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Summer desserts should be light, refreshing, and easy enough to whip up without spending too much time in a hot kitchen. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, bringing a dish to a picnic, or just want a sweet treat after dinner, these recipes hit the spot. Think chilled pies, fruit-filled goodies, frozen favorites, and easy no-bake desserts.
This list brings together 17 delicious summer dessert ideas that are simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Some use seasonal fruits, others rely on ice cream or whipped cream magic, and a few are so easy they barely need a recipe. If it’s cool, fruity, or just plain fun, it’s probably on this list.
I’ve also added a little extra advice with each one—a tip I’ve learned along the way to help your summer dessert turn out even better.
Let’s get into it!
1. Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
Layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries chilled into a creamy, cake-like dessert without baking a thing.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it chill overnight—the crackers soften completely and turn into the perfect cake-like texture.
Get the Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake recipe
2. No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
A buttery graham cracker crust topped with tangy lemon cheesecake filling and chilled until firm—bright, fresh, and perfect for hot days.
Olivia’s Tip
Use fresh lemon zest in the filling—it adds way more flavor than juice alone.
Get the No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars recipe
3. Watermelon Fruit Pizza
A thick slice of watermelon topped with Greek yogurt and fresh berries, then sliced like a pizza. It’s light, colorful, and fun for kids too.
Olivia’s Tip
Pat the watermelon dry before adding toppings—this keeps the yogurt from sliding right off.
Get the Watermelon Fruit Pizza recipe
4. Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Juicy peaches baked under a biscuit-like topping and served warm with a scoop of ice cream melting into every bite.
Olivia’s Tip
Use fresh, ripe peaches if you can—but if you’re in a pinch, canned peaches work great too (just drain them well).
Get the Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream recipe
5. Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas
Banana halves dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with chopped nuts or coconut, then frozen. A simple summer classic.
Olivia’s Tip
Freeze the banana pieces for 30 minutes before dipping—it helps the chocolate stick better and set faster.
Get the Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas recipe
6. Berry Trifle Cups
Individual trifles layered with pound cake cubes, whipped cream, and a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Light and perfect for parties.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the cups before assembling—it helps keep the layers firm and prevents the cream from melting too fast.
Get the Berry Trifle Cups recipe
7. Key Lime Pie
A cool and tangy pie with a graham cracker crust and creamy lime filling. It’s a Florida favorite and a summer staple.
Olivia’s Tip
Use freshly squeezed key lime juice if possible—the flavor is sharper and more authentic than bottled.
8. Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Layers of ice cream sandwiches, whipped topping, chocolate sauce, and crushed cookies stacked into a frozen dessert that’s as easy as it gets.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing—it’s easier to cut when slightly softened.
Get the Ice Cream Sandwich Cake recipe
9. Mango Sorbet
A bright and tropical frozen treat made with pureed mango, lime juice, and a little sugar. No cream, just fruit.
Olivia’s Tip
Use super ripe mangoes for better texture and sweetness—you shouldn’t need much added sugar.
10. Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon
Thick pineapple rings grilled and drizzled with honey, then sprinkled with cinnamon. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Olivia’s Tip
Brush the pineapple with a little oil before grilling—it helps it caramelize without sticking.
Get the Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon recipe
11. No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
A quick stovetop cookie made with oats, cocoa, peanut butter, and no need to turn on the oven.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the mixture cool just a bit before scooping—this gives you neater, rounder cookies.
Get the No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies recipe
12. Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
Blended strawberries and Greek yogurt frozen into creamy, fruity pops. A healthy-ish treat for hot days.
Olivia’s Tip
Swirl in a little honey before freezing if your berries aren’t sweet enough—it makes a big difference.
Get the Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles recipe
13. Blueberry Crisp
Sweet blueberries topped with a crumbly oat topping and baked until bubbly. Best served warm with ice cream.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss the berries with a little cornstarch before baking—it helps the filling thicken up just right.
Get the Blueberry Crisp recipe
14. Frozen S’mores Bars
Layers of graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and marshmallow fluff frozen into cool, creamy bars.
Olivia’s Tip
Cut them while slightly soft and refreeze for clean edges and easy serving later.
Get the Frozen S’mores Bars recipe
15. Lemon Raspberry Parfaits
Lemon pudding or curd layered with whipped cream and fresh raspberries in clear glasses. Tart, creamy, and perfectly portioned.
Olivia’s Tip
Add crushed shortbread cookies between layers for a nice buttery crunch.
Get the Lemon Raspberry Parfaits recipe
16. Coconut Chia Pudding with Pineapple
Creamy coconut milk chia pudding topped with juicy pineapple chunks for a tropical, dairy-free dessert.
Olivia’s Tip
Mix the chia pudding well twice—once at the start, and again after 10 minutes—to avoid clumps.
Get the Coconut Chia Pudding with Pineapple recipe
17. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
A sweet and salty dessert with a pretzel crust, cream cheese layer, and strawberry Jell-O topping packed with sliced berries.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the Jell-O cool slightly before pouring it over the cream layer so it sets evenly without melting the base.
