Tri-Color Sherbet Cups

The secret of this sherbet dessert is using beautiful heirloom serving pieces and topping off the colorful scoops with a mint sprig.
I’m not getting complicated with this post. These are swiftie desserts and my go-to summer favorites when I want a sweet, colorful finale to a meal without having to turn on the oven. Most of these dishes require only that you scoop, slice or swish them into being.
Presentation is key, so be willing to put aside the paper and plastic and use a few of grandma’s beautiful, old serving pieces. They don’t even have to match.
Watermelon Basket

For this Watermelon Basket, use all melon chunks or mix in other colorful fruit for a winning center piece and light dessert.
Fruit Pizza

This colorful Fruit Pizza is made with a frozen cookie dough base that’s topped with a smear of sweetened cream cheese and dotted with a fruit pattern of your choice.
Mango Lassi

This Mango Lassi, or smoothie, is one of the most refreshing of summer drinks. It can be served with a meal or afterwards as a light finale. All it takes is a blender and a few ingredients.
Lemon Berry Tartlets

Using store-bought puff pastry makes these Lemon Berry Tartlets a cinch to create. Top with the berries of your choice.
Fruit Kabobs

It doesn’t get any easier than these Fruit Kabobs.
Old-Fashioned Icebox Cake

Old-Fashioned Icebox Cake, an oldie from your grandmother’s kitchen. This all-time favorite is made with layers of graham crackers and vanilla pudding topped with Cool Whip and cracker crumbs. Photo from Brown-Eyed Baker
Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake (can easily become Peach Shortcake by swapping out the fruit). It’s best when you make the shortcake base yourself. True, it’s slightly more trouble. If you’re in a hurry, cut up chunks of store-bought angel food cake or slices of pound cake. As to the topping, use the prefab whipped cream, if you like, but I’ve always thought that whipping whole cream was easy and fun.