Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing desserts that bring a sweet end to any meal. These 25 summer dessert ideas are quick to make and highlight the best seasonal ingredients. From fruity treats to no-bake options, there’s something for everyone. Dive into these simple recipes to add a touch of sweetness to your summer gatherings.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
This classic dessert features a flaky lattice crust filled with tender, spiced apples. Ready in about an hour, it combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon for a comforting taste. Perfect for summer gatherings, it pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors that bring warmth to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
Tropical Overnight Oats
These oats are a refreshing breakfast option bursting with tropical flavors like mango and coconut. Prepared in just 10 minutes the night before, they offer a creamy and satisfying texture. Perfect for busy mornings, they provide a nutritious start to your day. The combination of oats, chia seeds, and fruit makes it both delicious and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Overnight Oats
No-bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
This cake is a rich blend of chocolate and crunchy pistachios, perfect for a quick dessert fix. Taking only 20 minutes to prepare, it sets in the fridge without any baking required. The smooth chocolate contrasts beautifully with the nutty pistachios. It’s an effortless way to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: No-bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
Stuffed Dates with Chocolate Almond Butter
These stuffed dates are a delightful treat combining sweet dates and creamy almond butter. Ready in just 15 minutes, they are a quick and satisfying snack. The addition of chocolate elevates the flavor, making it irresistible. Ideal for a healthy yet indulgent bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates with Chocolate Almond Butter
Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds
This tart offers a decadent chocolate experience with a crunchy almond crust. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for chocolate lovers. The rich, smooth filling contrasts with the nutty base for a balanced taste. A great way to end any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds
Blueberry Lemon Galette
This galette features a rustic, flaky crust filled with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon. Ready in about 45 minutes, it provides a tart and sweet flavor combination. The simplicity of the ingredients lets the fruit shine. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Lemon Galette
Chocolate Gluten-Free Rugelach
These rugelach are a delightful pastry filled with chocolate and cinnamon, perfect for a gluten-free diet. They take about an hour to make and offer a flaky, buttery texture. The chocolate filling adds a rich sweetness. Ideal for a special treat or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gluten-Free Rugelach
Spelt Orange Pecan Sugar-Free Cinnamon Buns
These buns are a healthier twist on the classic, made with spelt flour and sweetened with stevia. Ready in about two hours, they feature a delightful combination of orange and pecan flavors. The cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Spelt Orange Pecan Sugar-Free Cinnamon Buns
Pouding Chomeur with Homemade Date Syrup
This dessert is a traditional Canadian treat with a rich, caramel-like date syrup. It takes about an hour to prepare and offers a comforting, sweet flavor. The combination of syrup and cake creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ideal for a cozy summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Pouding Chomeur with Homemade Date Syrup
Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Pudding
This pudding combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries in a creamy chia base. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a refreshing and healthy dessert. The chia seeds add a unique texture. Perfect for a light summer treat.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Pudding
Paleo Strawberry Scones
These scones are a grain-free option made with almond flour and fresh strawberries. They take about 30 minutes to bake and offer a tender, slightly crumbly texture. The strawberries add a burst of sweetness. Great for a paleo-friendly dessert or snack.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Strawberry Scones
Colombian Fruit Salad
This fruit salad is a vibrant mix of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a refreshing and colorful dish. The natural sweetness of the fruit is enhanced with a hint of lime. Perfect for a light and healthy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Fruit Salad
Raspberry Mini Pavlovas
These pavlovas are airy meringues topped with fresh raspberries and cream. They take about an hour to prepare and offer a crisp exterior with a soft, marshmallow-like center. The tart raspberries balance the sweetness of the meringue. Ideal for an elegant summer dessert.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mini Pavlovas
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
This tart features a rich chocolate filling with a layer of fresh raspberries. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and offers a decadent, fruity flavor. The combination of chocolate and raspberries is a classic favorite. Perfect for a sophisticated summer treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Raspberry Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl
This cheesecake is a creamy delight with a vibrant raspberry swirl. Ready in about an hour, it combines a smooth cheese filling with the tartness of raspberries. The swirl adds a beautiful visual appeal. Ideal for a special occasion dessert.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl
Cherry Cobbler
This cobbler features juicy cherries topped with a buttery, crumbly crust. It takes about an hour to bake and offers a warm, comforting flavor. The cherries provide a sweet and slightly tart taste. Perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cobbler
Light Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping
This cheesecake is a lighter version with a crumbly topping for added texture. Ready in about an hour, it offers a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch. Great for a refreshing summer dessert.
Get the Recipe: Light Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping
Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake
This cheesecake is a vegan-friendly option with a zesty lemon and sweet mango flavor. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and sets in the fridge. The creamy texture is achieved with cashews and coconut milk. Perfect for a light and fruity dessert.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake
Gluten-Free Pear Shortcake with Tarragon and Caramelized Pear Coconut Ice Cream
This shortcake features a gluten-free base with a unique tarragon flavor, topped with caramelized pear ice cream. Ready in about an hour, it offers a sophisticated and refreshing taste. The combination of pear and tarragon is unexpected and delightful. Ideal for a gourmet summer dessert.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pear Shortcake with Tarragon and Caramelized Pear Coconut Ice Cream
Raw Sweet Lime Bars
These bars are a no-bake treat with a tangy lime flavor and a hint of lavender. They take about 20 minutes to prepare and set in the fridge. The raw ingredients make them a healthy option. Perfect for a quick and refreshing dessert.
Get the Recipe: Raw Sweet Lime Bars
Basil Peach Cobbler
This cobbler combines sweet peaches with a hint of basil for a unique flavor. Ready in about an hour, it offers a buttery, crumbly topping. The basil adds a fresh twist to the classic peach cobbler. Ideal for a summer dessert with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Basil Peach Cobbler
Apple Olive Oil Cake
This cake features a moist texture with the subtle flavor of olive oil and sweet apples. It takes about an hour to bake and offers a simple yet satisfying taste. The olive oil adds a unique richness. Perfect for a light and flavorful dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Olive Oil Cake
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
These pancakes are fluffy and light with a hint of lemon and creamy ricotta. Ready in about 30 minutes, they offer a refreshing and tangy flavor. The ricotta adds a rich texture. Great for a summer brunch or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Wild Berry Galette
This galette features a mix of wild berries in a rustic, flaky crust. It takes about 45 minutes to bake and offers a sweet and tart flavor combination. The simplicity of the ingredients lets the berries shine.
Get the Recipe: Wild Berry Galette
Lemon Almond Yogurt Cake with Strawberries
This cake is a light and moist dessert with the refreshing flavors of lemon and yogurt. It takes about an hour to bake, and the addition of almond flour provides a delicate texture. Fresh strawberries on top add a burst of sweetness. Perfect for a summer treat that feels indulgent yet light.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Almond Yogurt Cake with Strawberries