These frozen dessert recipes are the real MVPs of my summer afternoons

From sprightly popsicles to comforting berry cream, indulgent frozen bonbons, these are some easy-to-make desserts that promise a quick summer afternoon that’s well-spent and leads into a dessert. Take this up as a project with your children, or when you want to distract from doom scrolling. 

Berry white ice pops 

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk

3 Tbsp honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 cup fresh blueberries

Method

Warm 1/4 cup of milk in the microwave, then stir in the honey until it’s mixed in. Add the rest of the milk and the vanilla, and stir well. Put the raspberries and blueberries evenly into the pop moulds or cups. Pour the milk mix over the berries. Put in the popsicles. If you're using paper cups, cover them with foil and poke sticks through the foil so they stand up. Freeze until solid, then take them out and enjoy your fruity, creamy pops!

Berry fool

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1 cup cold heavy cream

2 tbsp powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp sliced fresh strawberries (for garnish),

2 tbsp pistachio, sliced 

Method 

Put the sliced strawberries in the freezer to chill. In a bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with one tablespoon of powdered sugar and the vanilla until stiff peaks form. Place in the fridge for two hours. In a food processor, blend the chilled strawberries, frozen raspberries, and the rest of the powdered sugar until it's mixed well. Gently mix the berries into the whipped cream—don’t stir too much. Top with sliced strawberries and pistachios. 

Coffee-walnut bonbon

Ingredient

1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts

1 box of vanilla ice cream (or any flavour you like)

1 cup chocolate chips

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp instant coffee granules

Method

Freeze a baking pan so it gets cold. Scoop small balls of ice cream with a melon baller and roll each into the walnuts. Place the coated ice cream balls on the cold pan and freeze for at least 1 hour, until firm. Melt the chocolate chips and butter in the microwave until smooth. Stir in the coffee granules and let them cool. Use a toothpick to dip each frozen ice cream ball into the chocolate. Put the dipped balls back on the pan, remove the toothpicks, and freeze until the chocolate hardens. Serve cold. 

Lead image credit: Pexels 

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