Baking

Baking

20 Tropical Desserts That’ll Make You Forget It’s Still Winter

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Laura Grande

As we drag our feet through the remaining weeks of winter, it helps to think of sunshine and tropical climates – and the refreshing desserts that come with warmer weather. So instead of getting bogged down by the winter blues, bring the summer season into your kitchen with these bold and easy desserts. From exotic fruit crisps and citrus pound cake to chocolate-coconut balls and mango-coconut ice pops, these tropical delights will immediately brighten your day.

  • Grilled Pineapple with Nutella
     
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    Grilled Pineapple with Nutella

    <p> What's better than straight-up grilled <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/pineapple-recipes-taste-like-the-tropics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pineapple</a>? A recipe that includes Nutella, of course! This unique, mouth-watering dessert perfectly blends fresh, juicy pineapple with everyone's favourite chocolate spread. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-pineapple-with-nutella/16272/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Grilled Pineapple with Nutella</a></strong> </p>
  • Lemon Coconut Cupcakes
     
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    Lemon Coconut Cupcakes

    <p> Who can resist a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/bake-with-anna-olson/photos/best-cupcake-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cupcake</a>? These gems from the Queen of Baking boast a delicate lemon cake base and an irresistible homemade coconut buttercream frosting that will have you daydreaming about those warm summer nights. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-lemon-coconut-cupcakes/16618/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Lemon Coconut Cupcakes</a></strong> </p>
  • Toasted Coconut Chia Pudding
     
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    Toasted Coconut Chia Pudding

    <p> An assortment of refreshing tropical fruit – dragon fruit, mango, pineapple, etc. – acts as the perfect chia pudding topping. Finish it all off with a generous sprinkling of shredded coconut. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/toasted-coconut-chia-pudding/18144/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Toasted Coconut Chia Pudding</a></strong> </p>
  • Rainbow No-Bake Cheesecake
     
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    Rainbow No-Bake Cheesecake

    <p> If you're short on time, this simple no-bake cake will brighten your kitchen with its pretty pastels and mousse-like appearance. Light and airy on the inside and jam-packed with strawberries, mangoes and zesty limes, it tastes exactly like summer. Find more of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/no-bake-desserts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our best no-bake desserts</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rainbow-no-bake-cheesecake/22469/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rainbow No-Bake Cheesecake</a></strong> </p>
  • Bananas Foster
     
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    Bananas Foster

    <p> Ready in 15 minutes, this delicious dessert is ideal for last-minute guests or sudden sweets cravings. As long as you have bananas, cinnamon and chopped nuts, the rest will fall in place. Find more inspiration with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/15-ingenious-ways-to-use-overripe-bananas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy ways to use overripe bananas</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-bananas-foster/21915/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Bananas Foster</a></strong> </p>
  • Chocolate Coconut Balls
     
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    Chocolate Coconut Balls

    <p> Chocolate? Check. Coconut? Check. No-bake? Check! This sweet snack is the perfect tropical offering to get you through the winter doldrums. You can also play around with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/cooking-with-kids/photos/no-bake-treats-make-with-kids/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no-bake treats to make with kids</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-coconut-balls/16338/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chocolate Coconut Balls</a></strong> </p>
  • Rose Cheesecake Tart
     
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    Rose Cheesecake Tart

    <p> A simple icebox cheesecake is given a positively regal twist with its bold, beautiful crown of rose petals fashioned from fresh plums and mangoes. A gorgeous addition to your afternoon tea party, this recipe would make the Queen herself envious. Serve them up with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/sweet-savoury-scones/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">scone recipes</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rose-cheesecake-tart/22266/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rose Cheesecake Tart</a></strong> </p>
  • Pina Colada Tres Leches Cakes
     
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    Pina Colada Tres Leches Cakes

    <p> "If you like pina coladas ..." then these amazing mini cakes served up in on-trend Mason jars are the perfect after-dinner treat or party dessert. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pina-colada-tres-leches-cakes/17805/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Pina Colada Tres Leches Cakes</a></strong> </p>
  • Tropical Fruit Pinwheel Danishes
     
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    Tropical Fruit Pinwheel Danishes

    <p> We love a good old-fashioned Danish recipe, especially one that features homemade lemon curd and fresh tropical fruits. This versatile dessert allows you to sub in your personal favourites. Think: dragon fruit, starfruit, mango and kiwi. For more inspiration, check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/bake-with-anna-olson/photos/best-new-dessert-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson's best new dessert recipes</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tropical-fruit-pinwheel-danishes/16538/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Tropical Fruit Pinwheel Danishes</a></strong> </p>
  • Mango Coconut Ice Pops
     
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    Mango Coconut Ice Pops

    <p> You don't have to be in the midst of a summer heat wave to stock your freezer with these gorgeous ice pops. Requiring less than seven ingredients and only 15 minutes of your time, these beauties are a cinch to make. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mango-coconut-ice-pops/14479/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mango Coconut Ice Pops</a></strong> </p>
  • Upside-Down Bananas Foster Cake
     
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    Upside-Down Bananas Foster Cake

    <p> Forgo traditional pineapples this time around and opt for another tropical fruit that everyone loves: bananas. It's the perfect substitute for this boozy, caramelized version of the classic upside-down cake. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/upside-down-bananas-foster-cake/20458/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Upside-Down Bananas Foster Cake</a></strong> </p>
  • Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze
     
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    Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

    <p> Ready in 30 minutes, these soft ricotta cookies are given a lemony zing that will inspire you to incorporate more tropical-flavoured desserts into your regular rotation. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sunburnt-lemon-pie/15497/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze</a></strong> </p>
  • Pineapple, Banana, Strawberry Skewers with Salted Chocolate Drizzle
     
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    Pineapple, Banana, Strawberry Skewers with Salted Chocolate Drizzle

    <p> Introduce some summertime grilling into your winter dessert repertoire. We especially love this skewer-combo of caramelized bananas, jammy strawberries and juicy pineapple, but you can easily swap in other tropical favourites like mangoes or dragon fruit. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-bbq-skewer-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pineapple, Banana, Strawberry Skewers with Salted Chocolate Drizzle</a></strong> </p>
  • Star Fruit Upside-Down Cake
     
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    Star Fruit Upside-Down Cake

    <p> An oft-neglected tropical flavour is the underrated star fruit. For the uninitiated, it tastes a lot like an apple but looks more visually appealing thanks to its unique shape. Bonus: it's loaded with fibre and vitamin C. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/top-12-foods-that-will-boost-your-vitamin-c-intake/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">foods packed with vitamin C</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/star-fruit-upside-down-cake/20456/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Star Fruit Upside-Down Cake</a></strong> </p>
  • Kale-Banana Breakfast Pops
     
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    Kale-Banana Breakfast Pops

    <p> We appreciate a cool dessert that is as delicious as it is healthy. At a mere 120 calories per serving, these smoothie-inspired ice pops are the perfect post-breakfast treat after you've downed a hot bowl of oatmeal or gobbled up scrambled eggs. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-people-eat-for-breakfast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things healthy people eat for breakfast</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kale-banana-breakfast-pops/22731/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kale-Banana Breakfast Pops</a></strong> </p>
  • Lemon Panna Cotta with Summer Fruit
     
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    Lemon Panna Cotta with Summer Fruit

    <p> We love the simplicity of this classic Italian dessert – in fact, you don’t even have to turn on the oven. The molded, chilled treat pairs perfectly with chopped strawberries, sliced peaches or fresh <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/frozen-blueberries-belong-in-your-freezer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">blueberries</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-panna-cotta-with-summer-fruit/12802/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Lemon Panna Cotta with Summer Fruit</a></strong> </p>
  • Key Lime Pie
     
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    Key Lime Pie

    <p> With its reputation as one of the dessert world's most beloved comfort classics, you can't go wrong with the tangy goodness of a traditional key lime pie complete with graham cracker crust. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-key-lime-pie/16584/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Key Lime Pie</a></strong></p>
  • Tropical Fruit Crisp with Coconut Crusted Ice Cream
     
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    Tropical Fruit Crisp with Coconut Crusted Ice Cream

    <p> This dessert is perfect for waiting out the last of those winter snowfalls. A baked fruit crisp topped with a scoop of coconut-crusted ice cream will leave you with all those summertime feels (while still keeping you warm). </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tropical-fruit-crisp-with-coconut-crusted-ice-cream/12881/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Tropical Fruit Crisp with Coconut Crusted Ice Cream</a></strong> </p>
  • Pound Cake with Citrus Glaze
     
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    Pound Cake with Citrus Glaze

    <p> This rich, buttery pound cake topped with a tangy lemon glaze is just as dense and delicious as we hoped. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/top-12-lemon-desserts-from-anna-olson/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lemon-inspired desserts</a> that will make you feel like you're on a beach. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pound-cake-with-citrus-glaze/6297/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pound Cake with Citrus Glaze</a></strong> </p>
  • Tropical Watermelon Sorbet
     
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    Tropical Watermelon Sorbet

    <p> Light and refreshing, this watermelon and pineapple juice-infused sorbet will have you dreaming of warmer weather. You can even celebrate the impending arrival of summer by replacing the ginger ale with dark rum for a boozy twist. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tropical-watermelon-sorbet/18503/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Tropical Watermelon Sorbet</a></strong> </p>
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