19 No-Bake Summer Desserts That Taste as Good as They Look
When the temperature rises, the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven. No-bake summer desserts become your best friend! These chilled treats and frozen delights are perfect for beating the heat while satisfying your sweet tooth.
From creamy parfaits to refreshing fruit-based confections, these 19 easy summer sweets prove that you don’t need to turn on the oven to create show-stopping desserts that will wow your family and guests.
The attraction of no-bake summer desserts lies in their simplicity and endless versatility.
Most of these cool treats come together quickly using pantry staples and fresh seasonal ingredients. Make them ahead, put them in the fridge, and serve when you are ready.
They are perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to heat the kitchen.
Many of these refrigerator desserts and freezer-friendly treats can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy serving these summer delights.
What are the Differences Between Cold-Weather and Warm-Weather Desserts?
There isn’t a season of the year when desserts aren’t popular. However, we do tend to prefer different types of desserts, depending on the season. The temperature and available ingredients dictate the types of desserts that are preferred in the colder and warmer weather months
I thought it would be interesting to look at the differences in desserts in June and July or December and January.
Temperature & Preparation:
- Cold-weather: Hot, baked desserts served warm (apple pie, bread pudding, soufflés)
- Warm-weather: Chilled, frozen, or room-temperature treats that cool you down (ice cream, popsicles, cold parfaits)
Texture Preferences:
- Cold-weather: Dense, rich, and comforting textures (fudgy brownies, thick custards, heavy cakes)
- Warm-weather: Light, airy, and refreshing textures (mousses, sorbets, fruit salads, fluffy whipped desserts)
Flavor Profiles:
- Cold-weather: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom
- Warm-weather: Fresh, bright flavors like citrus, mint, berries, and tropical fruits
Ingredient Focus:
- Cold-weather: Chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, heavy creams, butter, molasses, flour-based cakes and cupcakes
- Warm-weather: Fresh seasonal fruits, yogurt, lighter dairy, coconut, fresh herbs
Cooking Methods:
- Cold-weather: Baking, roasting, poaching, steaming, slow-cooking
- Warm-weather: No-bake, freezing, chilling, minimal heat preparation
Seasonal Ingredients:
- Cold-weather: Apples, pears, cranberries, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter spices
- Warm-weather: Berries, stone fruits, melons, citrus, fresh herbs like basil and mint
Portion & Richness:
- Cold-weather: Heartier portions, richer ingredients that provide comfort and warmth
- Warm-weather: Lighter portions, less heavy ingredients that won’t weigh you down in the heat
Presentation Style:
- Cold-weather: Often served in bowls or plates, with the emphasis on warmth and coziness
- Warm-weather: Frequently served in glasses or individual portions, with emphasis on visual freshness and color
What are the Common Ingredients in these No-Bake Summer Desserts?
These refreshing desserts typically feature a combination of seasonal produce. This is the time to visit a farmers’ market or a “picking” opportunity:
- Fresh seasonal fruits – berries, peaches, mangoes, cantaloupes, watermelon, bananas, and citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit)
- Cream cheese – for rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture
- Heavy cream or whipped topping – adds lightness and volume
- Graham crackers, nuts, or cookies – perfect for no-bake crusts and layers
- Sweetened condensed milk – provides sweetness and helps set creamy mixtures
- Gelatin or pudding mix – creates structure without baking
- Butter – binds crumb crusts and adds richness
- Vanilla extract – enhances flavor in cream-based desserts
- Powdered sugar – sweetens without grittiness
- Chocolate chips or cocoa powder – for chocolate lovers
- Nuts – add crunch and depth of flavor
- Coconut – brings tropical flair to summer treats
Welcome to Bluesky Browsing #192.
In case you are new to Bluesky at Home, what fabulous finds do I share at Bluesky Browsing?
- ideas to help you in your home decor efforts
- fun holiday decoration ideas
- ideas for better organization and efficiency
- a yummy recipe or cocktail
- fun DIY projects
- the latest trends in home decor
- a quirky new find or two
- outdoor decorating and gardening
Take Your Pick of These Delicious No-Bake Summer Desserts
What do these 19 no-bake (or almost no-bake) desserts have in common?
- They are all served chilled.
- All can be made ahead of time – sometimes even a day ahead of serving.
- They mostly contain fresh, frozen, or canned fruit.
- Many have a crust made with cookies (Oreos, wafers, chocolate chip, oatmeal, graham crackers) or nuts
- They all have some degree of sweetness and maybe tartness
- Creamy fillings
- Creamed toppings
- Many have a garnish, such as mint, cherries, citrus slices or zest, chocolate chips or sprinkles
- They are all pretty to look at and wow your guests.
Ready to discover your new favorite heat-free dessert? Let’s dive into these 19 incredible no-bake summer desserts that are as pretty as they are delicious!
Curated List of 19 No-Bake Delicious Summer Desserts
All of these yummy no-bake desserts would be perfect for any summer celebration – from Memorial Day to the 4th of July to Labor Day.
No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake
Sophia of Sophia Recipes makes this 3-Ingredient No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake that is as dreamy as it sounds – light, fluffy, and refreshingly sweet. With no baking required, it’s the ultimate fuss-free treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
No-Bake Banana Split Sundae
Jenny of Gather in My Kitchen creates a delightful twist on the classic banana split sundae, transformed into a creamy, fruity, and irresistible cake. It’s a nostalgic treat that brings together the beloved flavors of banana, pineapple, and cherry, all layered on a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Creamy No-Bake Berry Lush
Jasmine of JM Recipes shares a No-Bake Berry Lush that proves that with a few easy steps and simple ingredients, you can craft a show-stopping treat in no time. Creamy, dreamy layers of sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping nestle between juicy, fresh berries and a buttery vanilla wafer crust. Fast, flavorful, and fabulously fresh
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Jon of JW Recipes shares no-bake lemon cheesecake bars that strike the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence. Their velvety texture and bright citrus notes don’t require the fuss of an oven, yet they deliver bakery-quality results in just a few hours of chill time.
Easy No-Make Pina Colada Summer Dessert
Lisa of Simply Joy shares a super simple-to-throw-together summer dessert that is absolutely delicious! If you love a frothy, tall summer Pina Colada cocktail by the pool, you will love the flavors of this Pina Colada No-Bake Lush.
Gluten-Free Oreo Pudding Pie
Kristy of Mommy Hates Cooking – Do you need a gluten-free dessert? Then my friend Kristy has one for you. Oreo Pudding Pie is one of her all-time favorite desserts because it is so simple and easy to make gluten-free. It can be done with just a few ingredients, including the latest Gluten-Free Oreos.
Freshing Lemon Popsicles
Carrie of Desserts on a Dime shares a classic summer dessert that even grown-ups will love. This homemade Lemon Popsicle Recipe with three simple ingredients is light and refreshing and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. It’s also so pretty for entertaining.
Pineapple-Flavored Cheesecake
Judith of Bake at Midnite – If you love cheesecake, then you’ll love this dessert!
The filling is a creamy pineapple-flavored cheesecake that is mounded on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. Judith also includes tips for weight-conscious folks who still want to enjoy a summer dessert.
No-Bake Strawberry Banana Trifle
Julie of Julie’s Eats and Treats shares the perfect summer dessert for a crowd. This trifle recipe has layers of strawberries, Angel Food Cake, pineapple, bananas and vanilla pudding! This dessert is sure to be the highlight of your party.
Lemon Blueberry Parfaits
Allie of Baking a Moment has whipped up a luscious combination of blueberries and lemons. It’s like these flavors were made for each other. Swirl it all together with a little honey-sweetened whipped cream and you have a light, refreshing, seasonal dessert that’s perfect for warm summer nights.
No-Bake Lemon Tiramisu
Marie of Salt Sugar Magic – When we think of Tiramisu, we think of of chocolate/coffee flavored dessert. This lemon tiramisu version falls somewhere between that classic Italian dessert and a lemon cheesecake. Rich, creamy, and tangy, it tastes amazing and is so easy to make.
Watermelon Sorbet for Summer
Chrysa of Thrifty Jinxy shares a dessert for the most iconic of summer fruits – watermelon! In summer, there is nothing like a tasty, refreshing, and cold treat to cool off and enjoy. This easy Watermelon Sorbet Recipe hits the spot.
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Carrie of Eating on a Dime – I couldn’t resist this no-bake Cookies and Cream recipe – it’s my favorite ice cream. And it only has four ingredients. This is so easy and turns out creamy and delicious. No ice cream maker needed!
Beautiful No-Bake Mango Cheesecake
Bea and Marco of El Mundo Eats use the summer tropical flavor of mangoes to make this beautiful no-bake cheesecake. This no-bake mango cheesecake is the perfect summer dessert! It’s smooth with a creamy texture and a deliciously amazing mango and white chocolate flavor. It’s so easy to make and you’ll love it!
Pecan-Crusted Blueberry Lush
Mel of Adventures of Mel – Thank you to my friend Mel for sharing this delicious blueberry dessert recipe. If you’ve been blueberry picking and have fresh blueberries, this recipe is for you. Made with the best pecan crust, blueberry pie filling, and a creamy layer of cream cheese lush, this no-bake (mostly) summer dessert is truly yummy.
Peach No-Bake Mousse
Catalina of Sweet and Savory Meals – I could not have this collection of no-bake desserts without something fresh and peachy. This Peach Mousse is refreshing and loaded with fresh peaches, making it the perfect summer dessert. It is very simple to make and looks quite festive when served in individual parfait cups.
To round out my list of no-bake summer desserts, here are my own favorite mostly no-bake desserts that you will love:
17. Easy Lemon Tarts
18. Yummiest Peach Ice Cream
19. Lemon Ice Box Pie
Items for serving Your No-Bake Summer Desserts
Because you want your serving pieces to be as pretty as your desserts, here is a list of lovely items for dessert service.
Want to save all these no-bake summer desserts? Be sure to PIN to keep these ideas handy. You might want to check my Pinterest Boards: Desserts and Summer Recipes.
Use some of these delicious no-bake summer desserts for your summer dining.
