35 Delicious Ideas for Berries
- Jen Vondenbrink
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Berries are so tempting when they are in season! If you're anything like me, you want to buy them all. But then you get them home and think, "Now what will I do with them all before they go bad?" 😅🫐 Don't worry! I've got you covered with 35 ideas for berries to get you started!
Of course, you can always freeze your berries. This way, you have them ready when you want to use them. I've put together a Berries 101 post that helps you think about what to do with berries. It also includes tips on choosing, washing, and storing them.
Things You Can Do With Berries
Here are lots of ideas to get your creative juices flowing—pun intended!
Beverages
Infused Water or Tea
I prefer sparkling water! I muddle the berries as is or with a bit of sugar and mint if I have it. Then, I top it off with sparkling water. I also like to pop a few berries into my drink to float around.
This drink combines Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif wine), Wild Berry Schweppes, and a few berries in the glass with lots of ice. Refreshing!
Smoothies
What's your favorite way to make a smoothie with berries? The possibilities are endless!
Adding berries to this limeade recipe creates something seasonally special. You’ll love it!
Frozen Treats
Popsicles
A classic summer treat!
Italian Ice
This is easier to make than you think! Take about 3 cups of berries, puree them, and add up to 1/2 cup of sugar and a bit of citrus juice. Make sure the mixture is flavorful since it loses some flavor when frozen. Freeze, blend again, and freeze once more. Ta-da! Italian ice!
Icebox Cake
A delightful dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Frozen berries are the key to this creamy treat!
Mashed Berries
Mash with a bit of sugar and top yogurt, ice cream, or custard. Let your mixture sit before using for the best flavor.
Jams, Preserves, Compotes, and Butters
Jams or Preserves
Mix your berries for different flavors! I love making raspberry rhubarb, blueberry with lemon zest, and blackberry with cinnamon. Then, can your jams to enjoy them all year long.
Perfect for topping pancakes or yogurt!
Berry Butter
Mix 1 stick of softened butter with 1/4 cup of berries and 2 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar. Form into a log and refrigerate or freeze. Inspired by Food Network!
Pies, Crisps, Cobblers, and Other Desserts
Blueberry Pie
The quintessential summer treat! Here’s my twist on a Blueberry Pie—Blueberry Nectarine Pie. It’s delicious!
Berry Crisp
Use the basic technique from my Apple Cranberry Crisp but add your favorite berries or a combination.
Berry Cobbler
A warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to make.
Hand Pies
These are easy to make with prepared pie crust or puff pastry. Create a simple filling of berries, lemon, sugar, a bit of flour, and a pinch of salt. Cut the pastry into rectangles or circles, fill half, fold over, and crimp. If you have prepared jam, you can use that instead!
Raspberry Frangipane Tart
I like to up the tartness of the fruit by adding cranberries too. Here’s my Cran-Raspberry Frangipane Tart Recipe.
Pavlovas with Berries and Cream
Light and airy, these are perfect for summer!
These can be very rustic and come together in minutes. You can make a big one or individual tarts.
A classic combination that never disappoints!
Trifle
A trifle is nothing more than wonderful berries layered with pound cake or ladyfingers, custard, and whipped cream. Here are some great ideas from Pioneer Woman.
10. Clafoutis
A French dessert that’s both simple and elegant.
11. No-Bake Cheesecake topped with Blueberries
Or what about a Wild Blueberry Lemon Crustless Cheesecake?
A delightful treat for any occasion!
Berries for Breakfast
Fruit Leather
A fun and healthy snack!
Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
Fluffy and delicious, these pancakes are a breakfast favorite.
Wild Blueberry Lemon Greek Yogurt Muffins
Moist and bursting with flavor!
Scones
I made them this year with my wild raspberries! Yum!
Lemon Blueberry Quickbread
A delightful way to start your day!
Savory Berries
Strawberry Balsamic Sauce
A unique twist for your savory dishes!
Salsas
Yes, salsa! I used to make a version of this recipe from Savour It All when I lived in Seattle, where blackberries were everywhere.
Infused in Vinegars
A great way to add flavor to your salads!
Perfect for pork chops and chicken!
Grilled Cheese with Berries
Especially blueberries and blackberries—trust me, it’s amazing!
A refreshing dish for warm days!
Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020. Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook. Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking. Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.
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