Sweetening up the tart flavor of fresh berries with simple sugar is a popular flavor combination in many desserts, and it tastes especially appropriate in the summertime. There are a number of different ways to combine tart and sweet flavors, especially if you use a bit of creativity in the kitchen. Here are three favorite fresh berry desserts.

Strawberry Shortcakes
Strawberry shortcake is made with a hearty, crumbly cake topped with sweet strawberries and a hefty dollop of whipped cream, and Martha Stewart’s recipe for individually-sized shortcakes doesn’t stray too far from the original. This dessert calls for just a few simple ingredients and about an hour of your time.

Berries with Mascarpone
If you prefer a no-cook dessert that’s equally juicy and decadent, a fancy pudding cup filled with ripe berries and topped with a sweetened-up version of mascarpone cheese makes a beautiful end to any dinner party. Simply combine the mascarpone with sugar, vanilla, and whipping cream to create the fluffy topping.

Blackberry Ice Cream
If you’ve never made your own ice cream before, you’ll be surprised about how simple it is to do. Using your own fresh berries cuts down on the additives found in store-bought versions, creating a decadent dessert that you can feel good about eating!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Joy