3 Seasonal Fruit Desserts to Make In February 🍊🍐🍋

Winter might be chilly, but Spain’s seasonal fruit is doing the most right now. February is peak time for juicy pears, vibrant citrus, and zesty lemons — and they shine beautifully in these indulgent (yet seasonal) desserts.

These seasonal fruit desserts celebrate what’s naturally at its best in Spain this February — perfect for cooking with the rhythm of the Mediterranean seasons. 

Cooking with winter fruit like pears is a natural extension of the Mediterranean diet’s focus on seasonal, minimally processed ingredients. Discover more about the Mediterranean diet and how to follow it in our blog post.

🕒 Estimated reading time: ~7 minutes

✅  Topic: Mediterranean Diet, Seasonal Food, Recipes, Health & Nutrition, Dessert Recipes

Cooking With What’s In Season This February

Before diving into these desserts, take a quick look at what’s actually in season right now in Spain and the Mediterranean. Knowing what’s at its peak makes every recipe taste better — and helps you shop smarter at the market.

👉 February on a Plate — Seasonal Fruit & Veg in Spain & the Mediterranean

Pears 🍐🍐🍐

As the new month unfolds, pears quietly move into the heart of the winter season here in Spain and across much of the Mediterranean — a lovely reminder that the year’s produce cycle has its own rhythms and rewards. 

Unlike fruit that’s only at its best for a short window, you can find juicy, fragrant pears appearing in markets from February with the season expanding well into late Spring thanks to cold storage techniques. 

Pears’ rich, fragrant flesh is ideal for everything from simple fruit salads to poaching in warm spices or baking into tarts and crumbles. We’ve also got a Pear and pork main meal recipe here: Tender Spanish pork shoulder with caramelized apple & pear jus | Iberico Secreto con jugo de pera y manzana caramelizada

Eating pears this month isn’t just delicious — it’s a way of tuning in to the cycle of local agriculture in Spain, where cold-tolerant fruits and veg show up when other summer staples have long finished. 

🍐Gooey Chocolate Tart With Pears That Are Soaked In Sweet Pedro Ximénez Sherry 🍐

Rich and indulgent, and full of flavor, this chocolate and pear tart recipe uses a chocolate tart base and Pedro Ximénez, a sweet Spanish sherry, to infuse the delicious flavors of the pears with the gooey chocolate filling. It is oh so special and must be tried at least a few times! 

Gooey Chocolate Tart With Pears

🍽️ Serving: 8 slices

⌛Ready in: 3 hours (includes cooling time)

👨‍🍳Difficulty: Medium

Oranges 🍊🍊🍊

As winter reaches its peak in February, oranges truly come into their own across Spain and the wider Mediterranean — bright, juicy, and bursting with sunshine even on the chilliest days. This is the heart of citrus season here, and there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing crates of glossy oranges piled high in markets, knowing they’re picked at peak flavour and sweetness. 

One such celebration of citrus in its most decadent form is your Baked Orange Chocolate Cheesecake 🍊🍊🍊 — a visually striking dessert that pairs rich dark chocolate with the vibrant, fragrant brightness of oranges.

In this recipe, sherry-infused candied orange slices add layers of complexity, bringing together Spain’s beloved citrus and the sweet warmth of Pedro Ximénez to elevate the cheesecake into something truly memorable.

 🍊Baked Orange Chocolate Cheesecake 🍊

The ultimate decadent dessert, our baked chocolate orange cheesecake with sherry-infused candied orange slices is a stunning chocolate cheesecake variant that’s lovingly layered with rich dark chocolate and subtle notes of orange that’s infused with Pedro Ximénez sweet Spanish sherry. 

Baked Orange Chocolate Cheesecake

🍽️ Serving: 8-10 slices

⌛Ready in: Overnight (includes cooling time)

👨‍🍳Difficulty: Medium

Lemons 🍋🍋🍋

As the winter months stretch on into February, lemons continue to shine as one of the most vibrant and indispensable fruits on Spanish tables. Their zesty, aromatic peel and bright, tangy juice are at the heart of Mediterranean kitchens right now.

Their peak season means fruit that’s fragrant, flavorful, and full of juice — ideal for both everyday use and baking projects that crave a citrus lift.

Looking for more lemon recipes, check out this 30-Second Lemon Vinaigrette – Easy to Make | Put This on Everything!

🍋 Lemon Bizcocho (Lemon Cake)🍋

One of the loveliest ways to showcase these winter lemons is in your Lemon Bizcocho (Lemon Cake) — a classic Spanish sponge cake that’s bright, zesty, and irresistibly moist. This lemon-infused bizcocho brings a refreshing twist to a beloved traditional treat, turning peak-season lemons into a dessert that’s perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends.

Lemon Bizcocho (Lemon Cake)

🍽️ Serving: 8-10 slices

⌛Ready in: 1 hour, 20 minutes

👨‍🍳Difficulty: Easy

How to Follow the Mediterranean Diet

This isn’t about cooking elaborate meals every day. Use ingredients that are in season and affordable, be flexible with recipe choices, and aim for a balanced diet featuring lots of fresh fruit and vegatables.

Mediterranean Diet for Beginners

Start with simple swaps:

• Use olive oil instead of butter (it’s much healthier and tastes better)
• Add vegetables to every meal
• Eat 2 pieces of fruit daily
• Eat fish twice a week
• Eat red meat once per week
• Replace processed snacks with fruit or nuts

A Simple Mediterranean Diet Shopping List

Think fresh produce, pulses, fish, olive oil, and basic pantry staples — not “special” diet products.

• Spanish Pantry Staples (Secrets from a Spanish Kitchen)
• Discover The Top 10 Herbs Used in Spanish Cooking (Flavors, Health Benefits, Recipes)
• The 7 Most Used Spices in Spanish Cooking (Uses, Health Benefits, Recipes)

How to Build a Mediterranean Plate

• Half vegetables
• One quarter protein (fish, legumes, eggs)
• One quarter whole grains
• Olive oil on top

Conclusion: Seasonal Fruit Desserts

February may be wintery, but Spain’s seasonal fruit brings brightness, depth, and flavour to the table. From rich pear desserts to zesty citrus bakes, cooking with what’s in season is one of the simplest ways to eat well and stay connected to the Mediterranean rhythm of the year. 

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a quiet afternoon at home, these desserts make the most of February’s finest produce — sweet, vibrant, and perfectly in tune with the season.

Want to Cook More With What’s In Season? 🍎🥬

These desserts are just the sweet side of February’s produce story. From vibrant citrus to winter veg at its best, discover what fruit and vegetables are in season in Spain this February — plus ideas for using them in everyday Mediterranean cooking.

👉 Read: February on a Plate — Seasonal Fruit & Veg in Spain & the Mediterranean

FAQs

What fruit is in season in Spain in February?
In February, Spain’s seasonal fruit includes pears, oranges, lemons, mandarins, apples, and grapefruits. Citrus fruits are at their peak, offering the best flavour and juiciness. 

Why cook desserts with seasonal fruit?
Seasonal fruit tastes better, is often more affordable, and aligns with local agricultural cycles. Cooking with in-season produce also supports sustainability and traditional Mediterranean eating habits.

Are pears really in season in February?
Yes. Pears are widely available in Spain during winter, with varieties stored under cold conditions to maintain quality. February is an excellent time to use pears in baking and warm desserts.

What are popular Spanish desserts made with citrus?
Classic citrus desserts in Spain include orange cakes, lemon bizcochos, citrus-infused cheesecakes, and flans. Winter citrus is especially prized for baking and sweets.

Can I make these desserts ahead of time?
Yes. Desserts like baked cheesecakes and chocolate tarts often benefit from resting time and can be made a day ahead, making them ideal for entertaining.