Dreamy Summer Desserts

Desserts are a magical thing; they have the ability to awaken your senses and comfort you with their sweet flavours. As you journey around our region this summer, be delighted by desserts that have been crafted out of wholesome local ingredients – many of them almost too pretty to eat.

During summer, Sault is home to majestic fields of lavender and sunflowers. Nestled in beside them is an abundant kitchen garden. The warmer weather heralds the arrival of tiny edible flowers and pops of summery fresh zests. Head chef, Liam Scott meets regularly with his team amongst the fragrant edible flowers and herbs, where the ideas for his desserts come to life.

Now is the perfect time to enjoy strawberries at their finest, rich and bursting with flavour, picked fresh from Sault’s patch each morning. On the menu, you’ll find a summer berries dessert dish which features fresh and pickled strawberries hugged in with berry jam, lemon balm granita and pink peppercorn marshmallow. This dish sings to the flavours of summer, with the volume turned to maximum.

In the heart of the Macedon Ranges, overlooking the charming village of Woodend, you’ll find the stunning Mount Macedon Winery. Here, the dessert of the day is their delicious dark chocolate parfait which tantalises your palate with hints of pineapple, passionfruit and honeycomb, nestled into chocolate soil. Paired with their sparkling rosé, it’s a perfect summer match.

Further north, a hidden gem of the region is Castlemaine’s Das Kaffeehaus. This inviting Viennese coffee shop can be found in The Mill precinct, opposite the Botanic Gardens (ideal for a post dessert walk). Apple strudel is a must when visiting and pastry chef Benoit has created a stunning strudel which features Austrian rum soaked raisins, finely shaved apple and bread crumbs. Toasted in butter, this delicious dish is best paired with cream.

Back in Daylesford, Pancho hits the spot every time for those looking for a takeaway option. You could stare all day at their beautiful glass cake cabinet, which is dressed daily with fresh flowers. Nestled amongst the blooms you’ll find goodies such as dark couverture chocolate brownies loaded with hazelnuts and dulce de leche; carrot cake frosted with cream cheese icing, orange powder and walnuts; and a tasty selection of warm fresh muffins. Or don’t miss my favourite, the flourless orange and almond cake, dressed lovingly with cumquats from Pancho’s own garden.

For delicious vegan and gluten free takeaway treats, be sure to pop into Daylesford Health Food & Organics. The kids will love their vegan lamingtons, rich and chocolatey and impossible to put down. Their vegan carrot cake is not only super pretty, its healthy and delicious too.

Summer is not complete without an ice cream and Woodend Ice Cream Co. has captured the local’s attention for all the right reasons. Nothing quite beats that nostalgic smell of a good ice cream shop, think waffle cones and fragrant hints of flavours to enjoy. Choose from dreamy summer flavours such as strawberry cheesecake, cherry coconut rough or mango-passion sorbet. They also make ice cream cakes, ideal for summer birthday celebrations. Summer sure is looking sweet in our eyes.