which can still be found today. Apples show up most often in a double-crust pie, but the crisp is also a superb showcase. Nothing more than fruit baked with crumbly nut, flour, sugar and butter topping, it's as simple to make as it is delicious.

A sweet summer treat that comes together quickly (nectarines rarely need peeling). You may want to serve ice cream alongside, but some softly whipped cream is also delicious.