easy summer desserts for a crowd! Looking for something sweet to share at your next barbecue, potluck, or family gathering? Look no further. I’ve got just the thing. There’s nothing quite like a delicious dessert to end a perfect summer day, and these recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd. I’m Ava Morgan, and from my kitchen to yours, let’s make some magic! What’s better than easy summer desserts for a crowd? One that everyone will rave about!
Table of Contents
Summer is the season of sunshine, good times, and, of course, delectable treats! I remember one summer as a kid, my grandma made a giant trifle for a family reunion and it was devoured in minutes. Everyone was so happy. It’s the kind of moment I want to recreate with every dessert I make.
Why You Will Love This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
These recipes are all about simplicity, flavor, and pleasing a crowd. There’s less time spent in the kitchen and MORE time enjoying company, which is really the point of summer! These are the kind of recipes that become family traditions.
Plus, you don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up these delights. In fact, most of these recipes use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The best part? People will think you spent hours in the kitchen laboring over a complicated recipe!
I always aim for the perfect balance of ease and deliciousness, after all, it’s what summer should be. Let’s find some great summer dessert recipes for you. Follow us on Pinterest for daily dessert inspiration.
Ingredients Needed for This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for the featured recipe, a Strawberry Slab Pie. This is one of my go tos.
- For the Crust:
* 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 6 8 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
* 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- For the Topping:
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
How to Make This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
Here are the step by step instructions to make your Strawberry Slab Pie.
- 1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Gently toss to combine and set aside.
- 4. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 5. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1 inch border. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut into strips for a lattice top, or drape it whole and cut vents.
- 6. Bake the Pie: Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 45 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- 7. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set up properly. This is especially great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you ask me!
How to Serve This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
This Strawberry Slab Pie is fantastic served warm or at room temperature. Offer it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a more elegant presentation, dust the pie with powdered sugar before serving. Pairing it with a refreshing beverage like lemonade or iced tea is the perfect summer combination. Check out my garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe for a delicious dinner before dessert!.
How to Store This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
Leftover Strawberry Slab Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crust’s texture, it’s best to cover it loosely rather than tightly.
Freezing isn’t recommended as the filling can become watery upon thawing. If you must freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat in a preheated ovenat 350F for 10-15 minutes
Tips to Make This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky crust. Make sure the butter is well chilled before cutting it into the flour.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the strawberries before mixing the filling. If they are very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
- Customize the Topping: Feel free to get creative with the topping. Instead of a lattice crust, you could use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Or, for another great summer dish, see my Easy Pizza Roses For Valentines Day.
Helpful Notes for This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
- Strawberry Variety: Any variety of strawberry will work in this recipe, but I prefer using fresh, locally sourced berries when possible.
- Lemon Juice: The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavor of the strawberries and prevent them from browning.
- Almond Extract: Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the strawberries perfectly. You can substitute vanilla extract if preferred. My Easy Crock Pot Corned Beef And Cabbage 2 is not a dessert, but can be very comforting.
Variation of This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
- Mixed Berry Slab Pie: Substitute some of the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
- Peach Slab Pie: Use sliced peaches instead of strawberries for a delicious peach pie. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra flavor.
- Rhubarb Strawberry Slab Pie: Combine equal parts rhubarb and strawberries for a tangy sweet combination.
What are some easy make-ahead desserts for a summer party?
Some great make-ahead desserts for a summer party include fruit salads, layered parfaits, or chilled no-bake cheesecakes. These can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the party.
How can I transport desserts easily to a summer gathering?
To transport desserts easily, consider using containers with tight-fitting lids. For items like cupcakes or cookies, arrange them in a single layer to prevent damage and use cupcake carriers when possible. Cool the dessert completely before transporting.
What are some refreshing fruit-based dessert options for summer?
Refreshing fruit-based dessert options for summer include watermelon skewers, berry cobblers, or lemon sorbet. These desserts are light, flavorful, and perfect for hot weather.
Are there any dairy-free or vegan easy summer desserts perfect for a crowd?
Yes! There are many delicious dairy-free and vegan options available, such as coconut milk-based ice cream, fruit crisp with a vegan crumble topping, or a decadent chocolate avocado mousse. All are sure to please a crowd, with allergy restrictions or not.
Conclusion
I hope you give this Strawberry Slab Pie recipe a try! It is definitely one of my all time favorite easy summer desserts for a crowd, and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Its simple flavors and easy preparation make it ideal for summer. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out!
Easy Summer Desserts for a Crowd: 10 Ultimate Recipes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A delicious Strawberry Slab Pie that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Easy to make and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 6 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Gently toss to combine and set aside.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1 inch border. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut into strips for a lattice top, or drape it whole and cut vents.
- Bake the Pie: Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 45 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on the baking sheet before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
