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Home » Desserts

55 Light Desserts So Fruity They’ll Make Your Guests Forget About Chocolate

Published: Jan 4, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fruity desserts are the perfect way to end any meal without feeling heavy. These sweet treats are fresh, light, and packed with flavor that’ll have your guests forgetting all about chocolate. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these recipes are sure to impress with their bold fruit flavors and refreshing finishes. You won't need to feel guilty about enjoying them—they're a great choice when you're looking for something that tastes amazing without being too rich.

An image of Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes.
Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Lemon Icebox Pie

An mage of a slice of pie on a plate.
Lemon Icebox Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon icebox pie is the perfect combination of creamy and tangy, with only a few ingredients needed. It's quick to make, and the refreshing lemon flavor makes it a fruity dessert favorite that's always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Pie

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

An image of lemon shortbread cookies in a serving plate.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon shortbread cookies are buttery with a zesty lemon flavor, and they come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, fruity snack or dessert, they’re an easy way to satisfy your citrus cravings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image of peach cobbler in a baking dish with a portion of it missing.
Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh peaches, a buttery pie crust, and a touch of allspice make this peach cobbler an ideal comforting dessert. Ready in under an hour, it's an easy, fruity dessert that will fill your kitchen with warmth and fruity aromas.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image blackberry cobbler with pie crust in a baking dish.
Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Juicy blackberries and a flaky crust come together in this rustic blackberry cobbler with pie crust. It's an easy, impressive dessert that’s perfect for weeknights or when entertaining guests, offering a quick way to enjoy fresh fruit in a delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

Coconut Creamy Pie with Meringue

An image of a slice of coconut creamy pie on a plate.
Coconut Creamy Pie with Meringue. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This coconut creamy pie, topped with fluffy golden meringue, is a simple yet impressive choice for dessert. With minimal preparation, it offers a light, tropical flavor that makes it a great option for any fruity dessert craving.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Creamy Pie with Meringue

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

An image of strawberry lemonade cookies on a wire rack.
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are ready in just 25 minutes, with a bright lemon flavor and sweet strawberry jam filling. They're quick to make, and the combination of fruity flavors makes them a refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Strawberry White Chocolate Muffins

An image of strawberry white chocolate muffins.
Strawberry White Chocolate Muffins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These bakery-style muffins are filled with fresh chopped strawberries and creamy white chocolate chips. Light and fluffy with a crisp top, they’re a quick and fruity dessert that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry White Chocolate Muffins

Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes

Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mini strawberry Bundt cakes are made with Jell-O for a sweet, moist texture. These cute, fruity cakes are perfect for celebrations like Mother’s Day or Easter, offering a burst of strawberry flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mini Strawberry Bundt Cakes

Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches

Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This no-bake vegan cheesecake features a creamy cashew filling with a peach topping and an almond crust. It’s a refreshing, fruity dessert that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake with Peaches

Gluten Free Strawberry Crisp

Gluten Free Strawberry Crisp. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This gluten-free strawberry crisp combines fresh berries with a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s a quick and simple fruity dessert that’s sure to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Strawberry Crisp

Mixed Berry Galette

A top view image of mixed berry galette in sheet pan with a scoop of icecream in the middle.
Mixed Berry Galette. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This summer berry galette only takes 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, making it a simple yet impressive dessert. With a fruity filling, it's an easy treat that’s perfect for BBQs, served with a scoop of ice cream for extra sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Galette

4 Tropical Vegan Overnight Oats

4 Tropical Vegan Overnight Oats. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

These tropical vegan overnight oats, made with coconut milk and almond milk, are topped with four different fruit combinations. A refreshing, fruity dessert, they’re quick to prepare and make for a healthy yet indulgent treat.
Get the Recipe: 4 Tropical Vegan Overnight Oats

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These lemon poppy seed muffins are packed with zesty lemon flavor in every bite. Topped with a tart-sweet glaze and sugar crystals, they offer a bright and fruity dessert that’s great for any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Apricot Cobbler

Apricot Cobbler. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Celebrate summer with a simple apricot cobbler, where ripe apricots are baked under a soft, cinnamon-dusted biscuit dough. This comforting, fruity dessert is sweet, juicy, and perfect for any warm-weather gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Cobbler

Candied Lemon Slices

Candied Lemon Slices. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Candied lemon slices are an easy-to-make treat that adds a sweet and tangy touch to cakes and cookies. They’re a simple way to bring citrus flavor into your dessert creations.
Get the Recipe: Candied Lemon Slices

Peach Tart with Streusel Topping

Peach Tart with Streusel Topping. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This peach tart features juicy, seasonal peaches arranged on a homemade pastry base and topped with a simple streusel and maple drizzle. It’s a flavorful, fruity dessert that lets the peaches shine and is easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tart with Streusel Topping

Raspberry Coeur à la Crème

Raspberry Coeur à la Crème. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Coeur a la creme with raspberry sauce is a heart-shaped French dessert with a soft, cheesecake-like filling. Naturally gluten-free, it’s a beautiful and light fruity dessert that’s easy to make without special molds.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Coeur à la Crème

Gluten-Free Rustic Polenta Crusted Blackberry Galette

Gluten-Free Rustic Polenta Crusted Blackberry Galette. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This blackberry galette has a crispy polenta crust and a juicy filling that’s both gluten- and dairy-free. It’s a rustic yet easy-to-make fruity dessert that combines great textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Rustic Polenta Crusted Blackberry Galette

Apple Pie Cupcakes

Apple Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple pie cupcakes are a sweet, fun twist on a classic dessert. With apple pie flavors packed into a cupcake form, they’re perfect for any occasion and sure to please everyone with their fruity taste.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cupcakes

Bisquick Apple Cobbler

An overhead image of bisquick apple cobbler in a skillet pan topped with vanilla ice cream.
Bisquick Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Bisquick apple cobbler combines tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and buttery Bisquick, making it a classic dessert that comes together in under an hour. It’s an easy, fruity treat perfect for a cozy gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Apple Cobbler

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Lasagna

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Lasagna. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This strawberry lemon cheesecake lasagna features layers of flavors, making it an easy no-bake dessert. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet strawberry provides a refreshing fruity dessert that's sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Lasagna

Gluten-Free Lemon Lavender Honey Cake

Gluten-Free Lemon Lavender Honey Cake. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free honey cake is rich and decadent with hints of lavender and lemon. It’s a flavorful, fruity dessert that’s perfect for special occasions and topped with a vibrant purple glaze.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon Lavender Honey Cake

Air Fryer Peaches

Air Fryer Peaches. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer peaches are one of the quickest, easiest fruity desserts to make. They’re sweet, tender, and perfect for summer, making them a go-to treat when you need something fast but full of fresh fruit flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peaches

Slow Cooker Banana Cake

Slow Cooker Banana Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow-cooker banana cake is a moist and sweet option for anyone who loves banana bread. It’s a simple, fruity dessert that can be made in the slow cooker for an easy and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Banana Cake

Mini Shrikhand Tart with Berries

Mini Shrikhand Tart with Berries. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Mini Shrikhand tarts are a delicious blend of traditional Indian shrikhand filling and a buttery, flaky tart shell. The addition of fresh blueberries and raspberries enhances the sweet and tart flavors, making it a fruity dessert perfect for any event.
Get the Recipe: Mini Shrikhand Tart with Berries

Lemon Tart

Lemon Tart. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This lemon tart is a creamy, sweet, and tangy dessert with a perfect balance of citrus flavor. If you’re a fan of lemon desserts, this tart is a fruity option that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Tart

Keto Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza

Keto Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Keto Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza features a crust made from sunflower seed flour and monk fruit sweetener, with a creamy cream cheese frosting and keto-friendly fruits. It’s a fruity, low-carb dessert that’s simple to prepare in just 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Keto Gluten-Free Fruit Pizza

Banana Nutella Muffins

Banana Nutella Muffins. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Moist, sweet, and rich, these banana Nutella muffins are filled with a swirled chocolate hazelnut filling. They make a perfect breakfast or snack, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the indulgent flavor of Nutella.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nutella Muffins

Chocolate Balsamic Glazed Pears with Toasted Pecans

Chocolate Balsamic Glazed Pears with Toasted Pecans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Roasted pears glazed with sticky chocolate-balsamic sauce and topped with toasted pecans make for a special dessert or side. Their tender, sweet fruit flavor paired with the rich glaze creates a perfect fruity indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Balsamic Glazed Pears with Toasted Pecans

Strawberry Spoon Cake

A close up shot of strawberry spoon cake in a cast iron skillet, ready to be served.
Strawberry Spoon Cake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Layers of fresh strawberries and fluffy cake come together in this strawberry spoon cake, which is made in a cast iron skillet. It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a fruity, comforting treat.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spoon Cake

Mixed Berry Jello Dessert

Mixed Berry Jello Dessert. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This mixed berry jello dessert has a crumbly crust and sweet fruity filling that’s sure to please everyone. It's a quick and simple fruity dessert that can be made in advance for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Jello Dessert

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry shortcake cookies on a wire platter against a pink background.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soft and chewy with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, these strawberry shortcake cookies are ready in under an hour. They're an easy, fruity dessert option perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple butter thumbprint cookies are filled with a smooth apple butter center and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re a simple and delicious fruity treat that brings comforting flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Pomegranate Pavlova

Pomegranate Pavlova. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pomegranate pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that’s simple to make but looks elegant. With its light, fruity flavor, it’s a great dessert to celebrate special occasions like New Year’s.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Pavlova

Lemon Coolers

An overhead image of lemon coolers in a tray with slices of lemon in the background.
Lemon Coolers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These powdered sugar lemon coolers are bite-sized and make for a light, refreshing summer treat. They require minimal prep and are a perfect fruity dessert to serve at your next party or family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coolers

Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Gluten Free Lemon Bars. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These gluten-free lemon bars offer a sweet and tangy flavor in every bite. They’re a great dessert option, and their simplicity makes them perfect for a quick and fruity treat.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Vegan Mango Nice Cream Bars

Vegan Mango Nice Cream Bars. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These Vegan & Gluten-Free Mango Nice Cream Bars are an easy, refreshing treat with a mango-banana ice cream filling. They sit on a chewy almond-cardamom crust, making them a delicious and fruity frozen dessert.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mango Nice Cream Bars

Cherry Cheesecake Icebox Cake

Cherry Cheesecake Icebox Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cherry cheesecake icebox cake is an easy, no-bake dessert with layers of fruity cherry and creamy cheesecake. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a simple yet delicious fruity dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Icebox Cake

Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These blueberry muffins are bursting with juicy blueberries and are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. They’re a bakery-style fruity muffin that makes for a wholesome and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

Berry Cherry Layered Creamy Vegan Bars

Berry Cherry Layered Creamy Vegan Bars. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These berry cherry layered creamy vegan bars are a delightful no-bake dessert made with cashews. They combine the freshness of berries and cherries with creamy layers, making them a fruity, vegan-friendly dessert.
Get the Recipe: Berry Cherry Layered Creamy Vegan Bars

Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Orange Dreamsicle Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Orange dreamsicle salad, made with Cool Whip and vanilla pudding, is a sweet and sticky dessert that's easy to prepare. It’s a fruity option that’s perfect for holiday tables or casual summer picnics.
Get the Recipe: Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Orange Bars

Orange Bars. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These orange bars have a sweet, crumbly shortbread crust with a zesty orange layer on top, finished with chocolate curls. A fruity dessert with vibrant citrus flavors, they’re a refreshing option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Orange Bars

Vegetarian Elderberry Gummies

Vegetarian Elderberry Gummies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These vegetarian elderberry gummies are made with vitamin-rich elderberries and are a tasty treat. Not only are they a great way to enjoy the benefits of elderberries, but they also make a naturally sweet and fruity snack.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Elderberry Gummies

Flavourful Strawberry and Peach Crisp

Flavourful Strawberry and Peach Crisp. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Made with fresh strawberries and peaches, this crisp is a fruity dessert that’s easy to prepare and full of natural sweetness. It’s the perfect treat for anyone looking for a quick, comforting fruity dessert.
Get the Recipe: Flavourful Strawberry and Peach Crisp

Gluten-Free Fruit Cake

Gluten-Free Fruit Cake. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free fruit cake made with almond flour is moist and packed with fresh fruit. It’s a simple fruity dessert that’s naturally alcohol-free and perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Fruit Cake

Apple Ginger Cake

Apple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This apple ginger cake is moist, sweet, and full of warm ginger, lemon, and honey flavors. It’s a unique yet fruity dessert that’s perfect for cozying up with on a cool day.
Get the Recipe: Apple Ginger Cake

Cranberry Orange Muffins

An image of a batch of cranberry orange muffins, one stacked on top of the others, on a wooden serving board.
Cranberry Orange Muffins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These cranberry orange muffins, made with either fresh or frozen cranberries, can be whipped up in just 45 minutes. A fruity and versatile dessert, they work equally well for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Muffins

Strawberry Mousse Tartlets

Strawberry Mousse Tartlets. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mini strawberry mousse tartlets feature a strawberry cream cheese filling atop a pre-made crust. These bite-sized treats make for an easy and cute fruity dessert that’s perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mousse Tartlets

Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Close up of Mandarin Cake showing the perfect caramelization.
Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A modern take on the traditional mandarin cake, this version includes a gooey caramel layer and cocoa cake base. The combination of flavors makes it a fruity dessert option that's perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free strawberry shortcake recipe features pillowy shortcakes topped with sugared strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a simple and fresh fruity dessert, perfect for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Close up view of lemon curd cookies with a lavender flower in background.
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These lemon curd thumbprint cookies are filled with a tangy lemon curd and are ready in just 30 minutes. They’re quick to make and the combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes them a great fruity dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse

Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

This maracuja mousse, made from passion fruit pulp, brings the tangy taste of the tropics to a light, creamy dessert. It's easy to make and a refreshing fruity treat that's perfect for anyone looking for something different.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Air Fryer Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This air fryer apple crisp is a simple fall dessert with sweet, tender apples and a buttery crumble topping. The burst of seasonal spices makes it a perfect fruity dessert to enjoy on a cozy evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

An image of strawberry cheesecake cookies arranged to cool on a wire rack.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These strawberry cheesecake cookies blend the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of cheesecake in a cookie form. Easy to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes, they make for a fruity dessert that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Cranberry Tartlets

Cranberry Tartlets. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These homemade cranberry tartlets offer a delicious mix of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for Thanksgiving or any special holiday. Their bite-sized nature makes them an easy and impressive fruity dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Tartlets

More Desserts

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    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars
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    Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispies  
  • Close-up image of homemade pink orange donuts on a cooling rack, with two donuts pierced together by a fork.
    Homemade Pink Orange Donuts
  • Close-up of a Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake with two slices stacked at the front of a serving platter.
    Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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