The Adorable Beach-Themed Desserts You Have to Make This Summer
Summer entertaining season is here, which means prepping party treat after party treat for everything from seaside barbecues to poolside cocktail hours. To make a splash at the dessert table, look no further than these oh-so-adorable desserts from baking blogger Emily Mingledorff of Pie Crust and Pixie Dust. She turned our favorite coastal critters—Flamingos! Sea turtles!—into impressive treats that will be the hit of every summer function.
Orange Blossom Pink Flamingo Cookies with Citrus Royal Icing
Recipe: Orange Blossom Pink Flamingo Cookies with Citrus Royal Icing
Normally the star of kitschy lawn décor, pink flamingos get a dainty upgrade in these festive summertime cookies. Orange blossom extract infuses the shortbread base with bright, citrusy flavor, and melted chocolate with a dash of food coloring makes the fluffy flamingo wings. Save this recipe for a beach-themed baby shower—what better way to say, “It’s a girl!” than a lovely pink flamingo?
Crab Cut-Out Cookies with Royal Icing
Recipe: Crab Cut-Out Cookies with Royal Icing
At your next summertime crab feast, wow your guests with a crab-themed dessert as well—no Old Bay necessary! Decorate beforehand, or keep little ones entertained with a cookie station complete with clear squeeze bottles for kid-friendly decorating. Kids will love picking their favorite colors for painting pincers, shells, and little legs.
Related: How to Make a Banana Dolphin Tiki Garnish
Dreamsicle Cupcakes with Lighthouse Ice Cream Cones
Recipe: Dreamsicle Cupcakes with Lighthouse Ice Cream Cones
No lobster bake is complete without a nautical-themed dessert, and these lighthouse cupcakes have just the right amount of New England flair. Start with the dreamsicle cupcakes (save the recipe for future lemon-drizzled Bundt cakes, too) and top with ice cream cones transformed into dainty lighthouses thanks to a bit of royal icing. Top with a yellow gumdrop “light” and the nautical nibble is complete.
Sea Turtle-Shaped Mini Cakes with Fresh Key Lime Frosting
Recipe: Sea Turtle-Shaped Mini Cakes with Fresh Key Lime Frosting
With a few swooshes of icing and strategically placed green Jordan almonds, these pound cakelettes become sweet sea turtles that kids and kids-at-heart will love. Use a muffin top pan for perfectly sized mini cakes, and top with fresh Key lime frosting that will have you dreaming of sunny Florida fêtes from the first bite.
