Summer brings the juiciest treasure: stone fruits bursting with sweet-tart flavour! These delicious gems with their hard central pit – peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and cherries – are at their absolute best right now.
Whether you fancy something sweet or savoury, breakfast or pudding, there's a brilliant way to showcase these seasonal stars in your kitchen.
This content is for general information only. The availability of stone fruits may vary by location and season. Always check with your local suppliers for the freshest options.
Please note that the images in this article are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect the exact outcome or presentation.
1. Grilled Peach Salad With Burrata
Smoky sweetness meets creamy indulgence in this showstopper starter. Simply halve peaches, brush with olive oil, and grill until those gorgeous char marks appear.
Arrange over peppery rocket leaves, tear over some burrata, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The hot-cold contrast is absolutely magical.
2. Nectarine And Blackberry Crumble
Comfort pudding gets a summer makeover! Juicy nectarines and tart blackberries create the perfect sweet-sour base beneath a golden, buttery crumble topping.
The secret? A splash of amaretto in the fruit mixture. Serve warm with cold vanilla custard for a proper British pud that celebrates the season brilliantly.
3. Apricot And Almond Breakfast Bars
Morning rush? These make-ahead bars solve breakfast in one tasty package. Chewy dried apricots provide natural sweetness while almonds add satisfying crunch.
Bound together with honey and a touch of cinnamon, they're filling without being heavy. Perfect with your morning cuppa or tucked into lunchboxes for an afternoon energy boost.
4. Cherry And Dark Chocolate Clafoutis
This French countryside classic gets a cheeky chocolate upgrade. Fresh cherries nestled in a custardy batter with melting chunks of dark chocolate – what's not to love?
Don't worry about pitting cherries if you're feeling lazy. Traditional recipes keep the stones in (just warn your guests). The slight almond flavour from the pits adds something rather special.
5. Plum And Star Anise Jam
Capture summer in a jar with this gloriously purple preserve. The warming spice of star anise perfectly complements the sweet-tart plums, creating something far more interesting than shop-bought jam.
Makes brilliant gifts and transforms morning toast into something rather special. The ruby colour alone is enough to brighten any breakfast table!
6. Peach And Prosecco Jelly
Grown-up jelly that's perfect for summer entertaining! Ripe peaches infuse their flavour into a sparkling prosecco base, creating a sophisticated dessert that's refreshingly light.
Set it in elegant glasses and top with a dollop of crème fraîche. The wobbly texture and gentle fizz make this a properly playful end to any summer meal.
7. Nectarine And Halloumi Skewers
BBQ brilliance in bite-sized form! Thread chunks of firm nectarines with squeaky halloumi cheese and red onion for a sweet-salty flavour bomb.
Brush with a honey-lime glaze before grilling for caramelised edges. These colourful skewers cook in minutes and disappear even faster – summer on a stick!
8. Apricot And Rosemary Chicken Traybake
Midweek dinner sorted with this fuss-free one-pan wonder. Chicken thighs roast alongside halved apricots, with rosemary adding an aromatic herbal note that ties everything together.
The fruit breaks down slightly, creating a naturally sweet sauce that mingles with the meat juices. Rustic, impressive, yet remarkably simple – exactly what home cooking should be.
9. Cherry And Pistachio Yoghurt Bark
Healthy-ish treat that looks as good as it tastes! Greek yoghurt swirled with honey creates the creamy base for this frozen delight.
Scatter with fresh cherries and chopped pistachios before freezing, then break into jagged shards. The tangy yoghurt perfectly balances the sweet fruit, making this a refreshing alternative to ice cream on hot days.
10. Plum And Ginger Upside-Down Cake
Dramatic pudding that's easier than it looks! Arrange plum halves in a pretty pattern, pour over a spiced ginger batter, then flip after baking to reveal the glistening fruit top.
The fiery warmth of ginger perfectly balances the juicy plums. Serve warm with a splash of double cream for proper pudding perfection that celebrates these seasonal beauties.
11. Peach And Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Homemade condiment that'll revolutionise your summer grilling! Sweet peaches simmer down with a splash of bourbon whiskey, creating a thick, glossy sauce with complex flavour.
Brush over ribs, chicken, or burgers in the final minutes of cooking. The natural sugars caramelise beautifully, while the fruit adds a summery twist to classic BBQ flavours.
12. Nectarine And Mascarpone Tart
Impressive dessert that requires minimal effort! A buttery shortcrust base holds clouds of vanilla-flecked mascarpone topped with nectarine slices arranged in a stunning pattern.
A quick glaze of warmed apricot jam adds professional shine. Looks like it came from a fancy patisserie but takes just minutes to assemble. Perfect for summer entertaining without the stress.
13. Cherry And Almond Dutch Baby Pancake
Weekend breakfast with proper wow factor! This giant, puffy pancake bakes in the oven – no flipping required. The batter rises dramatically around the edges, creating a golden crater.
Fill with fresh cherries, toasted almonds, and a dusting of icing sugar. Somewhere between a pancake, Yorkshire pudding, and soufflé – utterly delicious and surprisingly simple.
14. Apricot And Cardamom Eton Mess
British classic with a fragrant twist! Crushed meringues fold through whipped cream with a ripple of cardamom-spiced apricot compote for a cloud-like pudding.
The aromatic warmth of cardamom elevates the humble apricot to something truly special. Serve in clear glasses to show off the pretty layers, effortlessly elegant and absolutely scrumptious.
15. Plum And Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Breakfast that makes itself while you sleep! Oats soak overnight in milk with a swirl of cinnamon and honey, creating a creamy base for your morning meal.
Top with fresh plums just before eating for juicy bursts of flavour. Prep several jars at once for grab-and-go breakfasts that taste like plum crumble but fuel you for the day ahead.
16. Peach And Mint Iced Tea
Summer refreshment in a glass! Fresh peaches muddled with mint leaves and steeped with tea create a naturally sweet drink that's miles better than anything from a bottle.
Make a big jug for garden gatherings or afternoon sipping. The gentle sweetness and fruity aroma make this a thirst-quenching drink.
17. Nectarine And Prosciutto Flatbreads
Posh pizza that's ready in minutes! Spread ricotta over shop-bought flatbreads, then top with thin nectarine slices and torn prosciutto for sweet-salty perfection.
A quick blast in a hot oven crisps the edges while warming the fruit. Finish with rocket and a drizzle of honey for a light meal that feels properly special.
18. Cherry And Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Bakery-style treats packed with summer flavour! Fresh cherries add bursts of juicy goodness among chunks of dark chocolate in these chewy cookies.
The slight tartness of the fruit balances the rich chocolate perfectly. A sprinkle of sea salt on top brings all the flavours into sharp focus. Warning: these disappear at an alarming speed. Best make a double batch!
