Fresh fruit is already a perfect summertime treat, but for anyone in search of a simple, no-bake dessert, chef Danielle Sepsy has two treats to sweeten the season even further.
Below, check out the recipes she shared with "Good Morning America" for two easy confections that don't require any ovens or baking.
Ingredients
20-24 medium-large strawberries (cleaned and dried thoroughly)
75 grams of kataifi pastry (comes frozen, thaw slightly at room temp)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
3 1/2 ounces pistachio butter or cream (I used the Campo d'Oro brand I got on Amazon)
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Optional garnish
Bittersweet, dark chocolate or white chocolate, melted for drizzling on top
Directions
1.Toast the kataifi: Remove the kataifi pastry from the freezer and cut the pastry while it is still frozen. Cut into chunks and separate the strands. Place a deep-sided frying pan on the stove on medium-low heat. When the pan is hot, add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Toss in the kataifi pastry. Cook for 10-15 minutes stirring very often until the pastry has turned an even light brown color and has crisped up. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before adding to your recipe.
2. Place the toasted kataifi in a bowl and pour the pistachio butter over top. Toss to coat completely, breaking up the kataifi.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, melt the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil until shiny and smooth.
4. Dip each strawberry in the milk chocolate and then into the pistachio kataifi mixture. You may need to use your fingers to adhere some of it onto the chocolate.
5. Place the dipped berries on a parchment lined tray and then garnish with a drizzle of melted bittersweet or white chocolate for extra color.
6. Place them in the fridge to set about 15-20 minutes, and then you are ready to enjoy! Store in a sealed container in the fridge!
Tips
1. Swap pistachio cream for hazelnut spread or peanut butter for a twist.
2. Toast kataifi on the stovetop with butter until golden and crisp.
3. Drizzle with white, milk, or dark chocolate -- or all three!
4. Sprinkle on edible gold dust, crushed nuts or rose petals for a luxe touch.
5. Serve chilled for the ultimate creamy-crunchy-juicy bite.
6. You can use the same chocolate kataifi mixture to stuff medjool dates for another delicious sweet snack!
Ingredients
1 store-bought or homemade 9-inch graham cracker crust
1 box (3.4 ounces) Jell-O Brand Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1 1/2 ripe bananas sliced into 1/4-inch round slices
1 1/2 cups milk (2% or whole)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Whipped Cream Topping
1 cup heavy cream
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
1. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, whip together the vanilla pudding mix, milk, and 1/4 cup heavy cream until thick (a pudding-like texture).
2. With a rubber spatula, fold in the banana slices.
3. Pour the pudding mixture into the graham cracker crust.
4. Using the stand mixer or hand mixer beat the 3/4 cup of heavy cream, vanilla extract and sugar until stiff peaks form.
5. Scoop the whipped cream on top of the banana custard layer and spread it out evenly to cover the entire top of the pie.
6. Let it set in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight) and serve!
Tips
1. Use a store-bought or homemade graham cracker crust -- both work beautifully!
2. Customize the flavor: Add a splash of coconut extract to the whipped cream.
3. Let the pie chill at least 4 hours for the cleanest slices.
4. If you're making it the day before, you can fill the pie with the banana custard and cover it with plastic wrap, then make and spread the whipped cream right before serving to avoid any deflation
5. Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for aesthetics.
6. Drizzle some melted peanut butter on the crust before adding the banana custard for a peanut butter and banana rendition.
By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com and Goodmorningamerica.com, and these e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.
