Healthy Summer Dessert Recipes from Today Show’s Joy Bauer, Including S’mores Boats
YOUR summer is about to get a whole lot tastier thanks to some tasty tips from Today Show host Joy Bauer.
Her famous kid-friendly treats and easy slush recipes will have you hosting your next outdoor party like a pro.
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BANANA S’MORES BOATS
Joy loves to take summer desserts to a new, decadent level.
Her version of banana s’mores involves slicing a banana lengthwise, but leaving the peel on.
This creates a boat, or vessel, in which she packs mini marshmallows, strawberry slices and dark chocolate chips, all loosely wrapped in aluminum foil.
Just throw it on the grill, over a campfire or even in the oven or air fryer, sit back and enjoy. Don’t be afraid of the delicious mess.
“It’s like a gooey comfort food party and you’re eating the gush right out of the banana bowl. Every bite has all the layers,” she told the US Sun.
SHAVED PINEAPPLE ICE
A summer dessert with just one ingredient also makes it easier to entertain guests.
To make her shaved pineapple ice cream, simply cut rock-hard pineapple balls and freeze them.
When you’re done, defrost one of the balls, hold the microplane over a bowl and finely grate the ball.
You get a “mountain of airy ice crystals” that melts in your mouth in no time.
MINI WATERMELON CAKES
Her other fruity treats will also give you all the fun, without the fuss.
After cutting round pieces out of a watermelon, she tops it with whipped cream and berries or granola.
“A little bit of fluffy whipped cream makes any dessert better,” she said.
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FROZEN FRUIT SPOTS
A favorite kid-friendly dish is frozen fruit skewers.
“Place chunks of watermelon and honeydew melon side by side, add grapes and strawberries, and freeze it all,” she said.
“It’s such a fun presentation and great to eat poolside. It’s like eating regular ice cream, but without all the dyes and sugars,” she continued.
PINEAPPLE IN MODE
Her pineapple à la mode by cutting the bulbs into pieces and grilling them, after which they are sprayed on both sides.
Once it’s fully caramelized, put it in a bowl and add frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Instead of caramel on top, she uses a spoonful of peanut butter.
After microwaving it for 15 minutes to make it “drippy,” she sprinkles some crushed peanuts on top.
People with a peanut allergy don’t have to miss anything if they replace the peanut butter with soy paste.
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PARCHMENT FRUIT
Her “parchment” treat is also perfect for summer.
“I take frozen blueberries, raspberries and strawberries and dip them in a berry-flavored Greek yogurt, monk fruit or Stevia,” she said.
“I line them up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. They are simply refreshing.”
For a sweet taste, you can add an upside-down chocolate chip to the raspberry before dipping.
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FROYO BARK
Joy’s frozen yoghurt is also a hit on hot summer days.
“Take a baking sheet and line it with baking paper,” she said.
“I spread Greek yogurt on the baking sheet and spread it out with my spatula. I make a strawberry shortcake version with strawberries and crumbled graham cracker,” she continued.
“I put it in the freezer, break the bark into pieces, put it in a freezer bag to free up space, and take it out when it’s warm in the house.”
You can also make chocolate from cherries or lime bark.
WATERMELON LOLLS AND TASTY SLUSHIES
If you want to copy her popular watermelon popsicles, cut circles out of a watermelon, stick a stick through them and add a “skinny” margarita mix. She uses tequila, lime juice and orange instead of triple sec.
“For parties, I take a watermelon, cut it in half and then use an ice cream scoop,” she said.
“Then I make balls out of the pulp and pour my margarita mix into the large watermelon rinds with all the balls and let it steep for a little while.”
Her no-sugar-added slushy contains frozen pineapple chunks and berry-flavored Lacroix sparkling water, ensuring you get the nutrients you need with every sip.
“Just pour it out and you’d think you were slurping and drinking the sugariest slushy in town. It has all the fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you should be drinking,” she said.
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