10 Summer Desserts Recipes to Keep You Cool

There’s something magical about summer—the long days, backyard BBQs, and that craving for something sweet and refreshing after a day in the sun. If you’re looking for the best summer desserts recipes to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right place.

🍓 1. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Instructions:

• Mix graham crumbs and melted butter. Press into serving cups.
• Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Fold in whipped cream. Spoon over crusts.
• Top with strawberries. Chill 1–2 hours.

Variation:

Swap strawberries with blueberries or mangoes.

🍍 2. Pineapple Coconut Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks
• ¾ cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp lime zest

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth.
• Pour into popsicle molds.
• Freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

Substitutes:

Use almond milk for a lighter version.

🍋 3. Lemon Icebox Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 graham cracker crust
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions:

• Mix condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest.
• Fold in whipped cream.
• Pour into crust and chill 4+ hours.

CookWithKushal Tip:

Add a pinch of sea salt for contrast.

🍫 4. Frozen S’mores Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 box graham crackers
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
• 1 ½ cups whipped cream
• ¾ cup melted chocolate

Instructions:

• Layer graham cracker, marshmallow, whipped cream, and chocolate.
• Top with another cracker. Freeze 2–4 hours.

🍑 5. Grilled Peach Sundaes

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches (halved)
• 2 tbsp honey
• Vanilla ice cream
• Crushed pecans

Instructions:

• Brush peaches with honey and grill 3–5 mins.
• Serve warm with ice cream and pecans.

🍓 6. Berry Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 cup granola
• 1 cup mixed berries

Instructions:

• Mix yogurt with honey.
• Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in glasses.

🍉 7. Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth.
• Freeze for 4–6 hours, stirring every hour.

🍦 8. Mango Coconut Ice Cream (No-Churn)

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes (pureed)
• 1 can coconut milk
• ½ cup condensed milk

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients.
• Pour into a loaf pan. Freeze overnight.

🫐 9. Blueberry Crumble Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups oats
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup butter
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp sugar

Instructions:

• Mix oats, flour, sugar, and butter for crust. Press half into pan.
• Toss berries with cornstarch and sugar. Layer on crust.
• Top with remaining oat mix. Bake at 350°F for 30 mins.

🍫 10. Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas (sliced)
• ½ cup melted dark chocolate
• 1 tbsp crushed nuts or coconut flakes

Instructions:

• Dip banana slices in chocolate, top with nuts.
• Freeze for 1 hour and enjoy.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

• No-bake & frozen items: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Fruit-based desserts: Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for 2–3 days.
• Frozen banana bites & popsicles: Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

⚖️ Nutrition Notes (per serving average)**

• Calories: ~180–300
• Sugar: 10–25g
• Fat: 8–15g
  Varies by dessert and ingredient substitutions.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I make these summer desserts ahead of time for parties?
Yes! Many of these can be made a day or two in advance—especially the no-bake and frozen treats.

Q2: Are there any dairy-free options?
Absolutely. Use plant-based whipped cream, coconut milk, and vegan yogurt for substitutions.

Q3: What’s the easiest dessert on this list for kids to help with?
The Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites or Yogurt Parfaits are great for kids to make with minimal supervision.

Love citrusy treats? Check out my 10 Easy Snack Recipes for Anytime Cravings.