Summer is the season of sunshine, celebrations, and sweet treats—and what better way to cool down than with desserts that are as refreshing as they are delicious? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or just craving a chilled indulgence, this collection of 20 summer dessert recipes has you covered. From fruity favorites like watermelon sorbet and berry parfaits to creamy classics like no-bake cheesecake and key lime pie, there’s something here for every taste and occasion. These recipes are easy to make, bursting with seasonal flavors, and perfect for creating sweet summer memories.

Strawberry Shortcake

This classic strawberry shortcake is a celebration of summer’s sweetest fruit. Fluffy biscuits layered with juicy macerated strawberries and whipped cream make every bite a delight. It’s simple, fresh, and perfect for backyard get-togethers or picnic treats.

Ingredients:

2 cups sliced strawberries
2 tbsp sugar
2 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup butter
¾ cup milk
Whipped cream

Instructions:

Toss strawberries with sugar, set aside.
Mix dry ingredients; cut in butter. Stir in milk.
Drop dough onto baking sheet, bake at 425°F for 12–15 min.
Split biscuits, layer with strawberries and cream.

Frozen Fruit Pops

These frozen fruit pops are a colorful, hydrating summer treat. Made with real fruit and juice, they’re naturally sweet and customizable. Great for kids and adults alike, and perfect for staying cool on hot afternoons.

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed fruit (berries, mango, kiwi)
1 cup fruit juice (like orange or apple)
1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

Blend juice and honey (if using).
Place chopped fruit in molds.
Pour juice mixture over fruit.
Insert sticks and freeze until solid.

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a warm-weather favorite bursting with juicy peaches and a golden, buttery topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate summer comfort dessert.

Ingredients:

4 cups sliced peaches
½ cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ cup butter, melted
¾ cup milk

Instructions:

Mix peaches with ½ cup sugar and cinnamon.
Combine dry ingredients; stir in milk and butter.
Pour batter into baking dish, top with peaches.
Bake at 350°F for 40–45 min.

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars offer a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. The buttery shortbread crust supports a smooth lemon filling that sets up into a bright, refreshing bar. These are easy to transport and even easier to enjoy at picnics or summer parties.

Ingredients:
For crust:

1 cup flour
½ cup butter
¼ cup powdered sugar

For filling:

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

Mix crust ingredients, press into pan. Bake at 350°F for 15 min.
Whisk filling ingredients, pour over crust.
Bake another 20 minutes. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.

No-Bake Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake is a dream come true for hot summer days. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich, creamy filling made from cream cheese and whipped topping, it’s smooth, satisfying, and refreshingly cool. There’s no need to heat the oven—just mix, chill, and serve. Top it with fresh berries or fruit compote for a burst of color and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or craving a cool treat, this no-bake cheesecake is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
16 oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups whipped topping

Instructions:

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar; press into a springform pan.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold in whipped topping and spread over crust.
Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is a bright, tangy dessert that’s a summer favorite for a reason. The silky smooth filling combines sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and egg yolks for a bold citrus flavor that’s perfectly balanced by a crisp graham cracker crust. It’s a dessert that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum refreshment. Baked briefly and served chilled, it’s great for backyard parties or after-dinner indulgence. This pie brings a sunny Florida vibe to your table, making it a perfect summer treat for citrus lovers.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
3 tbsp sugar
4 egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice

Instructions:

Combine crust ingredients and press into pie pan.
Whisk yolks, milk, and juice; pour into crust.
Bake at 350°F for 15 min, chill before serving.

Frozen Yogurt Parfaits

Frozen yogurt parfaits are a quick, refreshing way to enjoy a light dessert without turning on the oven. These parfaits layer creamy frozen yogurt with crunchy granola and vibrant seasonal berries for a mix of textures and natural sweetness. They’re easy to assemble and customizable based on your favorite fruits or toppings. Ideal for kids and adults alike, this dessert is a great choice for summer brunches or afternoon snacks. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, frozen yogurt parfaits make healthy eating feel indulgent.

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen yogurt
1 cup granola
1 cup mixed berries

Instructions:

Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in glasses.
Repeat layers and serve immediately or freeze briefly.

Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate lava cake is a decadent dessert with a warm, gooey center that flows like molten chocolate when cut open. Perfect for when you want something rich and indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen, these cakes can be whipped up with just a few pantry staples. They’re great for dinner parties, date nights, or whenever you crave a chocolate fix. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to make it extra special. It’s the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients:

½ cup butter
4 oz dark chocolate
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
¼ cup sugar
2 tbsp flour

Instructions:

Melt butter and chocolate.
Whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar; stir in chocolate and flour.
Pour into ramekins, bake at 425°F for 12 min.

Rice Pudding

Creamy and comforting, rice pudding is a timeless dessert that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Made with simple ingredients like rice, milk, and sugar, it becomes silky and rich as it simmers. Flavored with vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, this pudding is delicious served chilled, making it a perfect cool-down treat on warm days. It can be enjoyed plain or topped with raisins, nuts, or fresh fruit. This classic dessert is a great make-ahead option and a nostalgic favorite for all ages.

Ingredients:

¾ cup rice
4 cups milk
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

Simmer rice and milk until tender.
Stir in sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Cool and refrigerate.

Watermelon Sorbet

Nothing says summer like the sweet, juicy taste of watermelon, and this sorbet captures that flavor in its purest form. Made with just three ingredients, it’s a naturally hydrating and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot days. The lime juice adds a citrusy zing while honey balances the sweetness. It’s a great alternative to store-bought frozen treats and contains no artificial ingredients. Serve it in bowls, cones, or even hollowed-out watermelon rinds for a festive touch. Light, fruity, and super easy to make—it’s summer in a scoop.

Ingredients:

4 cups watermelon chunks
2 tbsp lime juice
¼ cup honey

Instructions:

Blend ingredients until smooth.
Freeze until firm, stirring occasionally.

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are chewy, golden bites of tropical sweetness with just three main ingredients. These cookies are crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and naturally gluten-free. The shredded coconut gives them their signature texture, while sweetened condensed milk and vanilla create a rich, indulgent flavor. They bake quickly and store well, making them a great make-ahead option for summer gatherings, picnics, or lunchbox treats. Dip the bottoms in chocolate for an extra decadent twist. Simple to prepare yet satisfying to eat, these macarons are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

3 cups shredded coconut
¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients.
Scoop onto the baking sheet.
Bake at 325°F for 20 min.

Lemon Meringue Pie

This lemon meringue pie is a classic summer treat with its zesty lemon filling and fluffy, golden meringue topping. The tartness of the lemon balances perfectly with the sweetness of the meringue, creating a mouthwatering dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients:

1 pre-baked pie crust
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 ½ cups water
2 lemons, juiced and zested
2 tbsp butter
4 egg yolks, separated

Instructions:

Cook sugar, flour, cornstarch, water, and lemon.
Stir in butter and yolks.
Pour into crust, top with whipped whites.
Bake at 350°F for 10–12 min.

Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is a fun and colorful dessert that’s perfect for summer. With a soft sugar cookie crust, a creamy cream cheese filling, and topped with fresh seasonal fruits, it’s a refreshing and light dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 package sugar cookie dough
8 oz cream cheese
¼ cup sugar
Assorted sliced fruits (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, etc.)

Instructions:

Bake cookie dough as a crust.
Mix cream cheese and sugar, and spread over the crust.
Top with assorted fresh fruits.

S’mores Bars

All the deliciousness of traditional s’mores, in a convenient bar form. Graham crackers, chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallows create a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a late-night snack.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup butter
1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp, buttery oat topping. It’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy and satisfying summer dessert.

Ingredients:

4 cups sliced apples
½ cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup oats
½ cup flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup butter

Instructions:

Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon.
Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter.
Top apples with oat mixture and bake at 350°F for 40 min.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are the ultimate summer treat. With your favorite ice cream nestled between two soft cookies, they’re perfect for hot days and make a fun, customizable dessert for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 batch of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, etc.)
2 cups ice cream (your favorite flavor)

Instructions:

Bake cookies and let them cool.
Place a scoop of ice cream between two cookies.
Freeze until set.

Fruit Sorbet

Fruit sorbet is a refreshing, light dessert made with fresh fruit and a touch of sweetness. It’s the perfect treat to cool off during the summer heat while still offering a burst of natural fruit flavor.

Ingredients:

4 cups mixed fruit (mango, berries, etc.)
2 tbsp lime juice
¼ cup honey

Instructions:

Blend fruit, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
Freeze until firm, stirring occasionally.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Classic chocolate chip cookies are a timeless favorite. With a crispy exterior and soft, chewy center filled with chocolate chips, they’re a simple and satisfying treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
¾ cup sugar
1 ¼ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Cream butter and sugar, add flour and baking soda.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins are a light, fluffy treat packed with fresh, juicy blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins are a great way to enjoy summer berries in a comforting, baked form.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
¾ cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ cup milk
1 egg
1 cup blueberries

Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients, add milk and egg.
Gently fold in blueberries.
Scoop into muffin tin, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are an elegant and delicious treat. The sweetness of fresh strawberries combined with the rich taste of chocolate makes for a perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 pint of strawberries
8 oz chocolate (dark, milk, or white)

Instructions:

Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
Dip strawberries in chocolate and place on parchment paper.
Chill until set.