Berry

Tender shortcakes accented with fresh and candied ginger are delicious complements to the strawberry filling.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This refreshing mint syrup can flavor any combination of fresh fruits. Leftover syrup is great for sweetening iced tea.

This dessert is based on an old-fashioned Russian kissel—traditionally a sweetened fruit purée thickened with potato starch, which gives it a puddinglike consistency. We've left the berries whole in order to achieve a more interesting look and texture and substituted cornstarch for the thickener as it's more readily available in the States.

Sweet and tart at the same time, the compote is spooned atop creamy chilled custard for a satisfying Italian dessert.

I recommend that you strain the blackberry mixture, because the little seeds will only get caught in your teeth.

In this terrific take on the classic Linzer-torte, an almond-cinnamon cookie crust is the delicious base for layers of chocolate and raspberries with raspberry jam. Cookie-crust stars top the whole thing off.

This appealing do-ahead dessert, perfect for a picnic, can be formed ahead and frozen. Just thaw, then bake and cool.

A vacherin includes layers of meringue with a creamy filling; its name derives from its resemblance to the rich, round French and Swiss cheeses of the same name. Begin preparing this lovely dessert at least one day before you plan to serve it. Once assembled, the torte can be frozen for up to four days.

An almond-scented pudding layered with blackberries and blackberry preserves makes a nice finale.

We slightly dried the small strawberries in this recipe so that their excess juice would not affect the crème caramel. We recommend using wild strawberries, as they do not need to be dried before using here. Both the crème caramel and the crust may be made ahead, but, to ensure a crisp crust and shiny caramel, do not invert the crème caramel onto the crust until shortly before serving.

A rich chocolate-raspberry truffle filling highlights this updated Linzertorte.

Try this cinnamon-scented sauce over vanilla ice cream, pound cake or both. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

From the Spa at Doral in Miami.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This cake, also called fraisier (French for "strawberry plant"), is usually made with almonds, but pistachios are used in this rendition. The delicate cake is layered with fresh strawberries and a mousselike white chocolate buttercream and then topped with marzipan.