Summer brings warm weather and a craving for cool, refreshing treats. You’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up the kitchen. From no-bake pies to fruity sorbets, there are endless ways to create delicious desserts perfect for hot days.
These 25 summer dessert recipes offer quick and easy ways to make crowd-pleasing sweets. Many use seasonal fruits like berries and peaches for maximum flavor. You’ll discover both classic favorites and creative new ideas to try. Get ready to impress your family and friends with tasty treats at your next barbecue or picnic.
You can make these tasty treats at home with a few simple ingredients. Start by softening some strawberry ice cream and mixing in chopped fresh strawberries.
Spread the ice cream mixture between two sugar cookies or slices of pound cake. For extra crunch, roll the edges in crushed graham crackers and freeze-dried strawberries.
Freeze the sandwiches for about 30 minutes before serving. This lets the ice cream firm up again.
These cool and creamy desserts are perfect for hot summer days. They combine the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the fun of an ice cream sandwich.
Peach Melba parfaits are a delicious summer treat. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by cooking peaches with brown sugar and butter until soft. This creates a sweet, syrupy peach topping.
Layer the cooked peaches in parfait glasses with scoops of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. Add some cookie crumbs between layers for extra crunch.
Top your parfait with fresh raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream. For a fancy touch, drizzle raspberry sauce over the top.
This dessert combines the classic flavors of peaches and raspberries in a cool, refreshing parfait. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something sweet but light.
Watermelon granita is a refreshing summer treat that’s easy to make at home. You only need a few simple ingredients – watermelon, sugar, and lemon juice.
Start by blending fresh watermelon chunks until smooth. Mix in some sugar and lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze.
Every 30 minutes, scrape the mixture with a fork to create icy flakes. Repeat this process 3-4 times until you have a slushy consistency.
Serve the granita in chilled glasses for a cool and fruity dessert. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something light and hydrating.
Honey lavender panna cotta is a creamy, elegant dessert perfect for summer. You can make this Italian treat with just a few ingredients.
Start by softening gelatin in cold water. Then heat cream, honey, and dried lavender in a saucepan. Let the mixture steep to infuse the lavender flavor.
Strain out the lavender and add the gelatin. Pour into ramekins and chill until set. The result is a silky smooth dessert with delicate floral notes.
You can serve this panna cotta plain or topped with fresh berries. It’s a light and refreshing end to any summer meal.
You can make a delicious Oreo cheesecake without turning on your oven. Start by crushing Oreos and mixing them with melted butter to create the crust. Press this mixture into a springform pan.
For the filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and chopped Oreos. Pour this mixture over the crust.
Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows it to set properly. You can top it with extra Oreo crumbs for added crunch.
This no-bake dessert is perfect for hot summer days. It’s creamy, cool, and packed with Oreo flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
This sweet and tangy dessert is perfect for hot summer days. You’ll love the mix of creamy yogurt, fresh blueberries, and zesty lemon.
To make it, layer Greek yogurt with a homemade blueberry sauce in a glass. The sauce is easy to make by cooking blueberries with sugar and water until thick.
Add some crunch with a sprinkle of granola between layers. For extra flavor, mix honey into the yogurt or add a dash of lemon juice to the blueberry sauce.
This parfait is not only tasty but also looks beautiful with its vibrant colors. It’s a light and refreshing treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
14. Chocolate-Covered Bananas
Chocolate-covered bananas are a delicious summer treat. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by peeling ripe bananas and cutting them in half. Insert popsicle sticks into the cut ends. Freeze the bananas for at least 2 hours.
Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Dip the frozen bananas in the melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off.
You can add toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes before the chocolate sets. Place the dipped bananas on parchment paper and freeze again until firm.
These frozen treats are perfect for hot summer days. They’re a healthier dessert option that both kids and adults will love.
Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic summer treat. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients. Start by warming milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan.
Scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean and add them to the mixture. Let it steep to infuse the flavor. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks.
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, stirring constantly. Return this to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Strain the custard and chill it thoroughly.
Finally, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy. Freeze for a few hours before serving. You’ll love the rich vanilla flavor and smooth texture.
Start by mixing milk, sugar, and cream in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it’s steaming, but don’t let it boil. Add peppermint extract for flavor.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the instructions. Near the end of churning, add chopped chocolate pieces.
If you want a green color, add a few drops of food coloring. For a more natural mint flavor, try steeping fresh mint leaves in the milk mixture before churning.
Freeze the ice cream for a few hours before serving. Enjoy your homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream on a hot summer day.
Raspberry Lemonade Bars are a perfect summer treat. They combine tangy lemon with sweet raspberries for a refreshing dessert.
To make these bars, start with a buttery shortbread crust. Press it into a square baking pan and bake until lightly golden.
For the filling, mix lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and flour. Add a raspberry reduction for extra flavor and color. Pour this mixture over the crust and bake again.
Once cooled, dust the bars with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy the bright, fruity flavors. These bars are great for picnics or backyard gatherings.
Refresh your summer with this cool and tasty Mojito Watermelon Salad. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Cut fresh watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Add chopped mint leaves for a burst of freshness. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture for a zesty kick.
Sprinkle a bit of chili powder for a subtle heat. If you like, crumble some feta cheese on top for a creamy contrast.
This salad is easy to make and great for picnics or backyard parties. It’s a light, healthy option that still feels like a treat. You can prepare it in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy summer days.
Lemon sorbet is a refreshing summer treat that’s easy to make at home. You only need a few simple ingredients: lemons, sugar, and water.
Start by making a sugar syrup. Mix sugar and water in a pan, heat until dissolved, then let it cool. Juice fresh lemons and strain out any pulp or seeds.
Combine the cooled syrup with the lemon juice. Pour this mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for about 15 minutes. The result should be slushy.
You can serve it right away as a frozen lemonade or freeze it for an hour to get a firmer texture. Lemon sorbet is perfect for hot days and makes a light dessert after a heavy meal.
This creamy treat combines rich chocolate flavor with the smooth texture of avocados. It’s a healthier twist on traditional mousse that’s quick to make.
Mix ripe avocados, cocoa powder, and your choice of sweetener in a food processor or blender. Add a splash of plant-based milk and vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and velvety. Chill the mousse for about an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Top with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a pretty presentation. This dessert is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Grilled plums make a quick and tasty summer dessert. Cut ripe plums in half and remove the pits. Brush them with honey before grilling.
Place the plums cut-side down on a hot, oiled grill. Cook for 2-5 minutes until lightly browned. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes.
The heat caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness. Drizzle warm honey over the grilled plums for extra flavor.
Serve the plums warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also top them with yogurt, mascarpone, or chopped nuts for added texture.
Health Benefits Of Summer Desserts
Summer desserts can offer surprising health benefits when made with the right ingredients. They can provide nutrients and help keep you hydrated during hot weather.
Nutritional Advantages
Many summer desserts feature fresh fruits packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. Melons provide potassium and vitamins A and C. Stone fruits like peaches have beta-carotene and other nutrients.
Frozen yogurt and fruit-based ice creams offer protein and calcium. Add nuts or seeds to desserts for healthy fats and extra protein. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants when used in moderation.
Some recipes use whole grains like oats or buckwheat flour. These add fiber and nutrients compared to refined flours. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can replace refined sugar in many desserts.
Hydration And Summer Desserts
Water-rich fruits in desserts help you stay hydrated. Watermelon, strawberries, and peaches have high water content. This makes them refreshing choices on hot days.
Frozen treats like popsicles or sorbet can cool you down and provide fluids. Fruit-based smoothies offer hydration along with nutrients. Chia seed puddings absorb liquid, helping you retain water.
For extra hydration, try coconut water as a base for frozen desserts. It provides electrolytes along with a tropical flavor. Herb-infused water or tea can be frozen into refreshing popsicles.
Ingredients To Use In Summer Desserts
Summer desserts shine with fresh, seasonal ingredients that keep things light and refreshing. The right components can transform a simple treat into something special.
Seasonal Fruits
Fresh fruits are summer dessert superstars. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color. Cherries, peaches, and nectarines bring juicy flavors perfect for pies and cobblers.
Tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples give desserts an exotic twist. Melons like watermelon and cantaloupe are hydrating choices for hot days. You can use these fruits raw, grilled, or pureed in your recipes.
Don’t forget about citrus! Lemons and limes add zesty flavors to many summer sweets. Their juice and zest can brighten up cakes, pies, and frozen treats.
Light And Refreshing Ingredients
For cooler desserts, look to ingredients that won’t weigh you down. Greek yogurt makes a creamy base for parfaits or frozen pops. It’s protein-rich and less heavy than cream.
Coconut milk is another great option for dairy-free treats. It works well in ice creams and puddings. Almond milk can also sub in for regular milk in many recipes.
Fresh herbs like mint and basil can add unexpected flavors to desserts. They pair well with fruits and chocolate. For natural sweeteners, try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
Nuts and seeds give desserts a satisfying crunch. Almonds, pecans, and pistachios are tasty choices. They work well in crusts or as toppings for fruit crisps and ice cream sundaes.
