When the weather heats up, nobody wants to be stuck in a hot kitchen baking for hours—and that’s where these easy and refreshing summer desserts come in.
From fruity favorites to frozen treats and crowd-pleasing no-bake goodies, this list has something for every summer sweet tooth.
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just want something cold and tasty after dinner, these dessert ideas keep things cool, simple, and totally delicious.
🍓 Fresh & Fruity Desserts
Light, juicy, and naturally sweet—these desserts take full advantage of summer’s freshest flavors. They're perfect when you want something a little lighter that still hits the sweet spot.
1. Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar
These layered desserts are as fun to look at as they are to eat. Soft pound cake, sweetened strawberries, and fresh whipped cream are stacked in mason jars for a portable twist on the classic. They’re perfect for picnics or cookouts.
This cute idea comes from Powered By Mom, and it’s as tasty as it is adorable.
2. Peach Cobbler with a Biscuit Topping
Juicy peaches baked under a golden biscuit topping—this one screams summer. It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. If you’ve only ever had cobbler with cake mix or pie crust, the biscuit-style version is a game-changer.
Check out how Sally's Baking Edition makes hers extra special.
3. Berry Yogurt Bark
This one's great if you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side. A mix of yogurt, fresh berries, and honey gets spread onto a tray and frozen, then broken into chunks like candy. It’s cold, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Chocolate Covered Katie has the full recipe, one that's healthy and high protein.
🍦 Frozen Favorites
When it’s blazing hot out, frozen desserts are the ultimate cool-down move. These icy treats are easy to make ahead, and you won’t even need to turn on the oven.
4. Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Soft cookies sandwiching creamy ice cream—it’s nostalgia in every bite. You can go classic with chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream, or mix things up with your favorite flavors. Wrap them in wax paper for an old-school touch.
For a homemade old-school version, Ahead of Thyme has got you covered.
5. Watermelon Popsicles
Fresh, hydrating, and so refreshing, these popsicles are made with real watermelon blended with a splash of lime. You can pour them into molds or even use paper cups with popsicle sticks in a pinch.
With just 4 ingredients, this fun recipe from Cooking For My Soul is a hit with both kids and adults.
6. Frozen S’mores Bars
Think graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding, and a marshmallow layer all chilled into sliceable squares. It’s all the goodness of s’mores without the campfire (or the sticky fingers).
I Heart Naptime walks you through her step-by-step version that’s easy to prep ahead.
🍫 No-Bake Treats
When it’s just too hot to even think about the oven, these no-bake options come to the rescue. Quick, low effort, and still totally satisfying.
7. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
Creamy, dreamy cheesecake in individual portions—no baking required. Crushed graham crackers make up the base, then you top with sweetened cream cheese and whatever fruit, jam, or pudding you love.
These no-bake cheesecake cups from Valya’s Taste of Home look fancy enough for a party, but they’re super simple to make—and totally delicious.
8. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
If you like peanut butter cups, you’ll love these. A simple mix of peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar is topped with melted chocolate and chilled until firm. Slice into bars and try not to eat the whole pan.
Food Folks and Fun shares her recipe, and yes, you’ll want to double it.
9. Lemon Icebox Cake
This no-bake cake is made with shortbread cookies and lemon pudding layered together until soft and creamy. It chills overnight, so all the flavors soak in and the crackers become cake-like. So easy, but it tastes like you worked all day.
Ina Garten Eats makes hers with a twist that gives it even more lemony zing.
🥧 Crowd-Pleasers for Cookouts
These are the kinds of desserts that vanish quickly at summer gatherings. They travel well, serve a crowd, and always get people asking for the recipe.
10. Banana Pudding Trifle
Layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and Nilla wafers come together in a big trifle dish (or even a 9x13 if you're keeping it casual). It’s creamy, comforting, and super nostalgic.
Princess Pinky Girl shows how to layer it so it looks as good as it tastes.
11. No-Bake Oreo Pie
Only five ingredients and no oven—this pie is a lifesaver when you need something sweet fast. It’s rich, chocolatey, and always a hit with both kids and grown-ups.
This dreamy pie comes from The Kitchen Is My Playground—and it’s seriously foolproof.
12. Fruit Pizza on a Sugar Cookie Crust
A soft sugar cookie crust topped with a layer of sweet cream cheese and an arrangement of fresh summer fruit. It looks impressive, but it couldn’t be easier. You can get creative with the fruit pattern, too!
Brown Sugar Food Blog has the full how-to, including the secret to keeping the crust soft.
Summer desserts don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With fruit, a freezer, and a little creativity, you can whip up sweet treats that cool you off and make the most of the season.
Try a few of these, and don’t forget to bookmark your favorites—because come August, you’ll want them on repeat.
More Summer Recipes To Enjoy
- 15 Easy Summer Meals for Hot Days and Busy Nights
- 17 Easy & Delicious Summer Salad Ideas Perfect All Season
- 10 Easy Rhubarb Recipes That Are So Tasty
- 45 Best Party Juice Recipes Perfect For Your Next Bash
- 15 Simple Strawberry Desserts That Taste Like Summer
- 17 Blueberry Recipes That’ll Make You Want to Bake All Year Long