Joy Bauer uses fresh summer fruit for sweet and savory treats

Fruit lovers, rejoice! This lineup of recipes celebrates the sweet, juicy goodness of fruit in the most delicious ways. Whether you’re in the mood for dessert, a savory snack or something light and refreshing, I’ve got you covered. First up, my chocolate-cherry mud cake brings together rich, fudgy chocolate and plump cherries for a decadent dessert that’s beyond easy to make. Then, there’s my bacon-wrapped figs with goat cheese (aka figs in a blanket) —a unique, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Finally, my watermelon caprese is a fresh and fruity spin on the classic salad, or rather, caprese toast — except instead of bread, we’re using juicy watermelon slices as the base. From cherries to figs to watermelon, these recipes show off the magic of fruit in the most flavorful and fun ways!

Chocolate-Cherry Mud Cake

This treat is all about indulgence made easy! It’s the perfect example of effortless decadence — just three simple ingredients and one pan, and you’ve got yourself a gooey, fudgy, cherry-filled treat that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more. It’s not your typical cake texture either — imagine a hybrid between chocolate pudding and a chewy brownie, with juicy cherries scattered throughout for a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s so soft and gushy that you won’t be slicing it like a cake — it’s more of a scoop-into-small-bowls kind of dessert. Plus, it’s not overly sweet, but it strikes just the right balance of chocolatey-cherry bliss!

Bacon-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese

Looking for a unique appetizer or snack? These figs in a blanket are a delicious twist on a classic, using fresh figs for a fun, slightly sweet, savory bite. If you haven’t worked with figs before, this is the perfect recipe to dive in with. Fresh figs are typically available late summer through early fall, and they come with some impressive health benefits, including being rich in fiber, antioxidants and essential minerals. Goat cheese is my pick here, but feel free to swap in softened cream cheese or ricotta if that sounds more appealing. And if you want to take these to the next level, drizzle on my hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick. Regular honey or a balsamic glaze will work perfectly, too.

Watermelon Caprese Salad by Joy Bauer

Say hello to your new favorite seasonal snack! Think of it as the refreshing, fruity twist on your classic caprese toast — except instead of bread, we’re using juicy watermelon slices as the base. This definitely isn’t my first rodeo when it comes to pairing fruit with the classic caprese trio — fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil — as I’ve tried it (and loved it!) with cantaloupe and berries, too. There’s just something about the combination of fresh fruit and those iconic caprese flavors that keeps me coming back for more. In this version, I layer sweet watermelon slices with ripe tomato, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each bite is a delicious balance of sweet, savory and tangy goodness. It’s a simple way to enjoy one of our beloved summer fruits!

This article was originally published on TODAY.com