31 Simple Summer Desserts to Cool Off With
Summer desserts should be as light and refreshing as the season itself.
Indulge in sweet treats that highlight fresh fruits, cool flavors, and simple preparations perfect for warm days.
From tangy lemon bars to chilled berry parfaits, these delights capture the essence of sunshine on a plate.
Enjoy satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen, making every moment of summer more enjoyable.
Easy Peach Cobbler
Warm peaches create a delightful summer treat, especially when combined with a cinnamon cake-like crust.
This peach cobbler recipe is a favorite for many who enjoy baking during the sunny months.
Adding vanilla ice cream elevates the experience to another level of enjoyment.
Essential ingredients include peeled peaches, butter, flour, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Milk and an egg help bind everything together for that perfect texture in every bite.
Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies make a wonderful choice for summer gatherings.
Chewy and soft, these treats come alive with the flavors of crunchy walnuts and sweet raisins.
Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter that is slightly softened, packed light brown sugar alongside granulated sugar.
Large eggs and vanilla extract enhance the mix while rolled old-fashioned oats add texture to each bite.
Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches shine as a delightful summer dessert, offering a flavor that surpasses any peach you’ve ever enjoyed.
Fresh peaches, melted unsalted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, fine sea salt, and canola oil create the base for this treat.
Topping it off with fresh raspberries and mint leaves adds freshness while ice cream provides a creamy finish.
Similar to grilled watermelon in its appeal, this dish captures the essence of warm weather gatherings.
Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse
A delightful summer dessert comes from a recipe for chocolate avocado mousse.
This creamy treat combines rich chocolate with the buttery texture of avocado, surprising many with its deliciousness.
Ingredients include dark chocolate chips, ripe avocados, unsweetened cocoa powder, honey, maple syrup, maraschino cherry liqueur or another favorite liqueur, sea salt, milk for smoothness and candied cherries to top it off.
The result is so tasty that finishing every last bite becomes a tempting challenge!
Cherry Pie Chia Parfaits
Cherry pie chia parfaits serve as a delightful treat for summer, offering both sweetness and nutrition.
A mix of creamy coconut milk and almond milk creates a rich base, while chia seeds add texture and health benefits.
Tart cherries provide a refreshing burst of flavor alongside crunchy walnuts and oats.
Maple syrup enhances the sweetness, complemented by hints of cinnamon and sea salt.
Optional coconut flakes can add an extra layer of flavor to this versatile dessert that works well for breakfast too.
Chocolate Pudding Pops
Summer days always called for a sweet treat, and Jello pudding pops topped the list of favorites.
Although these delightful desserts are no longer found in stores, making them at home is still possible.
A simple recipe brings back those joyful memories with ingredients like sugar, cocoa, cornflour (or cornstarch), salt, vanilla, and skimmed milk.
Silicone molds along with popsicle sticks will help shape your delicious creations perfectly.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Delicious lemon shortbread cookies can be enjoyed any time of year, not just during Girl Scout season.
This recipe stands out with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze that elevates the flavor to new heights.
A clever cookie hack and a secret ingredient ensure these treats are essential for summer gatherings.
Key ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, lemon paste, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, confectioners’ sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest for an extra burst of flavor.
No Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies provide a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
This recipe features creamy almond or peanut butter, combined with granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder for rich flavor.
Whole milk adds moisture while kosher salt enhances the taste.
Vanilla extract rounds out the ingredients alongside quick-cooking oats for that perfect crunch.
Strawberry Tart
A strawberry tart impresses guests with its sweet, creamy filling and fresh strawberries.
The recipe requires all-purpose flour, butter, baking powder, lemon zest, salt, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and optional pistachios for added crunch.
Ripe strawberries add a burst of flavor that enhances the dish's appeal.
This dessert combines rich textures with delightful tastes that everyone will enjoy.
Blueberry, Mango & Mint Ice Cream
Finding this ice cream flavor in stores is unlikely, which may be for the best.
Blueberry, mango, and mint create a combination that is truly irresistible.
The sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with the tartness of blueberries, while fresh mint adds a cool finish perfect for warm days.
Full-fat coconut milk gives it a creamy texture alongside ingredients like cornstarch and cane sugar that enhance its richness.
Best Carrot Cake
A secret ingredient enhances the flavor and moisture of this classic carrot cake.
Friends and family will likely ask for this recipe repeatedly, as it quickly becomes a favorite.
Ingredients include sugar, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon powder, softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Raspberry Vegan Cheesecake
Raspberry cheesecake brings a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, topped with fresh berries.
Creamy texture comes from raw cashews and coconut milk, making it rich without baking.
Crunchy pecans and walnuts form the base, while Medjool dates add natural sweetness.
A hint of lemon juice brightens the taste, complemented by pure maple syrup for extra flavor.
Peach Crisp
A delightful summer dessert shines with a soft and crunchy cinnamon oat crust, perfectly paired with sweet fresh peaches in syrup.
Fresh peaches provide a juicy burst of flavor, while the oat topping adds texture.
Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth.
The addition of lemon juice brightens the dish alongside vanilla extract for depth.
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake stands out as a must-have during warm months.
Juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream combine beautifully with soft angel cake for a refreshing dessert.
Essential ingredients consist of shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, whipped cream topping along with fresh or frozen strawberries.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone loves.
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Zucchini cake proves that desserts can be both tasty and healthy.
This warm bread features sweet flavors combined with shredded zucchini, turning vegetables into a delightful treat.
Ingredients include medium zucchini, cocoa powder, softened butter, eggs, granulated sugar, applesauce, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda and salt.
Ground cinnamon adds a hint of spice while semi-sweet mini chocolate chips enhance the sweetness.
Light corn syrup rounds out this delicious recipe for an enjoyable dessert experience!
Carrot Cake Cookies
Carrot cake cookies deliver all the delightful flavors of traditional carrot cake in a shareable form.
A creamy sour cream frosting adds a tangy sweetness that enhances their appeal.
Ingredients include butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract for richness.
Ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth, while finely grated carrots add moisture and flavor.
Old-fashioned oats contribute texture to these tasty treats, making them perfect for summer gatherings.
Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Chocolate zucchini bread takes the classic recipe to a new level.
Kids who usually shy away from zucchini will find it hard to resist this tasty treat.
Ingredients needed for this delicious bread include unsalted butter, oil (like vegetable, canola, or coconut), brown sugar, regular sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, grated zucchini, flour, unsweetened cocoa powder and baking essentials like baking soda and powder along with salt and chocolate chips.
Combining these ingredients creates a moist loaf that balances rich chocolate flavor with the subtle taste of zucchini.
Yogurt Pound Cake
A homemade vanilla pound cake using Greek yogurt results in an incredibly moist and sweet treat.
Topping this cake with frostings like strawberry cream cheese or chocolate enhances its deliciousness.
Pairing it with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries adds a delightful twist.
Essential ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, softened butter, granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt.
Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Soft, chewy, and crunchy, peanut butter cookies make a delightful summer dessert.
These treats satisfy the cravings of anyone who loves peanut butter.
Gather all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar along with extra-crunchy peanut butter.
Large eggs and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste add flavor while crushed dry roasted peanuts provide an extra crunch.
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
Rhubarb offers a distinct tartness that pairs wonderfully with strawberries, especially in baked treats.
This recipe combines these two ingredients into delightful bars, making them great for sharing at gatherings.
Key components include diced rhubarb and strawberries, along with lemon juice and vanilla extract for added flavor.
Brown sugar adds sweetness while corn or tapioca starch thickens the mixture; cinnamon and salt enhance the taste further.
Softened unsalted butter blends smoothly with gluten-free baking flour and organic rolled oats to create a satisfying texture in every bite.
Homemade Brownies
Homemade brownies shine as a versatile treat that fits any season.
Their rich, chewy texture pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, making them a favorite for gatherings.
Essential ingredients include chopped bittersweet chocolate, salted butter, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, large eggs at room temperature, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour and salt along with chocolate chips.
Baking these bars creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen and invites everyone to indulge in their chocolaty goodness.
Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone on a cozy evening!
Glazed Lemon Blueberry Scones
Fresh blueberries and zesty lemon create a delightful flavor in lemon-blueberry scones, perfect for breakfast or dessert during warm months.
Simple ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, and milk come together with fresh lemon juice and zest to form the dough.
Adding vanilla extract enhances the taste while powdered sugar can finish off these treats beautifully.
Making these scones is quick and enjoyable for anyone who loves baking.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Soft and moist, these chocolatey peanut butter cookie bars will leave a lasting impression.
With creamy peanut butter and plenty of chocolate chips, enjoying every crumb becomes an irresistible urge.
Ingredients include egg, blanched almond flour, coconut flour, your choice of sweetener, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips.
Raspberry Basil Blender Sorbet
Raspberry sorbet makes a delightful summer treat, combining the tang of raspberries and cherries with the sweetness of bananas.
This cool dessert can be ready in just five minutes using a blender.
Ingredients include frozen bananas, frozen raspberries, frozen cherries, and almond milk for a creamy texture.
Nothing compares to this refreshing option when seeking summer desserts.
Cherry Clafoutis
For those who adore cherries, this delightful dessert shines as a summer favorite.
Cherry clafoutis, known as “Clafoutis aux Cerises,” combines fresh black cherries with a creamy batter.
Key ingredients feature eggs, sugar, milk, and butter alongside optional kirsch liquor for an extra kick.
A hint of lemon zest adds brightness while powdered sugar dusted on top enhances the presentation.
This baked treat promises to satisfy any cherry enthusiast’s sweet cravings.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Many delicious treats exist for those who choose a vegan lifestyle.
Chocolate chip vegan cookies are just one example of the tasty options available.
Ingredients for these cookies include organic granulated cane sugar, organic brown sugar, softened vegan butter, room temperature coconut milk, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chunks or chips.
A sprinkle of fancy sea salt adds an extra touch to this delightful dessert.
People often underestimate the variety of foods that vegans can enjoy.
Best Zucchini Bread
Desserts made with bread offer a chewy texture that sets them apart from cakes, making them easier to handle.
Zucchini bread stands out as a delightful option for those who want something sweet while sneaking in some vegetables.
A mix of white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil or applesauce forms the base of this treat.
Flavor comes alive with vanilla extract, nutmeg, ground cinnamon, baking powder and soda, salt along with fresh zucchini and chopped walnuts.
Edible Cookie Dough
Eating cookie dough straight from the bowl brings back sweet memories for many.
Enjoying this treat without worry is possible with a recipe for edible cookie dough.
Safe ingredients replace the usual risks, allowing indulgence without concern.
All-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips create a delicious mix.
For extra fun, consider adding sprinkles or bits of Oreo cookies to enhance flavor and texture.
Lemon Olive Oil Pistachio Cake
Lemon pistachio olive oil cake serves as a refreshing choice for summer desserts.
This cake features a delightful mix of zesty lemons and nutty pistachios, creating an exciting flavor profile.
Ingredients include all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and oil.
Almond milk adds moisture while cane sugar sweetens the treat.
Topped with chopped pistachios and powdered sugar along with fresh lemon juice enhances its appeal even more.
Vegan Ice Cream
Vegan ice cream has quickly become a favorite summer dessert.
This cold treat offers the rich creaminess and delightful vanilla flavor without any dairy.
Ingredients include full-fat coconut milk, coconut cream, raw cashew butter, pure maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract along with a vanilla bean pod for extra depth.
Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars
Creamy lemon bars offer a delightful blend of tartness and sweetness, perfect for those who prefer gluten and dairy-free treats.
Enjoying these with a glass of chilled lemonade enhances the refreshing experience.
Key ingredients include raw cashews, coconut cream, cornstarch or arrowroot, fresh lemon juice and zest, sea salt, maple syrup along with organic powdered sugar.
Gluten-free oats and raw almonds add texture while coconut sugar brings an extra hint of sweetness.