Classic Summer Sweets with a Twist

Daisy Martinez, cookbook author and celebrity chef, makes this fresh fruit panna cotta the night before for a refreshing cookout dessert.

Chef Scott Peacock's sensational seasonal dessert comes together with ripe blueberries, vanilla ice cream, and a few kitchen staples.

"I use affordable, everyday wine for this sangria-inspired peach compote," says Food Network star Ted Allen. "Spoon it, fruit and all, over ice cream, and it's dessert."

Bake peaches in a biscuitlike crust; butterscotch sauce adds a touch of sweetness.

Customize these indoor s'mores by swapping the blackberries for your favorite summer fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or plum slices.

Fresh peaches cooked in peach nectar and brown sugar are topped with buttery pastry, fresh berries, and creamy vanilla ice cream. Sprigs of mint add a bright, fresh-from-the-garden touch.

Our simple to make glaze, coupled with lavender whipped cream, makes this fluffy butter cake stand above the rest. Fresh strawberries make a festive (and delicious) topper.

Toasted slices of cake are topped with a mixture of raspberries, caramel sauce, and mint jelly. Sprigs of fresh mint add a garden-fresh touch. Serve it with a scoop of lemon or vanilla sorbet.

There's nothing like homemade ice cream on a hot summer day, and this recipe is so simple to make. The combination of sweet-tart lemon ice cream and fresh blueberry sauce is hard to beat.

Finely shredded lemon and orange peel stirred into the cookie dough gives these bite-sized treats fresh flavor. Serve them with our homemade lemon ice cream and blueberry sauce.

For a new take on classic sundaes, arrange slices of Neapolitan ice cream with crispy cinnamon-spiced crepes.

Lighter desserts can be delicious. In this recipe, light pastry takes the place of biscuits or cakes, and golden-toasted sweetened egg whites replace whipping cream.

This summer slant on vanilla cupcakes is irresistible. Stirring snipped marigold leaves and petals into white cake mix adds a lively citrus flavor to the cupcakes.

Try this variation on classic creme brulee. Layer fresh raspberries and blueberries with creamy custard. Top with caramelized sugar.

Snipped tarragon from your garden punches up the flavor of lemon ice -- and adds a pretty, party-worthy twist that's just right for summer get togethers.

Two classic favorites -- ice cream and cupcakes -- combine to make the ultimate dessert. Pair chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cupcakes; top it off with tangy raspberry jam and chopped pecans.