Recipes Featured in this Article
- Perfect Peach Pie
- Best Strawberry Shortcakes
- Frozen Margarita Pie
- Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cake
- Giant Blueberry Pop Tart
- Martha Stewart's Strawberry Biscuit Sheet Cake
- Homemade Blueberry Pie
- No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
- Blondie Ice Cream Cake
- No-Bake Pimm's Cheesecake
- Key Lime Pie Bars
- No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream
- Strawberry Rhubarb Bars
- No-Churn Peach Ice Cream
- Strawberry Crumble Bars
- Aperol Spritz Bundt Cake
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Sheet-Pan Blueberry Crisp
- Pink Lemonade Bars
- No-Bake Banana Split Ice Cream Pie
- No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Pie
- Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Squares
- No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream
- Martha Stewart's Sour Cherry Pie
- No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
- Pink Lemonade Ice Pops
- Classic Sour Cream Cheesecake
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Cherry and Goat Cheese Hand Pies
- Orange Blossom Strawberry Spongecake
- Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp
- Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Blueberry Pie Bars
- Beach Blondie Bars
- Spiced Peach Crisp with Pistachio-Oat Crumble
- Blueberry Crumb Pie
- Citrus Poke Cake
- Bourbon Pound Cake with Macerated Peaches
- No-Churn Grasshopper Ice Cream
- Deep-Fried Oreos
- S'mores Mess
- Cast-Iron Peach and Strawberry Crumble
- Red, White and Blue Popsicles
- Baked Strawberries & Goat Cheese
- Cookies-and-Cream Icebox Cake
- Red, White and Berry Rice Cereal Treats
- Strawberry Tiramisu
- Eton-ish Mess
- Peach Crisp
- No-Bake Berry Cream Pie
- Martha Stewart's Brownie Sundae Ice Cream Cake
- Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream Cookie Cake
- S'mores Chocolate Cream Pie
- All-American Summer Berry Trifle
- No-Bake Blueberry and Banana Icebox Cake
- Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
- The Pioneer Woman's Blackberry Icebox Cake
- Coconut-Key Lime Pie Pops
- Devil's Food Icebox Cake
- Summer Fruit Crumble
- Mixed Berry Cobbler
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Honey-Balsamic Blueberry Pie
- Strawberry Ice Cream Pie
- 5-Ingredient Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake
- Cornbread Sweet Potato Cobbler
- Skillet Berry Crisp with Almond-Cornmeal Topping
- Independence Ice Cream Cake
With all of the seasonal produce bursting from farmers’ market stands this time of year, there’s no better time to incorporate them into delectable summer desserts. From an obligatory peach pie to no-bake cheesecake and ice cream cakes, we have a stellar lineup of 70 summer dessert recipes, each one more delicious than the next. These recipes are perfect for summer grilling and barbecues, outdoor picnics, potlucks and everything in between.
Fresh summer produce is something that we eagerly look forward to all year, and there’s no doubt that juicy seasonal fruit is sent as compensation for the inevitable months of sweltering heat. You can’t be too mad about the high temperatures when peaches, berries and cherries come with the territory. Some of our favorite ways to use these fruits is to bake them into crisps, crumbles and cobblers — and of course, pie. Whether the fresh fruit is baked or turned into a cool no-bake treat, there’s no shortage of fruity desserts here.
Ice cream also has a hearty presence in this group of recipes. Our forever favorite — no-churn ice cream — comes in every flavor under the sun, from peach and mint to chocolate and coffee. Store-bought ice cream is a great ingredient to use for summer desserts such as show-stopping ice cream cakes that are as refreshing as they are beautiful. Whether fresh or frosty is the order of the day, there’s a summer dessert recipe here for you.
Perfectly ripe peaches and a flaky homemade butter crust are what make this the best peach pie. Two kinds of sugar — regular granulated and light brown — add just the right amount of sweetness, while a touch of lemon helps balance out the flavors in the filling.
Since strawberry shortcakes are so simple, it’s important that each component is well executed. These shortcake biscuits are soft and fluffy, the strawberries are juicy and the whipped cream is just sweet enough.
This margarita pie is mashup of two beloved tropical treats —Key lime pie and the tequila-based drink. The filling is both frosty and creamy, and a sea salt rim brings home the classic cocktail vibes. All that’s missing is a shot of booze.
This icebox cake mimics the flavors of Mexican hot chocolate by pairing cinnamon-spiced graham crackers with semisweet chocolate and a pinch of cayenne pepper. As it firms up in the refrigerator, the crackers soften and all of the flavors meld together.
If flaky toaster pastries are your on-the-go breakfast of choice, you’ll love this large-format Pop Tart. A quick homemade blueberry jam sits between layers of pie dough, and the whole thing is finished with a drizzle of blueberry glaze.
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Martha Stewart's Strawberry Biscuit Sheet Cake
If you want to make strawberry shortcake but have a lot of people to feed, opt for this sheet cake version. The biscuits are baked together in a slab form and topped with more whipped cream and macerated berries.
The key to a good pie is twofold — you need a flaky crust and a well-balanced fruit filling. The blueberry filling for this pie is sweetened with sugar and flavored simply with a touch of cinnamon and lemon. The double crust provides the ideal crust-to-fruit ratio.
The lemon filling for this icebox pie is so creamy, you won’t believe it’s made with only six ingredients. A buttery shortbread cookie crust is the perfect complement for the zesty citrus filling.
This no-bake frozen dessert is reminiscent of cookie dough ice cream. Layers of chocolate-studded blondie batter and store-bought vanilla ice cream are both coated in a thick layer of homemade chocolate fudge sauce.
The traditional gin and lemon cocktail gets the cheesecake treatment — plus an equally delicious graham cracker crust. The lemon-scented cream cheese filling is simple enough, but the real flavor comes from the citrus and Pimm’s-macerated strawberries that sit on top.
Just the scent of these fragrant lime bars will instantly transport you to the beach. Be sure to use real Key lime juice for the filling — it’s still plenty tart, but not quite as acidic as regular lime juice.
Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient in this no-churn ice cream — it adds sweetness to the chocolate base while also preventing the ice cream from becoming too frosty. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream.
Strawberries and rhubarb go together like two birds of a feather. As the two summer staples bake, they turn into a jammy filling that sits perfectly between crumbly layers of almond dough.
With just five ingredients, fresh peaches are able to stand out in this no-churn ice cream recipe. Most of the peaches are blended into the creamy custard mixture, but some are saved to stir in at the end to add texture.
All you need is a bowl, a whisk and a fork to make these quick and easy strawberry bars. The buttery dough mixture doubles as the crust and topping, with a generous layer of strawberry jam spread in between.
Conjure up images of warm-weather rooftop cocktail parties with this easy Bundt cake recipe. The tender citrus and Aperol-flavored olive oil cake is finished with a boozy bright orange glaze.
As if pie wasn’t popular enough, we made this peanut butter cup-inspired one. The cream cheese and peanut butter filling sits atop a buttery chocolate wafer cookie crust, so each bite has a little bit of both flavors.
This recipe is for those of us who prefer the crumbly streusel to the fruit filling. Since this crisp is baked in a sheet pan, each bite of sweet blueberry filling has a double dose of cinnamon-scented oat streusel.
Fresh raspberries not only tint these lemon bars pink, but they also add an extra bit of sweet-tart flavor. The custard-like filling is perfectly smooth, and the shortbread crust practically melts in your mouth.
Banana splits are such a fun way to serve dessert, and this ice cream pie streamlines the process. All of the classic flavors — chocolate and strawberry ice cream plus ripe bananas — are layered into a springform pan, drizzled with chocolate ganache and topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Fresh fruit is an easy way to make a chocolate dessert summer-ready. Chocolate sandwich cookies are ground up to make the crust, while the filling is made with melted bittersweet chocolate. The whole thing is topped with both fresh raspberries and raspberry jam.
This is our take on the nostalgic ice cream truck dessert that we all know and love. Form the ice cream bars by using store-bought vanilla ice cream, strawberry sorbet and shortbread cookies. Add even more strawberry flavor with both fresh and freeze-dried berries.
The last thing you want to do in the heat of the summer is keep the oven on long enough to bake a cheesecake. This no-bake version has all of the same creamy texture with no oven time. A combination of lemon zest, lemon juice and sour cream add a good amount of tang to the filling.
When you need a little pick-me-up, reach for a scoop of this coffee ice cream. The secret ingredient? Ground instant coffee, which adds a perky flavor. Pile it into bowls or cones and add all of your favorite toppings.
This classic cherry pie is simple and versatile. You can make an elaborate lattice crust or a humble crumble topping. Remember — sour cherry season is uncommonly short, so take advantage of the fresh fruit while you can get it.
This easy summer dessert is a classic, so why mess with perfection? The graham cracker crust and no-bake cream cheese filling achieve a perfect texture in the refrigerator. We add a fruity flair with a quick homemade raspberry sauce to drizzle over each square.
These homemade ice pops aren’t loaded with sugar like store-bought versions, so you can feel good about eating them all summer long. They get their pale pink hue from pink coconut water. Fun fact: coconut water often turns pink when the sugars in the coconut naturally oxidize.
Sour cream co-stars with cream cheese in this New York-style cheesecake recipe. The result is a luscious filling with an extra bit of tanginess. Don’t worry — the graham cracker crust remains as buttery and crisp as ever.
During those weeks of summer when rhubarb and strawberries are both in season, we love to bake them into this delicious pie. A simple dessert calls for a stunning presentation — be sure to keep the dough cold as you weave it into a lattice pattern.
Not every dessert has to be 100% sweet. Creamy goat cheese adds a tart and slightly earthy flavor to the cherry filling. Use store-bought puff pastry to keep things simple.
Each bite of this delicate sponge cake offers a taste of summer. The fluffy cake layers and whipped cream filling are flavored with orange blossom water. The cream and strawberry jam peek out from between each cake layer.
Although it’s technically a vegetable, rhubarb adds a bright and acidic flavor to fruity desserts like this one. The slightly sour flavor pairs well with sweet summer strawberries and a buttery brown sugar-oat streusel topping.
This may look like a simple, no-frills cake (and it is) but inside is a moist crumb and rich texture. Olive oil and ricotta are the secret ingredients — olive oil keeps the cake moist while adding a slightly fruity flavor; the ricotta gives the cake its fluffy texture.
Talk about staying power — this old-fashioned cake has been around for generations, and it never ceases to impress. The unmistakable pineapple rings and bright red maraschino cherries are nostalgic non-negotiables.
If you’re craving blueberry pie without the hassle of assembling a whole pie, these blueberry bars are the next best thing. They’re an easily transportable dessert, making them perfect for summer picnics and potlucks.
As the name implies, these portable bars are just the thing to enjoy on a day at the shore. The gooey blondie batter is mixed with a combination of white chocolate and butterscotch chips, but you could add some semisweet chocolate chips if you like.
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Spiced Peach Crisp with Pistachio-Oat Crumble
Most fruit crisps rely on cinnamon to spice up the filling, but this recipe uses ground cardamom, allspice and black pepper too. In addition to nutty pistachios, the crumbly topping is also spiced with ground ginger, cloves and nutmeg.
If you prefer a crumble topping to the traditional double-crust pie, this easy blueberry pie is for you. There’s an added benefit to forgoing the top piece of dough — you can blind-bake the bottom crust. By blind-baking, you won’t run the risk of the fruit weighing down the dough and making it soggy.
There’s nothing easier than a poke cake, and this one is dressed up for the summer season. Fresh citrus (lemons, limes, oranges or a combination of all three) give this cake its bright, sunny flavor.
Sweet and oaky bourbon can be found in both the pound cake and the powdered sugar glaze. Its slightly smoky flavor enhances the super sweet flavor of the macerated peaches that are served alongside.
Grasshopper pie is known for its chocolate crust and minty filling with a pale green hue. All of those same flavors are present in this no-churn ice cream, which is equally as creamy and delicious.
You don’t have to go to the state fair to enjoy all kinds of deep-fried treats, including these Oreos. The iconic sandwich cookies are coated in a batter made with pancake mix, then fried until golden brown. Finish them off with a quick dusting of powdered sugar.
Despite the name, this dessert is much less messy than traditional campfire s’mores. Crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and fudge sauce are folded into a whipped cream and yogurt mixture. Pile the makeshift ice cream into waffle cones and enjoy.
Presentation is everything, and serving dessert tableside in a cast-iron skillet is a very sweet way to end a meal. Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream to the crumble while it’s still warm to make it extra decadent.
You don’t need to wait until the Fourth of July to make these patriotic pops. Fresh strawberries, blueberries and coconut milk are used to create three distinct layers of red, white and blue.
We love a unique and unexpected dessert — especially one that’s a little savory. Roast some ripe summer strawberries alongside a log of goat cheese and serve with some toasted bread slices alongside for smearing.
A combination of sour cream and heavy cream are what keep this no-bake filling from turning icy. A whole package of chocolate sandwich cookies is used in this icebox cake, so each bite has plenty of cookies and cream.
Cereal bars are undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser, so you’ll definitely want to make this recipe for your next summer get-together. Add a pop of color by stirring in some crushed freeze-dried raspberries and blueberries.
This kid-friendly version of the coffee-forward Italian dessert will be a big hit with everyone at your summer gathering. Strawberry milk stands in for the usual Marsala wine and espresso that’s used to soak the ladyfinger cookies.
Eton Mess is a traditional English dessert made by layering fresh berries, whipped cream and crushed meringue cookies. We take a shortcut here by using ready-made meringues — they’re just as tasty and make this an easy dessert to put together last minute.
This no-fuss fruit crisp pairs ripe peaches with nutty pecans and a touch of citrus in the filling. In keeping with the rustic nature of this dessert, there’s no need to worry about peeling the peaches.
Would you believe that peak deliciousness is achieved with only three ingredients? This pie is made with a store-bought graham cracker crust (you can easily make your own if you prefer), vanilla ice cream and mixed berries.
Instead of assembling individual brownie sundaes, we like to combine all of the same flavors into a slice-and-serve ice cream cake. Layers of mixed berry and vanilla ice creams are sandwiched between gooey chocolate brownies, which stay soft despite being frozen.
If you make the citrus and Earl Grey-infused shortbread cookies ahead of time, this simple dessert takes mere minutes to assemble. You’ll spend far more time patiently waiting for the ice cream to freeze.
Each of the three s’mores components are represented in this ooey-gooey chocolate pie. The graham cracker crust is buttery and fragrant, the chocolate filling is silky smooth and the marshmallows on top are toasted until golden.
Trifles are a super easy way to make dessert for a large group of people. Just layer slices of pound cake with sweetened mascarpone custard and a quick stovetop mixed berry compote. Don’t forget to finish it off with a few lofty dollops of whipped cream.
Bananas and blueberries are two of the most beloved fruits, so it’s a mystery why they aren’t used together more often. The fruits and golden Oreos are layered with two kinds of pudding — banana and vanilla — and dairy-free coconut whipped cream. Be sure to save some of the fruit for garnish.
There’s so much pure strawberry flavor in this ice cream cake. You’ll find fresh berries and strawberry ice cream in the layers of dessert, and the limoncello-macerated strawberries on top are a simple but very special touch.
Blackberries may not get as much clout as strawberries and blueberries, but they’re a delicious summer berry worthy of attention. Use them in this simple dessert that pairs the berries with jam, pound cake and lightly sweetened whipped cream.
These tropical ice pops are inspired by the flavors of Key lime pie. They’re made with coconut milk and shredded coconut, and each popsicle has a crumbly graham cracker base, just like the pie.
When the chocolate craving strikes, this quick frozen dessert won’t disappoint. Homemade chocolate wafer cookies sit between layers of whipped chocolate cream cheese with some pecans scattered throughout for good measure.
This crumble is versatile enough that it can be made with any summer fruit your heart desires, from peaches and nectarines to strawberries and raspberries. The filling is flavored with some lemon, vanilla and cinnamon, and the oat streusel is a basic recipe that will complement any fruit.
Now that berries are ripe and juicy, it’s the perfect time to bake them into a sweet summer dessert. All they need is some sugar and lemon juice to bring out all of their best qualities.
This super simple no-bake dessert is what strawberry season is all about. The most effort you’ll put into this cheesecake is blitzing the graham cracker crust in the food processor — and that’ll only take you five minutes.
One unexpected ingredient — balsamic vinegar — is responsible for making this blueberry pie extra-special. Balsamic is one of the least acidic varieties of vinegar, so it works to cut the sweetness of the filling ever so slightly.
Among summer berry desserts, this triple-strawberry pie takes the crown. A buttery homemade pie crust is filled with strawberry ice cream, strawberry jam and fresh chopped strawberries.
By doctoring up a boxed cake mix, you can make a stunning frozen dessert. Layer the chocolate cake with gooey chocolate syrup, mint chocolate chip ice cream and lots of whipped cream.
This cobbler has a distinct Southern flair. Starchy sweet potatoes are mixed with plums and blackberries, giving the filling more texture than usual. Instead of regular old biscuits, each cobbler is topped with crumbly cornbread.
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Skillet Berry Crisp with Almond-Cornmeal Topping
Cornmeal adds a welcome granular texture to the nutty streusel topping for this crisp. The berry flavor is allowed to shine through since the mixture is flavored simply with lemon juice and cinnamon.
If you didn’t think making an ice cream cake could get any easier, you’d be mistaken. This one pairs store-bought ice cream sandwiches with raspberry whipped cream. Once frozen, it’s ready to slice and serve.
