45 Easy Summer Desserts to Keep You Cool on the Hottest Days
Bonus: They're no-bake!
There's no better end to a beautiful summer day than one of these easy summer desserts. From fruity desserts that make the most of summer's bountiful produce to dreamy no-bake cakes, there are plenty of desserts here to help you make the most of summer. Many of these desserts are meant to serve a crowd, making them ideal for summer BBQs or potlucks. From summer strawberry desserts to healthy desserts, we've gathered dozens of our triple-tested recipes to inspire you all summer long.
Many of these summer desserts are designed to be made without using your stove or oven. Think fruity popsicles, creamy dips, and even boozy ice cream floats. Some of them are easy to make ahead of time, so that you have more time to spend running through the sprinklers with the kids or catching up with friends while you watch the sunset. After all, isn't that the best part of summer?
Grilled Fruit Salad with Vanilla Yogurt
Throw slices of store-bought pound cake on the grill for a fruit salad that's truly fit for dessert.
Cinnamon-Scented Icebox Cake
This dreamy no-bake dessert is made with cinnamon graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and vanilla pudding. Top it off with whipped cream and cinnamon-spiked cocoa powder for an easy and wow-worthy dessert.
Get the Cinnamon-Scented Icebox Cake recipe.
Chocolate Malt Ice Cream
The secret ingredient in this ultra-creamy ice cream is less than $5 at Walmart.
Get the Chocolate Malt Ice Cream recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Granitas
It's not just food coloring that makes this frozen treat pop: Each layer boasts its own summer-inspired flavor.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Granitas recipe.
Cherry Fro-Yo Pops
These pops have only four ingredients so you can really let ripe, in-season cherries shine.
Get the Cherry Fro-Yo Pops recipe.
Tahini Chocolate Shake
Love peanut butter and chocolate? Try its rich, nutty and earthy cousin: sesame seed butter and dark chocolate.
Get the Tahini Chocolate Shake recipe.
Vanilla Ice Cream with Mix-Ins
Incorporate your favorite flavors into our triple-tested vanilla ice cream base or try one of our ideas: Biscoff with lime zest, perhaps?
Get the Vanilla Ice Cream with Mix-Ins recipe.
RELATED: The Best Ice Cream Maker Includes a Spout for Mix-Ins
Rosé Sangria Floats
Struggling to choose between drinks and dessert? Have both, thanks to this fruity sangria topped with a scoop of raspberry sorbet.
Get the Rosé Sangria Floats recipe.
RELATED: Refreshing Cocktails Perfect for the 4th and Beyond
Jelly Donut Holes
Start with store-bought donut holes, then fill them with your favorite fruit jam for a seriously delicious (and easy!) upgrade.
Get the Jelly Donut Holes recipe.
RELATED: Recipes That Will Make You the Star of Sunday Brunch
Banana Pudding
This classic no-bake dessert is perfect for feeding a crowd. To make this creamy summertime dish for the whole crew, you'll need two large ripe bananas, vanilla wafer cookies, heavy cream, whole milk, and a few other ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Get the Banana Pudding recipe.
Creamy Cannoli Dip
Your favorite Italian dessert, now in dip form! You'll want to add whole-milk ricotta and mascarpone to your grocery list to make this no-bake dessert.
Get the Creamy Cannoli Dip recipe.
Tiramisu Dip
You don't have to turn on the oven for this fun take on tiramisu that can be served up family-style or in individual bowls. One thing's for certain: There won't be leftovers!
Get the Tiramisu Dip recipe.
Mini Grasshopper Pies
Cool off with these frosty, minty treats. You'll need marshmallow crème and chocolate sandwich cookies to make these adorable no-bake desserts.
Get the Mini Grasshopper Pies recipe.
Cookie Cheesecake Bites
Why choose between cookies and cheesecake for dessert? With these no-bake treats, you can have the best of both worlds.
Get the Cookie Cheesecake Bites recipe.
Easiest-Ever Fruit Ice Cream
You can whip this up in less than 10 minutes; the hardest part will be waiting for it to freeze! Choose from light and luscious fruit flavors or go for a decadent coconutty treat.
Get the Easiest-Ever Fruit Ice Cream recipe.
Basil-Berry Lemonade Sorbet
Each spoonful of this sorbet is brimming with bright, summery flavor, plus it's vegan, dairy- and gluten-free.
Get the Basil-Berry Lemonade Sorbet recipe.
Honey-Peach Sorbet
A splash of homemade margarita adds a zesty kick to this sweet, fruity sorbet. You'll be making it all summer!
Get the Honey-Peach Sorbet recipe.
3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
Craving dessert, but don't have a ton of ingredients on hand? This mousse requires just three things: bittersweet chocolate, marshmallows, and heavy cream.
Get the 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse recipe.
RELATED: Our Best Chocolate Desserts
Caramelized Pineapple Skewers
Who wouldn't want to dunk a pineapple stick in melted ice cream? That's what we thought.
Get the Caramelized Pineapple Skewers recipe.
Maritozzi
Start with store-bought brioche buns and fill them with softly whipped cream plus your favorite toppings for this Roman-inspired sweet.
Get the Maritozzi recipe.
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