Lemonade is a classic drink steeped in U.S. folklore, representing wholesomeness and the innocence of childhood. The flavor conjures imagery of hot summer afternoons spent benefiting from lemonade's reliably refreshing effect that soothes and recharges energy in its simplicity of flavor and ingredients. The drink easily transitions to sweets that appeal to the child inside everyone, including those that monitor their sugar intake due to diabetic conditions.
Dessert Lemonade
A dessert need not always involve a sugary flour-based product or creamy frozen dessert. Lemonade is a fun base beverage that invites dressing up with flavorings that ramp it up from a casual refreshment to a memorable dessert. Dessert-quality lemonade variations include pureed raspberry, lavender, ginger brew, apricot nectar, and strawberries and cream. Instead of sugar, add low-glycemic agave nectar or stevia to reduce or eliminate the beverage's effect on blood sugar.
Lemonade Cake
Adding pink lemonade beverage mix to a cake mix and using xylitol or agave syrup in place of sugar produce a fun, pink cake with the signature pink lemonade flavor. Play up the pink color by adding a few drops of food coloring or beet juice to the mix and the frosting. This dessert might be particularly appropriate for a birthday gathering.
Lemonade Ice Pops
A simple dessert that children can produce on their own is lemonade ice pops. Mix lemonade with fresh lemon juice, xylitol or agave syrup and water. Pour the lemonade into plastic Popsicle molds and insert a Popsicle stick. Freeze for several hours, and pass them out to children and adults for a fun, refreshing lemonade Popsicle.
Lemonade Sorbet
Another quick lemonade dessert idea easily produced at home with an ice cream maker is lemonade sorbet. Pour lemonade prepared with a sugar substitute to reduce the glycemic index into an ice cream maker canister and turn on the power. Add flavor complexity with ginger, mint or coconut milk.
References
- "Food Lover's Companion"; Sharon Tyler Herbst et al; 2007
- Food Network: Pink Lemonade Layer Cake
