20 Summer Desserts Everyone’s Obsessed With (And You’re About to Be Too)
Summer’s scorching heat calls for cool, refreshing treats that tantalize taste buds and bring smiles to sweaty faces. From no-bake delights to fruity concoctions, summer desserts offer sweet relief when temperatures soar.
Join me as we explore 20 must-make summer desserts that are trending across backyards, picnics, and Instagram feeds everywhere!
1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Nothing screams summer quite like plump, ruby-red strawberries nestled between fluffy biscuits and pillowy whipped cream. The beauty lies in its simplicity.
I remember making these with my grandmother on her screened porch, juice dripping down our chins as we laughed.
The perfect balance of sweet berries, buttery biscuit, and cloud-like cream creates pure magic in every bite.
2. Watermelon Sorbet
Beat the heat with this ridiculously refreshing watermelon sorbet that captures summer’s essence in frozen form. With just three ingredients – watermelon, lime, and honey – you’ll create a showstopper.
The secret? Using the ripest, sweetest watermelon you can find. Serve in hollowed-out watermelon halves for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. No ice cream maker required!
3. No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
Zesty, creamy, and utterly refreshing, this no-bake wonder is your answer to hot kitchen woes. Graham cracker crust cradles a filling that’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
Last summer, I made this for a family reunion and even my lemon-hating uncle asked for the recipe! The best part? Your oven stays off, keeping your kitchen cool while your taste buds dance with delight.
4. Grilled Peaches with Honey Mascarpone
These caramelized peach halves transform from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few minutes of heat. The grill marks add smoky complexity while intensifying the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Top with a dollop of honey-kissed mascarpone and a sprinkle of crushed amaretti cookies for textural contrast.
This elegant yet simple treat bridges the gap between sophisticated and homey, perfect for both weeknight treats and dinner parties.
5. Mason Jar Berry Trifles
Portable perfection in a jar! These individual trifles layer cake, berries, and cream for a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious. The clear glass showcases vibrant summer berries in all their glory.
I’ve brought these to countless picnics, and they always disappear first. Make them ahead and let the flavors mingle in the fridge.
Pro tip: Use store-bought pound cake when you’re short on time – I won’t tell if you don’t!
6. Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Bites
Monkey madness meets frozen delight in these two-bite treasures! Banana coins sandwiching creamy peanut butter create a protein-packed sweet treat that satisfies without the sugar crash.
Dip half in melted chocolate for extra decadence. Pop them in the freezer for at least two hours before serving. Kids go bananas for these, and adults secretly love them just as much.
The perfect cool-down after a day of summer adventures!
7. Mango Coconut Popsicles
These tropical treasures combine velvety mango with creamy coconut milk for a dairy-free frozen delight that transports you straight to island time.
The vibrant orange and white layers aren’t just pretty – they deliver distinct flavor bursts with each lick. My neighbors’ kids practically camp out at my door when word gets out I’m making these.
Add a pinch of chili powder for a surprising kick that adults will appreciate!
8. S’mores Dip
Campfire flavors without the campfire! This skillet sensation delivers all the gooey goodness of traditional s’mores without the sticky fingers and mosquito bites.
Melted chocolate topped with perfectly toasted marshmallows creates the ultimate dippable dessert. Graham crackers serve as the perfect vehicle for this molten masterpiece.
Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s my go-to when the kids are screaming for something sweet and I’m short on patience.
9. Blackberry Cobbler
Bubbling berries beneath a golden, buttery crust – this rustic beauty celebrates summer’s bounty in spectacular fashion. The contrast between juicy, tart berries and sweet, crisp topping creates dessert harmony.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream melting into the purple juices. My secret weapon? A splash of balsamic vinegar in the filling to amplify the berry flavor.
This humble dessert has converted many a fruit-skeptic at my dinner table!
10. Piña Colada Nice Cream
Vacation vibes in a bowl! This dairy-free frozen treat transforms frozen bananas, pineapple, and coconut milk into creamy island-inspired deliciousness. No ice cream maker required – just a food processor and five minutes of your time.
The natural sweetness means no added sugar, making this a guilt-free indulgence. Top with toasted coconut flakes and a paper umbrella for maximum tropical flair.
Even better than the drink version – you can enjoy this one poolside with the kids!
11. Key Lime Pie Popsicles
Tangy, creamy, and utterly refreshing, these frozen treats capture all the flavor of the classic pie in convenient popsicle form. The Graham cracker crumbs folded throughout provide delightful texture and authentic pie vibes.
The secret to the perfect tang? Real key lime juice – accept no substitutes! I discovered these last summer during a heatwave and haven’t stopped making them since.
They disappear faster than ice cubes in August, so always make a double batch!
12. Fresh Fruit Pizza
Eye-catching and mouthwatering, this showstopper features a sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting, and a rainbow of fresh summer fruits. The beauty lies in its versatility – use whatever fruits look best at the market.
Arrange the fruit in concentric circles or create a playful pattern. A light glaze of apricot preserves adds shine and preserves freshness. Perfect for potlucks, this dessert has sparked many a friendship when I bring it to neighborhood gatherings!
13. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cool mint ice cream hugged by chewy chocolate cookies creates the ultimate hot-day hero. The contrast between crisp exterior and creamy filling is pure textural magic.
Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips for extra pizzazz and chocolate intensity. One summer, I made these for my daughter’s birthday party, and the parents devoured them before the kids could get seconds!
Wrap individually in wax paper and freeze for up to two weeks – if they last that long!
14. Peach Raspberry Galette
This free-form tart showcases summer’s star fruits in a buttery, flaky crust that forgives even novice bakers. The beauty lies in its imperfection – the more rustic, the better!
The combination of sweet peaches and tart raspberries creates flavor fireworks, while a sprinkle of turbinado sugar adds delightful crunch. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert nirvana.
No pie plate needed – just a baking sheet and parchment paper!
15. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Don’t let the name fool you – this retro layered delight is all dessert! The salty pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake center, and fresh strawberry topping create a sweet-and-salty symphony that’s irresistible.
The contrasting textures – crunchy, creamy, and jiggly – make each bite an adventure. This nostalgic treat reminds me of summer potlucks at my grandma’s lake house.
Make it a day ahead to let the layers set properly for picture-perfect slices that will disappear in minutes!
16. Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake
No oven needed for this stunning striped sensation! Layers of lemon-infused whipped cream, graham crackers, and fresh blueberries create a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
After chilling overnight, the crackers soften to cake-like texture, absorbing the citrusy cream. The result? Sliceable perfection that tastes like summer.
When I brought this to a potluck last July, three people demanded the recipe before I’d even set it down on the table!
17. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Yogurt reimagined as a crackable, snackable frozen treat! This customizable delight starts with Greek yogurt sweetened with honey, then topped with a rainbow of summer berries, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of white chocolate.
Freeze until solid, then break into irregular pieces for a cool, protein-packed treat. Store in the freezer for instant gratification on hot days. My kids call this “breakfast candy” and don’t realize they’re eating something relatively healthy!
18. Iced Lemon Loaf Cake
Bright, zesty, and perfect with afternoon iced tea, this sunny loaf cake brings lemony cheer to summer days. The crumb stays moist for days thanks to a tangy lemon syrup that soaks into the warm cake.
A puckery glaze creates a crackly sweet-tart topping that’s impossible to resist. My secret weapon? Rubbing the lemon zest into the sugar before mixing releases the essential oils for maximum flavor.
One slice is never enough – consider yourself warned!
19. Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas
Carnival classic meets healthy-ish treat! Frozen bananas transform into creamy “ice cream” when bitten, while the chocolate shell adds indulgent crunch. The toppings are where creativity shines – try sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies.
These nostalgic treats remind me of boardwalk summers as a kid. Now I make them with my own children, creating messy memories in the kitchen.
Pro tip: Use popsicle sticks or bamboo skewers for easy handling, and freeze the bananas before dipping for best results!
20. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Sundaes
These individual sundaes layer caramelized pineapple, buttery cake cubes, vanilla ice cream, and maraschino cherries for a playful twist on the classic cake.
The warm pineapple sauce melts the ice cream slightly, creating magical texture contrasts. When my oven broke during a heatwave, I invented these out of necessity.
Now they’re requested more often than the original cake! Serve in clear glasses to showcase the gorgeous layers.