12 Refreshing Summer Desserts That Bring Sweet Relief
Summer entertaining is all about soaking up the sun and making memories—not standing over a hot oven. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood block party, a casual family cookout, or just craving a cool treat on a quiet afternoon, these 12 desserts are here to save the day. From bright, citrusy tarts to chilled, creamy classics, we’ve gathered a collection of recipes that are as refreshing as they are easy to prepare. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine with these reliable, crowd-pleasing sweets.
Fresas con Crema (Mexican Strawberries and Cream)
Fresas con Crema is the perfect light, fruity dessert you’ve been looking for. Fresh strawberries covered in sweet cream, it’s a treat you can fall in love with all summer long.
Lemon Tiramisu
Meet my new favorite summer dessert: Lemon Tiramisu! This Italian girls loves a traditional tiramisu (although I usually make it in tiramisu cups), but I’ve found a new, fresh and citrusy way to make this classic no-bake dessert… and it’s delicious!
Cranberry Lemon Bars
Bright, buttery cranberry lemon bars pair zesty lemon curd with a layer of homemade cranberry sauce for the ultimate holiday dessert. These easy lemon bars with cranberry bake up with clean layers, tangy-sweet flavor, and picture-perfect slices for parties or gifting.
Strawberry Panna Cotta with Mint and Honey
This Strawberry Panna Cotta is the best gluten free summer dessert! It’s made with fresh strawberries, mint, and lightly drizzled with honey.
Espumillas
Espumillas are a delicious meringue and fruit based dessert popular across Ecuador. You can make this popular street food at home! Choose whatever fruit you’d like to customize your experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Tiramisu
Chocolate chip cookie icebox tiramisu is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth this summer. With layers of coffee soaked cookies and fluffy whipped cream, this twist on the Italian dessert classic is a surefire winner.
Chocolate Coconut Creme Pies
A simple recipe for Mounds-stuffed, soft, chocolate cookies stuffed with coconut creme. These Chocolate Coconut Creme Pies are sure to be a hit with coconut lovers!
Raspberry Lemonade Pie
Raspberry Lemonade Pie is an absolutely delicious cool and creamy summer treat! This no-bake lemonade pie is easy to fix with only a few ingredients and topped with fresh raspberries making it as gorgeous as it is tasty!
Kool-Aid Meringue Cookies
Kool-Aid meringue cookies are a kid friendly update to the classic egg-white cookies. These meringues are brightly colored, fun to make treats with a little extra fruity flavor.
Triple Berry Slab Pie
Triple Berry Slab Pie is made from a buttery, flaky homemade crust topped with a strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry filling then is finished off with strips of pie crust sprinkled with coarse sugar.
Orange Creamsicle Truffles
These Orange Creamsicle Truffles are the grown-up version of your favorite summer popsicle. With classic orange flavor coated in white chocolate, you won’t be able to eat just one of these no-bake treats.
Mango Ice Pops {Paletas de Mango}
Ice cold and bursting with tropical flavor, these mango popsicles are the absolute best summer treat for a hot day! You need less than a handful of simple ingredients and a little time for these paletas de mango, so let’s get started!
