20 Easy Summer Treats – Summer is synonymous with sunshine, warm breezes, and of course, delicious seasonal treats! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a refreshing ending to a hot day, this collection of 20 easy summer dessert recipes has something to satisfy every taste bud. From no-bake delights to fruity crumbles and classic pies, these recipes are perfect for creating sweet memories all season long.
In the following recipe cards, you’ll find a delightful mix of dessert options that are:
- Simple to prepare: Most recipes require minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring success even for novice bakers.
- Perfect for sharing: With portion sizes ranging from individual servings to crowd-pleasing desserts, you’ll find the perfect recipe for any gathering.
- Seasonal stars: These recipes highlight the vibrantly fresh flavors of summer fruits like strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and more.
So, grab your favorite apron, and get ready to whip up some delightful summer treats!
1. No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
This vibrant ice cream is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and comes together in minutes without an ice cream maker! Perfect for a last-minute dessert or a fun activity with the kids.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until firm.
Suggest Pairings:
- Serve scoops of this delicious ice cream in waffle cones or bowls topped with fresh mint and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- For a fun twist, layer scoops of strawberry ice cream with crumbled graham crackers and hot fudge for a homemade strawberry sundae.
2. Easy Peach Crumble
This rustic dessert is a symphony of juicy peaches, a crumbly oat topping, and a hint of warm cinnamon. It’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, toss peaches with a squeeze of lemon juice (optional) to prevent browning.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts (if using). Cut in the softened butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the peach slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the peaches.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Suggest Pairings:
- This crumble can be enjoyed on its own as a light dessert, or pair it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing summer treat.
- For a richer flavor, try drizzling the crumble with honey or maple syrup before serving.
These are just two examples from our collection of 20 easy summer dessert recipes. With a variety of options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect treat to beat the heat and create lasting summer memories!
3. 5-Ingredient Watermelon Popsicles
Cool down on a hot day with these refreshing watermelon popsicles! Made with just 5 ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re a healthy and fun treat for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey (or agave nectar)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree the chopped watermelon, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Add a mint leaf to each mold (optional) and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until solid.
Suggest Pairings:
- Enjoy these popsicles on their own for a simple and refreshing treat.
- For a fun presentation, serve them on a platter with other frozen fruit pops like mango or pineapple.
4. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna
This decadent dessert requires no baking and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Layers of chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and whipped cream come together to create a delightful and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped cream, thawed
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Mix well and press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the peanut butter and milk until smooth. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the graham cracker crust.
- Melt the chocolate chips and spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Top with dollops of whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until set.
Suggest Pairings:
- Drizzle this dessert with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts or chopped Reese’s Pieces over the top for added texture and peanut butter flavor.
5. Fresh Berry Trifle
This beautiful trifle is a showstopper for any summer gathering. Layers of light and airy angel food cake, juicy berries, and a creamy whipped cream filling create a delightful and refreshing dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 angel food cake, cut into cubes
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- In a trifle dish or bowl, layer angel food cake cubes, followed by a mixture of berries. Repeat layers, ending with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Decorate with additional fresh berries (optional). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Suggest Pairings:
- For a touch of elegance, drizzle the trifle with a simple syrup made from water and sugar.
- For a boozy twist, add a splash of your favorite liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto) to the whipped cream.
This is just a taste of the delicious summer treats you can create with our collection of 20 easy summer dessert recipes. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can whip up refreshing and delightful desserts that will be the perfect ending to any summer gathering!
6. Creamy Lemon Bars
These tangy and sweet lemon bars are a classic summer dessert. The buttery shortbread crust and bright lemon filling create a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
7. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
Take advantage of the season’s bounty with this simple yet flavorful dessert. Grilled pineapple slices caramelize slightly, creating a warm and inviting treat accentuated by the sweetness of cinnamon sugar.
8. Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca
This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot day. It’s packed with the hydrating goodness of watermelon and the cooling touch of fresh mint, making it a delicious and healthy way to beat the heat.
9. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
Individual portions of creamy cheesecake nestled in a graham cracker crust are the perfect solution for satisfying sweet tooths without the hassle of baking a whole cake.
10. Blueberry Crisp
Sweet and juicy blueberries are topped with a crispy oat crumble in this classic summer dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
11. Easy Chocolate Avocado Mousse
This healthy and decadent mousse is surprisingly simple to make. Ripe avocados blend with cocoa powder and a touch of sweetness to create a rich and creamy dessert.
12. Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries and Granola
For a fun and healthy frozen treat, create yogurt bark studded with fresh berries and crunchy granola. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a light dessert.
13. Spicy Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Mint
These skewers offer a unique and refreshing twist on watermelon. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta cheese, and a touch of spice creates a delightful and unexpected flavor profile.
14. Peach Caprese Salad
This light and refreshing salad features juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect way to showcase the flavors of summer.
15. Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
This classic summer drink is easy to make at home and perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. Fresh strawberries add a delightful burst of flavor to traditional lemonade.
16. Grilled Pound Cake with Grilled Stone Fruits
Take your pound cake to the next level by grilling it! Topped with warm and caramelized stone fruits like peaches, plums, or nectarines, this dessert is a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
17. Key Lime Pie Popsicles
These popsicles capture the essence of the classic key lime pie in a refreshing frozen treat. The creamy lime filling is dipped in a dark chocolate shell for an added touch of decadence.
18. No-Bake Cookies and Cream Cookies
These cookies are easy to whip up and require no baking! Oreo cookies are crushed and combined with a creamy mixture to create a delicious and satisfying treat.
19. Angel Food Cake with Whipped Cream and Berries
Light and airy angel food cake is the perfect base for a summer dessert. Top it with dollops of whipped cream and a variety of fresh berries for a beautiful and refreshing treat.
20. S’mores Bars
These gooey and decadent bars capture the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores. Layers of graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows create a delicious and satisfying dessert.
With this collection of 20 easy summer dessert recipes, you’re sure to find the perfect treat to cool down on a hot day and create lasting summer memories!