12 delicious recipes for berry desserts to make tonight

Fresh, summer berries are the stuff that the most dreamy, and healthy, desserts are made of. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are naturally sweet, loaded with vitamins, anti-oxidants and fibre. Plus, they taste incredible with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you pick them yourself, or pick up a pint at the farmer’s market, be sure to whip up a few of these tasty desserts that play up all the goodness fresh berries have to offer.

[Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot]

1. Raspberry and Vanilla Risotto
Think of this dessert as upscale rice pudding. Ultra-creamy arborio is the rice, and it's flavoured with a heady perfume of vanilla, raspberries and lemon. Heavy cream drizzled over the top is the crowning touch.

2. Low-Sugar Raspberry Frozen Yogourt
This sensational frozen yogourt is exotically flavoured with rose water and much lower in sugar than the store-bought kind. So, when the temperature soars, serve it in a cone or sundae glasses.

3. Red Berry Pancakes
Warm fruity pancakes make a feast for any meal, be it brunch or weekday family desserts. Use plenty of rich red berries, and finish with a little Greek yogourt.

4. Raspberry Mousse
Rich in taste yet light in texture, fruit mousses taste best made with height-of-the-season berries.

5. Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake
This moist and tender cake bursts with juicy berries. Brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon make it melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You can never go wrong with the combination of blueberries and citrus!

6. Blueberry-Orange Tart
This yummy tart is an excellent choice for your health-conscious lifestyle. Packed with antioxidants and zingy flavours, it's certain to please dessert lovers!

7. Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze
What makes these muffins extra special is the abundance of berries and the sweet lemon glaze drizzled on top. Read on for a delicious anytime treat.

8. Strawberry Pudding Pops
Cut the fat and calories in traditional pudding pops and still enjoy this summer fave frozen treat. This is one of the most tasty and easy strawberry desserts.

9. Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake
You can substitute raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries in this recipe. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a dessert to rival an expensive bakery or deli cheesecake.

10. Chocolate and Pecan Dip with Berries
Rich dark chocolate, crunchy nuts and sweet honey combine for a tempting dip that is actually chock full of healthy fruit.

11. Berry Compote
A slow cooker is one of the best ways to cook berries, as it patiently extracts the natural juices while retaining the berries’ shape. Combine your favourite berries to make a new flavour the whole family will love.

12. Berry Pavlova
Pavlova, a dessert originating from New Zealand, is easy to make and spectacular for guests to share. Don’t let the meringue intimidate you - it’s easier to make than you think!