I don’t know about you, but the summer always makes me feel like it would be so good to enjoy sweet-tart fruits, especially as ice cold refreshments. But you know what else they’d be good in? Desserts.
While most citrus fruits are available or in season all year round for us, if you’re needing that extra tropical feel on your palate right now, citrus desserts are worth checking out. Whether you’re in the mood for lemon, lime or our local favorite calamansi, here are some treats to try.
Half Saints
I’m always a sucker for Half Saints’ 64% dark chocolate tart, but their zesty calamansi and extra virgin olive oil tart—which was just added to the menu in 2020—is a good pick-me-up on what may be more somber days (if you’ve been languishing like we have, here’s an idea). You can order a box of three, or get a mixed flavor box to try all of Half Saints’ current tart offerings.
Lemonlime Manila
Whether you’re just enjoying it yourself or want to share with the rest of the family, Lemonlime Manila has mini and full size options for their signature key lime pie and citrusy fresh lemon cheesecake. The zesty pies are complemented by a crunchy, caramelly crust and are topped with dehydrated lime slices.
Ze Mamu Stella
Theater actress Stella Cañete-Mendoza has been making citrus meringue pies after the pandemic hit and theaters were shut. She makes only a few batches of these treats, so be sure to check her Facebook account when she opens up baking orders.
Lisa Lorenzo
As evidenced by the social media handle, Lisa Lorenzo started out making Food for the Gods cookie bars. Mid-2020, she delved into selling key lime pies, which have quickly become best-sellers along with the brazo de Lorenzo—a cake version of the Lorenzo family’s brazo de Mercedes recipe. Their key lime pie in particular is different in that it comes topped with whipped cream.
Oventime Lemon Yogurt Cheese Squares
This one’s quite different from the earlier entries on the list because it’s essentially lemon squares, but with yogurt cheese instead of cream cheese. To add to its flavor and texture, these lemon yogurt cheese squares have a light caramelized top layer.