THE TASTES OF SPRING: COMMON INGREDIENTS IN SPRING DESSERTS

Spring might bring flowers, bright colors, and ladybugs, but it also digs up delicious desserts that were buried underneath the winter snow. These desserts are often made with bright citrus, light and airy whipped cream or meringue, fresh berries, and fragrant herbs that turn the feeling of spring into something you can eat. 

Blueberries and strawberries pair perfectly with whipped cream to cool off; photo by Luke Kleinmeyer

Citrus

Perhaps the most common ingredient in spring desserts, citrus adds a bright flavor to dishes that no other ingredient can completely replicate. Lemons, limes, and oranges are usually at their best quality during the spring, making them a great ingredient for spring desserts. They add a seasonal flavor to dishes and are incredibly versatile, which is why they are often used in desserts during the spring. 

Lemons are by far the most commonly used citrus fruits during the spring season due to how well they can be used in desserts. Lemon bars are some of the most popular lemon desserts during the spring. These are easy to make and consist of a crust on the bottom and a lemon curd filling on the top. Lemon tarts, tarts that are similar to lemon bars in flavor, are tarts made from a pastry shell with a lemon custard inside. Lastly, lemon meringue pies are what comes to many people’s minds when they think of lemon-based desserts. These are pies with pastry shells, lemon filling, and meringue on top.

Whipped Cream + Meringue

Whipped cream and meringue are two light, sweet ingredients that are often used to top many different desserts. They’re popular in any season, but are most popular in the spring due to their lightness that compliments fresh fruits and herbs. Whipped cream is the lightest, as it is made by incorporating air into cream with sugar and often vanilla extract. It can also be combined with other flavorings, making it even more versatile. Meringue, however, is made with whipped egg whites and sugar. It’s also a bit more stable compared to whipped cream and can be toasted to add a satisfying crispiness. These two ingredients can add a sweet airiness to any dessert.

 Whipped cream and meringue are often added to many desserts, either folded into the dessert or sitting on top. Meringue is most often found on top of lemon meringue pies, as mentioned previously, but it can also be found on its own as a meringue cookie. These are crisp cookies made of meringue that can be customized by anyone, making these incredibly versatile desserts. Whipped cream can be found in some form in many desserts, like mixed with other ingredients to make a filling for crepes, on top of pies or tarts, as a dip for fruits, or as an ingredient in a layered dessert. It can be mixed with different flavorings, such as fruit juices or things like mint syrup, making it even more customizable. 

Berries

Berries are often associated with summertime, but they’re found in more springtime desserts than you might think. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are just a few culinary berries that can be found in many of spring’s most popular desserts, as their fresh flavors match the newness that comes with spring. They add sweetness or tartness to a dessert, which can completely elevate that dessert.

 Trifles, layered desserts made with whipped cream, custard, and cake or ladyfingers, can be made with almost any other ingredient, but some of the most popular ingredients to use are berries. Berries can also be found in cobblers, which consist of fruit filling poured in a dish and baked with a batter or biscuit on top. Berries also make great fillings for pies. 

Herbs

While spring brings bright flowers, it also brings flavorful herbs. Herbs such as mint, thyme, rosemary, lemon balm, and lavender are often used in many desserts in the spring, as they add floral and fresh flavors that can change the quality of the dessert. 

Lavender’s floral flavor compliments the flavor of lemon, while rosemary’s strong pine flavor goes well with olive oil based desserts. Like lavender, thyme’s bitter floral flavor also goes well with lemon. Mint is one of the most popular herbs when it comes to desserts, and its refreshing flavor can be found in many chocolate-based desserts. Lastly, lemon balm’s bright citrus flavor goes well in desserts such as cakes, gelatos, and sorbets, and it can also be found in many teas.

Although we might be leaving the peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon flavors of winter behind, we’re entering the season that is filled with light desserts, colorful citrus, brighter herbs, and sweet berries. As spring begins, you can look forward to seeing these fresh flavors and ingredients in almost every dessert.