Indulging in Seasonal Fruit Desserts: Fresh Finds This Summer
As summer unfolds, dessert lovers are greeted with a delightful array of fresh fruit and berry desserts that grace the menus of local pie shops and bakeries. Among these, fresh strawberry pies are the stars of the season, with their vibrant flavor and irresistible sweetness. However, peach and blackberry desserts are also making their debut, boasting their own seasonal charm. This article explores the best places to enjoy these fruity treats, focusing on the must-try offerings and the peak seasons that make them special.
Strawberry Season: A Year-Round Delight
Strawberries are a perennial favorite, available year-round in California, but they truly shine during their peak season from spring to fall. According to the California Strawberry Commission, the influx of strawberries during these months leads to a variety of delicious desserts hitting the market. Polly’s Pies, a popular chain in Orange County, has introduced fresh strawberry pie options priced at approximately $6.49 per slice and $22.99 for a whole pie. Their delectable offerings also include unique twists like the Cream Cheese Strawberry Lemonade Pie and Banberry Pie, giving customers a fresh perspective on traditional flavors.
Moreover, Polly’s Pies embraces seasonal creativity with special items like the Banberry Shortcake, a banana bread delight topped with fresh strawberries, available for $5.29 a slice. They even highlight a limited-time Hawaiian-themed selection, featuring the Malihini Pie—a fresh pineapple pie that enthralls the palate for $5.29 a slice.
Exploring Peach-Flavored Delights
While strawberries can be found year-round, peaches are a more fleeting seasonal delight. Their harvest is shorter, typically influenced by the weather and specific growers. Coco’s Bakery, for example, kicked off its “Peach Season” menu in mid-June, presenting a variety of peach-centered dishes. Whole peach pies are offered for around $24.99, and slices can be enjoyed for $5.99. Additional offerings include Peach Cheese Pies, milkshakes priced at $8.99, and a delightful array of peach pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
Norms Restaurants add to the seasonal ambiance with their Tres Leches Cake topped with fresh strawberries, priced at $3.99 a slice. As peaches flourish in the summer sun, these eateries celebrate the flavors of the season, enticing customers to explore new taste experiences.
Bountiful Berry Options
For lovers of berries beyond strawberries and peaches, places like Marie Callender’s and Porto’s Bakery offer a delightful range of fresh berry pies. Marie Callender’s is well-known for its fresh strawberry pies, retailing for around $22.99. They also offer blackberry pie at approximately $24.99, making it a worthwhile stop for berry enthusiasts. Bakery-goers can enjoy a pint of strawberry glaze for those looking to recreate the experience at home.
Meanwhile, Porto’s Bakery takes the bounty even further, featuring tarts filled with sponge cake, vanilla custard, and an array of seasonal fruits including strawberries and blueberries. They can be enjoyed as full tarts serving 10-12 individuals for about $33.95 or as single-serve tartlets priced around $4.55.
Sweet Innovations
In addition to traditional pies, many establishments are getting creative with their dessert offerings. At 85°C Bakery Cafe, customers can find cakes adorned with whole strawberries, maintaining the essence of freshness while offering a beautiful presentation. The Donut Man in Glendora is famous for its unique strawberry-filled doughnuts, priced at $6.50. Instead of using traditional filling methods, they generously spoon fresh glazed strawberries into sliced doughnuts. During peach season, customers can also indulge in peach doughnuts, making the shop an essential stop for fruit lovers.
The Rise of Seasonal Menus
The rise of seasonal menus at eateries is a trend worth celebrating, as it promotes the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. These menus not only instill excitement and variety into traditional offerings, but they also enhance the dining experience, allowing customers to savor flavors that align with the changing seasons. Chains like Coco’s and Polly’s Pies are leading the charge, demonstrating that seasonal desserts can be inventive, delicious, and a lot of fun.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Summer’s Bounty
As summer approaches its peak, the array of fruit-based desserts available is a testament to the season’s bountiful harvest. From Polly’s Pies’ classic strawberry offerings to Coco’s Bakery’s seasonal peach sensations, there’s no shortage of sweet delights to indulge in. So whether you’re a fan of pies, tarts, or innovative desserts, take the time to explore local options. Embrace the flavors of the season and treat yourself to the delights of summer’s freshest fruits—after all, nothing says summer like a slice of homemade pie!
