20 Easy Summer Dessert Recipes for Hot Days

Long summer days call for desserts that are cool, colorful, and manageable in a warm kitchen. This collection includes both no-bake favorites and quick oven-baked treats.

Use these 20 summer dessert recipes for barbecues, family gatherings, pool days, or a simple sweet finish after dinner.

The list moves from chilled fruit desserts to cakes, bars, pies, pudding cups, and frozen treats, with the original ingredients and instructions kept together.

Choose one that matches your schedule and the fruit you have on hand.

1. Strawberry Icebox Cake

Layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and sliced strawberries turn soft and cake-like after an overnight chill. This Strawberry Icebox Cake is an easy make-ahead dessert for a warm day.

It is a no-bake treat with whipped cream, graham crackers, and sweet strawberries. The magic happens overnight as the graham crackers soak up the cream and soften into a cake-like texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of graham crackers
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or Cool Whip)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (if using homemade whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups sliced strawberries

Instructions:

1. Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a 9×13 pan.
3. Add a layer of graham crackers.
4. Add a layer of whipped cream, then strawberries.
5. Repeat layers until you reach the top. Finish with strawberries on top.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).

Tip: For added flavor, drizzle with strawberry sauce or add a layer of vanilla pudding.

2. Peach Cheesecake (No-Bake)

A cool cream-cheese filling and juicy peach slices make this no-bake cheesecake rich yet fresh. It sets in the refrigerator, so no oven is needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
• 2 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)

Instructions:

1. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press into a springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in the whipped cream gently.
4. Pour the mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
5. Arrange peach slices beautifully on top.
6. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Optional Garnish: Add peach glaze or a dusting of crushed graham crackers.

Ideal for: Picnics, backyard parties, or when you are just craving something cool and fruity!

Read details: Quick Peach Cheesecake Recipe (30-Minute Treat!)

3. Strawberry Shortcake

Buttery shortcakes, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream create a familiar summer dessert with warm, cool, juicy, and tender textures.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 3 tbsp sugar (for macerating)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter
• ⅔ cup milk or cream
• Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Toss strawberries with sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to release juices.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Add milk and mix just until the dough takes shape.
5. Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
6. Split warm shortcakes, layer with strawberries and whipped cream.

Serve: Immediately for the best warm + cool combo!

Bonus: Add a hint of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

Read details: Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Summer

4. Banana Split Cake

This no-bake cake transforms banana split flavors into tidy layers of graham crust, cream cheese, bananas, pineapple, whipped topping, and optional sundae garnishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) cream cheese blocks
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 bananas, sliced
• 1 can of crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 container of Cool Whip
• Chocolate syrup, chopped nuts, cherries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix crumbs and butter, press into a 9×13 pan to make the crust.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over the crust.
3. Layer sliced bananas, then pineapple.
4. Top with Cool Whip and spread evenly.
5. Chill for 4 hours before serving.
6. Add chocolate drizzle, nuts, and cherries just before serving.

Flavor Tip: Use strawberry slices or swap in chocolate pudding for an extra layer.

5. Pineapple Cream Dessert

Crushed pineapple gives this chilled cream dessert a bright tropical flavor. The graham base and fluffy filling require only a short hands-on assembly.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tub Cool Whip
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix crumbs and butter, press into the bottom of a square dish.
2. In a bowl, mix pineapple (with juice), condensed milk, and Cool Whip until smooth.
3. Spread the crust evenly.
4. Chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Topping Ideas: Toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or maraschino cherries.

Ideal for: When you want something cold, creamy, and ready in a flash.

6. Lemon Blueberry Cake

Fresh blueberries and lemon add tart, fruity flavor to a moist sheet cake that is easy to portion for brunches and potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (or your favorite lemon cake recipe)
• 1 cup buttermilk (to replace water for richness)
• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup oil
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries)
• Lemon glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp lemon juice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and oil until smooth.
3. Toss blueberries with flour and fold them gently into the batter.
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool, then drizzle with lemon glaze.

Experienced baker Tip: Want extra zing? Add lemon zest to the batter.

This cake is ideal for brunches, potlucks, or anytime you want a dessert that looks fancy but is secretly super simple.

Read details: Easy Lemon Blueberry Cake in Just 30 Minutes

7. Lemon Gelatin

Light lemon gelatin is refreshing and family-friendly. Set it in a large dish, individual cups, or shaped molds, with optional fruit pieces for color.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet lemon-flavored gelatin (like JELL-O)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• Optional: fruit bits like grapes, strawberries, or pineapple

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.
2. Stir in cold water and mix well.
3. Pour into molds or a dish. Add fruit if using.
4. Refrigerate until firm (about 4 hours).

Serving Idea: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a lemon slice.

This low-effort dessert is excellent for kids and grown-ups alike and looks super fun when served in mini cups with spoons at BBQs or picnics.

8. Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars pair a crisp graham crust with a smooth, tangy citrus filling. Chilling makes the bars easy to slice and serve.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ cup key lime juice
• 4 egg yolks
• Zest of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crumbs and butter, press into an 8×8-inch pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
4. Whisk condensed milk, lime juice, yolks, and zest until smooth.
5. Pour over the rust and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Cool, then refrigerate for 4+ hours before cutting into bars.

Top with whipped cream and extra lime zest for a pretty finish.

These are a must-make for any summer party, simple to slice, transport, and enjoy chilled under the sun.

9. Blueberry Sheet Cake

Blueberries are folded through a light sheet cake and finished with glaze or cream-cheese frosting. Each square offers fruit in nearly every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk gradually.
4. Fold in blueberries gently.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.

Optional Topping: A simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) or cream cheese frosting.

It is perfect with coffee or as a sweet finish to a summer dinner.

Read details: This 35-Min Blueberry Sheet Cake is Pure Magic

10. Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Strawberries and lemon brighten these soft, chewy blondies. Their buttery base is denser than cake and carries fresh-fruit flavor well.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup diced strawberries

Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
2. Mix butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Fold in flour, then gently stir in strawberries.
5. Spread the mixture into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool before glazing.

Visual Tip: The pink and red strawberries pop beautifully against the golden blondie base, ideal for Instagram!

11. Lemon Posset

Lemon posset is a silky British dessert made by setting sweetened cream with fresh lemon juice. Three main ingredients produce an elegant make-ahead custard.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for more punch)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cream and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring.
2. Let it boil gently for 3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest.
4. Pour into small ramekins or jars.
5. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.

To Serve: Top with berries, mint leaves, or a shortbread cookie on the side.

It is smooth, tangy, and incredibly refreshing, like a lemon cloud in a cup. It is excellent for elegant dinners or make-ahead party desserts!

12. Sugar Cookie Crust Fruit Tart

A baked sugar-cookie crust supports a cream-cheese layer and colorful sliced fruit. The design looks festive but uses a straightforward assembly.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube of sugar cookie dough (or homemade)
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup sliced fruits (kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Press sugar cookie dough into a tart pan or pie dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Spread the cream mixture over the cooled crust.
5. Decorate with fruit slices in a beautiful pattern.

Tip: Glaze with a mix of apricot jam + water for that shiny bakery finish.

Ideal for birthdays, brunches, or just showing off your fruit styling skills!

13. Snicker Apple Salad

Crisp apples, chopped Snickers, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping create a creamy dessert salad with sweet, tart, and crunchy elements.

Ingredients:

• 4 Granny Smith apples (chopped)
• 4 full-size Snickers bars (chopped)
• 1 tub Cool Whip (or 2 cups whipped cream)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix with milk until thick.
2. Fold in Cool Whip to create a creamy base.
3. Stir in chopped apples and Snickers bars.
4. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

Optional Topping: Caramel drizzle or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

This one’s ideal for potlucks and BBQs—it disappears fast and always gets people talking.

14. Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Fruit pizza uses a large sugar-cookie base topped with sweet cream and arranged fruit. Change the fruit pattern to match any summer celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 roll of sugar cookie dough
• 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, grapes, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out cookie dough into a circle on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
4. Spread frosting over the cooled cookie.
5. Arrange sliced fruit on top in rows or a rainbow pattern.

Experienced baker Tip: Use seasonal fruit or cut shapes with cookie cutters for a kid-friendly twist.

It is a dessert and a creative art project in one!

15. Raspberry Lemon Ice Cream Pie

Raspberry, lemon, and ice cream create a frozen pie that is tart, creamy, and especially refreshing on very warm afternoons.

Ingredients:

• 1 Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups lemon ice cream or frozen yogurt
• 1 cup raspberry sorbet
• 1 cup whipped topping
• ½ cup fresh raspberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Let ice cream and sorbet soften slightly.
2. Spread a layer of lemon ice cream in the crust.
3. Add a layer of raspberry sorbet.
4. Top with whipped topping and a few fresh raspberries.
5. Freeze until firm (about 4–6 hours).

To Serve: Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing for smooth cuts.

It is creamy, tangy, and the prettiest pink-and-yellow combo you’ve ever seen!

16. No-Bake Oreo Lasagna

Oreo lasagna layers cookie crumbs, cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping into a rich chocolate dessert that sets without baking.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Oreos (crushed)
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tub Cool Whip (divided)
• 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding
• 3 cups cold milk

Instructions:

1. Mix crushed Oreos and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch pan to make the crust.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar, then fold the Cool Whip in half.
3. Spread cream cheese layer over crust.
4. Mix the pudding mix with milk. Let set for 5 mins, then spread over the cream layer.
5. Top with remaining Cool Whip. Chill for at least 4 hours.

Garnish with: Crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or a chocolate drizzle.

It is like an icebox cake meets chocolate heaven and a Pinterest favorite!

17. Mango Coconut Pudding Cups

Mango and coconut milk form smooth pudding cups with tropical flavor. The recipe can also be dairy-free when coconut milk is used throughout.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk coconut milk, sugar, salt, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 mins).
3. Remove from heat, stir in mango puree.
4. Pour into small cups or jars.
5. Chill for 2–3 hours until set.

Top with: Diced mango, toasted coconut flakes, or mint.

Each spoonful feels like a tropical vacation, and they’re so simple to prep ahead for guests.

18. Cherry Dump Cake

Cherry dump cake relies on three pantry-friendly ingredients for a warm, buttery fruit dessert. Add everything to the pan, bake, and serve.

Ingredients:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter (sliced into thin pats)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Dump cherry pie filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top.
4. Place butter slices evenly across the surface.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

It is quick, comforting, and delicious, warm or chilled, ideal for lazy summer nights.

19. Watermelon Popsicles

Real watermelon and lime make bright homemade popsicles for children, adults, cookouts, and poolside snacks.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1–2 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Mini chocolate chips (optional for “seeds”)

Instructions:

1. Blend watermelon, lime juice, and sweetener until smooth.
2. Pour into popsicle molds. Drop in a few mini chocolate chips for fun.
3. Freeze for 4–6 hours.

Tip: Run molds under warm water for a few seconds to release.

They’re healthy, refreshing, and super Instagrammable, especially with the fake seed trick!

20. Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Store-bought ice-cream sandwiches become a layered frozen cake in about 10 minutes of hands-on work. It is simple to decorate and easy to portion.

Ingredients:

• 12 ice cream sandwiches (vanilla or Neapolitan)
• 1 tub Cool Whip
• ½ cup chocolate syrup
• Crushed Oreos, M&Ms, or sprinkles for topping

Instructions:

1. In a 9×13-inch dish, layer 6 sandwiches side by side.
2. Spread half the Cool Whip, and drizzle chocolate syrup.
3. Repeat with another layer of sandwiches and the remaining Cool Whip.
4. Add toppings. Freeze 4+ hours.

To Serve: Let sit for 10 minutes, then slice like a cake.

It is the easiest summer dessert ever and always disappears fast at parties!

Final Thoughts: Easy Summer Desserts for Every Occasion

Summer desserts can be more than something sweet; they can also make seasonal fruit and relaxed gatherings feel memorable. This collection gives you chilled, baked, fruity, and creamy options.

Select a no-bake recipe when the kitchen is hot, or choose a quick cake or bar when you want a warm dessert with fruit.

Prepare one for the weekend, share it at a cookout, and keep the collection bookmarked for the next warm-weather occasion.

More Summer Recipes to Explore

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Wholesome, quick meals that will not heat your kitchen. Ideal for busy weeknights!

dana

Dana Brooks is a home-cooking writer at Feastbears, where she shares easy family recipes, cozy dinners, quick desserts, and beginner-friendly kitchen tips. Her goal is to make everyday cooking feel simple, warm, and enjoyable for busy home cooks.