Joy Bauer serves up sweet, superfood-packed treats for summer
I’m sweet on delectable summer treats — and these superfood delights will satisfy any sweet tooth! First in line are my banana cream pie dates: Each bite delivers a chewy date piled with an irresistible banana pudding that’s dusted with crispy, crushed graham crackers. They’re perfect for snacking or serving as a healthier dessert option. Next, indulge in my fudgy chocolate pie: It’s a decadent yet surprisingly simple creation made with just two ingredients — chocolate chips and applesauce. And last but certainly not least, I’m serving up grilled pineapple à la mode. This dessert combines the natural sweetness of juicy pineapple with vanilla ice cream and melty nut butter. These treats are sure to make any day extra special!
Banana Cream Pie Dates
This pie-in-a-bite delivers the creamy, dreamy indulgence of a banana cream pie in a super simple format. The filling is made by mixing a soft, mashed banana with protein-packed vanilla yogurt. You then layer a spoonful of the blend on a flattened, pitted date for chewy sweetness. Each mini “pie” is topped with a fresh banana slice and a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker, delivering a celebration of flavors — perfect for a delicious quick snack or a satisfying dessert!
Chocolate Pie
Chocolate fudgy bliss is on the menu, and it couldn’t be easier to make, with only two ingredients: chocolate chips and applesauce. Sometimes, the best things in life are beautifully simple, and this chocolate pie is one of those things — no need for fancy techniques or hours spent in the kitchen. Just melt, mix and set — that’s it! With only 10 minutes of prep (and an hour in the fridge), you will have a dessert masterpiece that will prompt your taste buds to bust out their favorite dance moves.
Grilled Pineapple à la Mode
Summer desserts are meant to be enjoyed à la mode, and this stylishly fruity treat is the perfect sweet ending to your day. I grill juicy pineapple rings until they’re beautifully caramelized and then layer each one with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt right in the center, creating a contrast of temperatures and textures. But wait — there’s more! I drizzle on melty peanut butter over the top and a sprinkling of crunchy nuts for the ultimate finish.
Makes 1 pineapple ring
Ingredients
1 whole fresh pineapple
1/4-cup scoop vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
1 teaspoon peanut butter, melted
1 teaspoon chopped peanuts
Preparation
Cut the top and outer skin from pineapple, core it and slice into 6 to 8 ringsm about 3/4-inch thick. (You will have extra if only making one serving.) Lay flat on a tray and mist with oil spray. Place on a hot outdoor grill or indoor grill pan and cook until deeply golden and caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Flip with a wide spatula and cook the other side until it’s equally caramelized and delicious.
Transfer the pineapple ring(s) to a platter, and right before serving, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or froyo to each. Finish it off with a drizzle of melty peanut butter and a sprinkling of chopped peanuts.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
