While you can often get blueberries across most of the year, and it's a staple in the frozen foods aisle, summer is the time when these vibrant, juicy berries are in peak season. Here are some great blueberry recipes – from easy bakes and breakfast ideas to impressive desserts.
Damper is an Aussie classic and in this recipe, Anneka Manning puts a berry spin on it, inspired by memories of a teenage camping trip. A mixture of fresh blueberries, berry jam and vanilla forms the filling for an easy oven-baked damper.
Blueberry ripple damper Credit: Alan Benson
Matthew Evans describes this cordial as a "yummy taste of summer". It's made with just fresh blueberries, sugar and lemon juice, and can be kept in the fridge, ready to make delicious drinks.
Blueberry limonata Credit: Alan Benson
"I absolutely love this easy apple and blueberry cake. Firstly because it reminds me of my grandmother who taught me how to cook and secondly because it's whipped up really easily, all together in one bowl, and topped with beautiful fruit," Donna Hay says of this recipe, which is not only easy to make, but easy on the eyes too.
Credit: Simple apple and blueberry cake (Donna Hay: Fast, Fresh, Simple)
"Cheesecake in any form is a winner for me and this is a simple no-bake ice cream version, which also happens to be vegan. Its sweet, oaty, hazelnutty base is filled with a banana ice cream ‘cheesecake’ layer, then topped with a warm blueberry compote," says Nadiya Hussain of her delicious dessert. The compote can be made with fresh or frozen blueberries.
Credit: Penguin Books / Nadiya Bakes
Here, Justine Schofield shares her mother Francoise's blueberry tart, a lovely dessert with made with fresh berries baked in custard.
Blueberry tart. Credit: Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield
This dairy-free recipe is made with coconut meat, cashews, coconut water and blueberries, for a cool summer treat.
Credit: Benito Martin
Mousse is a great dessert when entertaining, because it can be made in advance. Here, Gariel Gaté shares a recipe from the French alps, traditionally made with wild blueberries – but just as good with regular blueberries or even raspberries.
Credit: Benito Martin
Another recipe from Gariel Gaté, who explains: "A galette is the French term for a flat cake. I love the flavour of the cooked blueberries in this dish. You can also make eight small galettes using individual flan tins or muffin tins."
Almond blueberry galette Credit: Mark Roper
This crust-less baked cheesecake gets colour and sweetness from the berries and a delicious crunch from crumbled cookies on the top.
Cookies & cream blueberry cheesecake Credit: Chris Middleton
Donal Skehan's recipe uses oats, mashed banana, chia seeds and wholemeal flour to up the fibre content and keep you fuller for longer.
Blueberry and chia seed muffins Credit: Donal's Cook, Eat, Burn!
Skillet scones are a campside take on Irish soda farls, the traditional quick-cooking breads made on a griddle. They’re crisp and dry on the outside but soft and dense in the centre, and are delicious with a smear of jam or butter served alongside coffee or tea. Lynda Ly's recipe, which can be made on the stovetop, not just over a campfire.
Credit: Voyageur press / Will Taylor
This classic loaf from Anna Olson is a one-bowl wonder, made with fresh blueberries and topped with a simple lemony icing. Perfect with a cup of tea.
Credit: Bake With Anna Olson
Here's a fantastic hand pie recipe, with the lattice pastry top enclosing an apple and mixed berry filling.
Credit: Bake With Anna Olson
Short on time? Mary Berg's drop 'biscuits' (a.k.a drop scones) are quick to make and endlessly customisable in sweet and savoury versions, from the blueberry and choc number pictured to cheese and chive. Perfect for everything from breakfast to dessert.
Any flavour drop biscuits. Credit: Mary Makes it Easy / Geoff George
Skyr is a wonderfully smooth and creamy Icelandic style of yoghurt cheese that is high in protein and low fat! Because it is so creamy, it suits being made into a light and airy cheesecake – such as this no-bake blueberry version, which can be made up to three days before serving.
Credit: Bake With Anna Olson
MORE BLUEBERRY IDEAS
Cheese blintzes with blueberry sauce (nalesniki z serem)
