25 Summery Desserts That’ll Cool You Down in Style
Summer desserts should be light, fresh, and full of flavor, and these 25 delicious summer dessert recipes check all the boxes.
Imagine refreshing fruit sorbets, cool tarts, and citrusy treats that are perfect for hot summer days.
These recipes highlight the best summer fruits - berries, peaches, and citrus - bringing vibrant colors and natural sweetness to your dessert table.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a picnic, or just enjoying a quiet evening, these summer desserts are the perfect way to cool down and indulge in something sweet.
Ready to enjoy the taste of summer?
These 25 desserts will have you feeling the sunshine with every bite.
Sweet Summer Delights: Cool and Refreshing Dessert Ideas
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in desserts that are as refreshing as they are delicious.
From fruity concoctions to frozen treats, these summer desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without weighing you down.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the season with these simple yet irresistible recipes!
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
These tangy and sweet bars combine two summer favorites.
The creamy cheesecake filling mixes beautifully with bright lemon flavor and juicy blueberries.
Begin by preparing a graham cracker crust, blending crumbs with sugar, butter, and lemon zest before pressing it into a baking pan.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and lemon juice until smooth, folding in fresh blueberries before pouring it over the crust.
Bake until the bars set, and allow them to cool completely before slicing.
The tart lemon, sweet berries, and rich cheesecake on a crunchy crust create a perfect summer dessert.
These bars are ideal for family gatherings or a light end to a delicious meal.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
You can make these tasty treats at home with a few simple ingredients.
Softening strawberry ice cream and mixing it with chopped fresh strawberries gives the ice cream a fruity burst.
Spread the ice cream mixture between two sugar cookies or slices of pound cake.
For extra crunch, roll the edges in crushed graham crackers and freeze-dried strawberries.
Freeze the sandwiches for 30 minutes to firm the ice cream.
These cool and creamy desserts are perfect for hot summer days.
The combination of strawberry shortcake and ice cream creates a nostalgic treat.
Mango Coconut Pudding
Mango coconut pudding is a tasty summer treat that blends tropical flavors.
The sweet mangoes and creamy coconut milk complement each other perfectly.
You can make this dessert using fresh mangoes, coconut milk, and sugar, adding small tapioca pearls for texture.
The recipe also allows for chunks of mango to be added for extra fruity goodness.
This pudding is popular in many Asian countries and is often enjoyed chilled for a refreshing end to a meal.
It’s an ideal way to enjoy mangoes during their season and a great addition to any summer party.
Peach Melba Parfaits
Peach Melba parfaits are a delicious summer treat.
The sweet peaches cooked with brown sugar and butter create a syrupy topping that blends beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
Layer the peaches in parfait glasses with scoops of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt, adding some cookie crumbs between layers for crunch.
Topping the parfait with fresh raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream adds a refreshing finish.
Drizzling raspberry sauce over the top adds a touch of elegance.
This dessert combines the flavors of peaches and raspberries into a perfect light, refreshing summer dessert.
Frozen Key Lime Pie
Frozen Key Lime Pie is a refreshing summer dessert that’s easy to make.
Its tangy, creamy flavor and smooth texture are sure to please any crowd.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix with lime juice, evaporated milk, and sugar.
Pour the filling into a pre-baked graham cracker crust and freeze for at least 8 hours.
Top with whipped cream and lime zest for a little extra flair.
Perfect for summer gatherings, this no-bake treat can be made ahead of time and will leave everyone craving more.
Watermelon Granita
Watermelon granita is a refreshing summer treat that’s easy to make at home.
Using watermelon, sugar, and lemon juice, you can quickly create a slushy, icy dessert.
After blending the watermelon, mix it with sugar and lemon juice, then freeze the mixture in a shallow dish.
Every 30 minutes, scrape it with a fork to create icy flakes, repeating 3-4 times.
Serve the granita in chilled glasses for a cool and fruity dessert.
This refreshing dessert is a wonderful way to hydrate on hot summer days.
Cherry Clafoutis
Cherry clafoutis is a delightful French dessert perfect for summer.
Fresh cherries are baked in a sweet, creamy custard that will have everyone asking for more.
Spread the cherries in a greased baking dish, then blend eggs, sugar, milk, flour, and vanilla into a smooth batter.
Pour the batter over the cherries and bake until golden and custardy.
Serve it warm or at room temperature for an elegant treat.
This light dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete indulgence.
Honey Lavender Panna Cotta
Honey lavender panna cotta is a creamy, elegant dessert perfect for summer.
The delicate floral notes of lavender combine beautifully with the sweetness of honey.
Begin by softening gelatin in cold water before heating cream, honey, and dried lavender to infuse the flavor.
Strain the lavender out and mix in the gelatin before pouring it into ramekins.
Chill until set, creating a silky-smooth treat.
Topped with fresh berries, this light dessert is a great way to end any meal with elegance.
Refreshing Raspberry Sorbet
Raspberry sorbet is a cool and refreshing summer treat.
Blending frozen raspberries with sugar and lemon juice creates a smooth, fruity dessert.
Make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water, then mix it with the raspberry puree.
Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker for a light, airy texture.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freezing and stirring the mixture every hour works too.
This simple yet delicious treat will become a favorite for hot days and backyard barbecues.
Grilled Pineapple Sundaes
Grilled pineapple sundaes are a tasty summer treat.
Grilling pineapple slices enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
Top the warm pineapple with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of hot and cold.
Drizzle caramel or dulce de leche over the sundae for richness, and add toasted coconut for crunch.
These sundaes are perfect for backyard barbecues or casual summer dinners.
With just a few ingredients, they create a memorable dessert that everyone will love.
No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake
No-bake Oreo cheesecake is a creamy, cool dessert perfect for hot summer days.
Crush Oreos and mix with melted butter to create the crust, pressing it into a springform pan.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then fold in whipped topping and chopped Oreos for extra texture.
Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours to allow it to set.
For added crunch, top it with extra Oreo crumbs.
This easy dessert is ideal when you want something indulgent but don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Pineapple Coconut Popsicles
Pineapple coconut popsicles are a cool treat for hot summer days.
Blend pineapple chunks and coconut milk with honey or maple syrup to create a creamy, tropical mixture.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, adding shredded coconut for texture before freezing.
After several hours, the popsicles will be frozen and ready to enjoy.
For an extra kick, add a splash of lime juice before freezing.
These popsicles are a refreshing, healthy dessert option that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise.
Blueberry Lemon Parfait
Blueberry lemon parfait is a light and refreshing dessert.
The tartness of lemon combined with the natural sweetness of blueberries makes it a delightful treat.
Layer Greek yogurt with homemade blueberry sauce in a glass, starting with yogurt and then the sauce.
Add a sprinkle of granola between layers for a crunchy texture.
For extra flavor, mix honey into the yogurt or add a touch of lemon juice to the blueberry sauce.
This parfait is visually appealing and perfect for a light, refreshing end to any meal.
Chocolate-Covered Bananas
Chocolate-covered bananas are a delicious summer treat.
Frozen banana halves dipped in melted chocolate make a simple yet satisfying snack.
After freezing the banana halves, dip them in melted chocolate and let the excess drip off.
Add toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes before the chocolate sets.
Place the dipped bananas on parchment paper and freeze again until firm.
These treats are ideal for cooling off on hot summer days and provide a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate desserts.
Mixed Berry Trifle
A mixed berry trifle is an easy yet stunning dessert perfect for summer gatherings.
Layers of cake, fresh berries, and creamy fillings create a rich and flavorful treat.
Begin with cubes of angel food cake and a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Layer with a cream cheese mixture and whipped cream.
Top with more berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Vanilla bean ice cream is a timeless summer favorite.
Its creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor are a perfect match for any occasion.
Begin by warming milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan, then add the scraped seeds of a vanilla bean.
Let the vanilla infuse into the mixture before adding egg yolks to create a custard.
Once thickened, chill the custard and churn in an ice cream maker for a smooth, velvety treat.
Freezing the ice cream ensures that the vanilla flavor will shine through in every bite.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a cool, refreshing treat for mint lovers.
Start by mixing milk, sugar, and cream before adding peppermint extract for flavor.
Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker and stir in chopped chocolate pieces near the end.
If you prefer a natural mint flavor, steep fresh mint leaves in the milk before churning.
Add food coloring if you like the classic green color.
Freezing the ice cream for a few hours before serving will enhance its texture and flavor.
Raspberry Lemonade Bars
Raspberry lemonade bars are a perfect summer dessert.
The tartness of lemon and the sweetness of raspberries create a mouthwatering combination.
Start by preparing a shortbread crust and baking it until golden.
For the filling, mix lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and flour, adding a raspberry reduction for flavor and color.
Bake again until set, then dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
These bars are light, refreshing, and ideal for summer picnics or gatherings.
Frozen Berry Yogurt Bark
Frozen berry yogurt bark is a simple, healthy, and refreshing treat.
Mix Greek yogurt with honey for sweetness, then spread it over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Top with fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries, and add granola or nuts for crunch.
Freeze for about 3 hours and break into pieces.
This dessert is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
It’s easy to prepare, and you can store leftovers in the freezer for later.
Mojito Watermelon Salad
Mojito watermelon salad is a cool and refreshing summer salad that’s perfect for any outdoor occasion.
Fresh watermelon cubes are tossed with chopped mint leaves and lime juice for a zesty, refreshing combination.
A sprinkle of chili powder adds a hint of heat, balancing the sweetness of the watermelon.
Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy contrast to the flavors.
The salad is easy to make and perfect for picnics or summer parties.
It’s light, hydrating, and full of bright, fresh flavors.
Warm Peach Cobbler
Warm peach cobbler is a classic summer dessert.
Sliced peaches are mixed with sugar and cinnamon, then topped with a simple batter.
The cobbler is baked until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
This dessert is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with the sweet flavors of ripe peaches.
Zesty Lemon Sorbet
Lemon sorbet is a refreshing summer dessert that’s both tangy and sweet.
Fresh lemon juice is combined with sugar and water to create a flavorful, refreshing treat.
Make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water, then mix it with the lemon juice.
Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker for a slushy texture, or freeze it for a firmer consistency.
This light dessert is perfect after a heavy meal or on a hot day when you need something cool.
Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are a chewy, sweet treat that’s easy to make.
They combine shredded coconut with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Whip egg whites and fold them into the coconut mixture for a light texture.
Bake spoonfuls of the mixture until golden brown on the edges, then cool before enjoying.
Dip the macaroons in melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
They’re a great dessert for picnics, holiday gatherings, or as a gluten-free option.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Chocolate avocado mousse is a rich, creamy dessert made with ripe avocados and cocoa powder.
The healthy fats from the avocado provide a smooth texture while the cocoa adds a deep chocolate flavor.
Blend the avocados with sweetener, vanilla extract, and a splash of plant-based milk for a velvety consistency.
Chill the mousse for about an hour before serving for the best flavor.
Top with fresh berries or cocoa powder for added flair.
It’s a deliciously healthy dessert option.
Grilled Plums with Honey
Grilled plums with honey are a simple yet flavorful summer treat.
The natural sweetness of ripe plums is enhanced when grilled, adding a smoky depth of flavor.
Brush the plums with honey before grilling, and cook them for a few minutes on each side.
Drizzle extra honey over the plums before serving, and add a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream for extra richness.
This dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying fresh summer fruit.