As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, finding ways to keep the kids happy and fed becomes a delightful challenge. This list of 27 summer treats is packed with recipes that are sure to be a hit with the younger crowd. From refreshing fruity delights to rich, chocolatey desserts, each treat is a perfect fit for those laid-back summer vibes. These recipes are not only easy to make but also promise a delicious payoff that will have kids eagerly awaiting snack time.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
The Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie combines the classic flavors of tart apples and sweet cinnamon, taking about an hour to prepare. Its woven lattice top makes for a visually appealing dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The main ingredients include apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crust that comes together to create a comforting taste. This pie is a testament to traditional baking, perfect for a family summer treat.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
Tropical Overnight Oats
Tropical Overnight Oats offer a refreshing start to any summer day, requiring minimal prep time the night before. Main ingredients like oats, tropical fruits, and coconut milk blend to create a creamy texture with bursts of fruity flavors. Ready in about eight hours, this chilled breakfast is both nourishing and satisfying, capturing the essence of a tropical paradise in a jar. It’s a simple, healthy option for kids who need a quick and delicious morning meal.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Overnight Oats
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
The No-bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. Main ingredients include chocolate, pistachios, and cream, creating a dense and nutty flavor profile. This cake offers the convenience of no oven time, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want a luxurious treat without the heat. Its silky texture and deep chocolate taste make it an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
Stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter
Stuffed Dates with Chocolate Almond Butter are a quick, 15-minute treat combining the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of chocolate almond butter. These bite-sized delights are made with just a handful of ingredients, primarily dates and almond butter, resulting in a taste that’s both nutty and sweet. They’re an excellent finger food for kids, providing a healthier alternative to traditional sweets. This snack is as easy to make as it is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter
Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds
Heavenly Chocolate Tart with Almonds takes about 30 minutes of hands-on time to create a dessert that’s both elegant and indulgent. The main ingredients, dark chocolate and almonds, ensure a rich and satisfying experience with a nutty crunch. The taste is a harmonious blend of bittersweet chocolate and toasted almonds. This tart is a sophisticated option for those summer gatherings where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds
Blueberry Lemon Galette
The Blueberry Lemon Galette is a rustic and tangy dessert that can be prepared in about an hour. It features a simple combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, encased in a flaky pastry crust. The galette offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a light and refreshing choice for a summer dessert. Its open-faced presentation adds a touch of casual elegance to any picnic or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Lemon Galette
Chocolate gluten-free rugelach
Chocolate Gluten-free Rugelach are delightful pastries that take about an hour to make, including the chocolate filling and the gluten-free dough. The main flavors come from cinnamon and chocolate, which create a warm and inviting taste. These crescent-shaped treats are perfect for a summer snack, offering a soft pastry with a sweet, chocolaty filling. They’re a great way to enjoy a traditional Jewish dessert with a gluten-free twist.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate gluten-free rugelach
Spelt orange pecan sugar-free cinnamon buns
Spelt Orange Pecan Sugar-Free Cinnamon Buns, prepared in about two hours, are a healthier take on a classic indulgence. Using spelt flour, pecans, and sugar-free sweeteners like stevia, these buns offer a nutty flavor with a hint of citrus. The taste is sweet and comforting without the guilt, making them a great choice for a summer brunch. These cinnamon buns prove that you can enjoy a sweet treat while still being mindful of your sugar intake.
Get the Recipe: Spelt orange pecan sugar-free cinnamon buns
Pouding chomeur with homemade date syrup
Pouding Chomeur with Homemade Date Syrup is a rich, Canadian dessert ready in about an hour. The combination of cake and sweet date syrup creates a moist, dense texture with a deep caramel-like flavor. This treat is made with simple ingredients, mainly flour, eggs, and the homemade date syrup. It’s a unique and comforting dessert that brings a touch of Quebec’s culinary tradition to your summer table.
Get the Recipe: Pouding chomeur with homemade date syrup
Strawberry rhubarb chia pudding
Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Pudding is a fresh and fruity summer treat that takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. With strawberries, rhubarb, and chia seeds as the main ingredients, it offers a tart and sweet flavor with a pudding-like texture. This healthy option is perfect for kids who love the taste of summer berries and enjoy a fun, jelly-like consistency. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry rhubarb chia pudding
Paleo strawberry scones
Paleo Strawberry Scones are a delightful, grain-free treat, ready in about 30 minutes. They feature a blend of almond flour, fresh strawberries, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. The result is a light and tender scone with a burst of strawberry flavor, ideal for a summer morning. These scones are a great way to enjoy a baked good while sticking to a paleo diet.
Get the Recipe: Paleo strawberry scones
Colombian fruit salad
The Colombian Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that can be assembled in about 15 minutes. It’s packed with a variety of tropical fruits, lime juice, and a hint of honey, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful way to hydrate and nourish your body during the summer heat. It’s a simple yet exotic treat that will transport your taste buds to South America.
Get the Recipe: Colombian fruit salad
Raspberry mini pavlovas
Raspberry Mini Pavlovas are elegant, individual desserts that take about two hours to make, including baking and assembly. They feature crisp meringue shells, a light whipped cream filling, and fresh raspberries, offering a balance of textures and a burst of berry flavor. The taste is a delightful combination of sweet and slightly tart, perfect for a summer celebration. These mini pavlovas are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry mini pavlovas
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
The Chocolate Raspberry Tart is a luxurious dessert that requires about 30 minutes of prep time. It’s made with a rich chocolate filling and fresh raspberries on top, providing a decadent and slightly tangy flavor. This tart is a visually stunning addition to any summer feast, with its contrasting layers of dark chocolate and vibrant red berries. It’s a sophisticated treat that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Raspberry Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl
Raspberry Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl takes about an hour to prepare, offering a creamy and fruity dessert option. Its main ingredients are cream cheese, raspberries, and a touch of sweetener, creating a smooth and tangy taste. The raspberry swirl not only adds a pop of color but also infuses each bite with a delightful berry flavor. This cheesecake is a great way to enjoy a classic dessert with a summer twist.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl
Cherry cobbler
Cherry Cobbler is a warm and comforting dessert, ready in about an hour. It combines juicy cherries and a biscuit-like topping to create a dish with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. The cobbler’s crust offers a delightful contrast to the soft fruit filling, making it a hit at any summer gathering. This dessert is a timeless classic that celebrates the season’s fresh cherries.
Get the Recipe: Cherry cobbler
Light Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping
Light Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping is a less dense version of the classic cheesecake, taking about an hour and a half to make. It features a creamy filling and a crumbly, buttery topping, which together create a light yet satisfying taste. The main ingredients include cream cheese and a crumbly streusel, offering a delightful texture contrast. This cheesecake is a perfect end to a summer meal, providing a touch of sweetness without being overly heavy.
Get the Recipe: Light Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping
Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake
Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake is a bright and tropical dessert that’s ready in about 20 minutes, plus chilling time. Made with cashews, mango, and lemon, it offers a creamy texture and a vibrant citrus flavor profile. Its no-bake nature makes it an ideal treat for hot days when turning on the oven is less appealing. This cheesecake is a refreshing and dairy-free option for enjoying the flavors of summer.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Mango Cheesecake
Bosnian Pita Pie
Bosnian Pita Pie is a savory treat that takes about an hour to prepare, featuring a flaky phyllo pastry filled with a tasty mixture. The main ingredients are simple and include phyllo dough, spinach, and cheese, yielding a pie with a crispy texture and a hearty filling. This pie is a great way to introduce kids to international flavors while enjoying a dish that’s both filling and easy to eat with your hands. It’s a versatile option that can serve as a meal or a snack during summertime activities.
Get the Recipe: Bosnian Pita Pie
Gluten-Free Pear Shortcake with Tarragon and Caramelized Pear Coconut Ice Cream
Gluten-Free Pear Shortcake with Tarragon and Caramelized Pear Coconut Ice Cream is a sophisticated dessert that requires about an hour to make. The main ingredients are pears, tarragon, and a gluten-free shortcake base, which come together to offer a unique herbal sweetness. The caramelized pear topping and coconut ice cream add layers of flavor and texture. This shortcake is a delightful way to enjoy summer’s ripe pears in a gluten-free treat.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pear Shortcake with Tarragon and Caramelized Pear Coconut Ice Cream
Raw Sweet Lime Bars
Raw Sweet Lime Bars are a zesty and refreshing dessert that can be prepared in about 20 minutes, plus chilling time. They’re made with ingredients like almonds, dates, and lime juice, creating a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a chewy texture. These bars are a perfect quick treat for a hot summer day, offering the taste of sweet lime in a healthy, raw form. They’re a great snack for kids on the go or as a light dessert after a meal.
Get the Recipe: Raw Sweet Lime Bars
Basil Peach Cobbler
Basil Peach Cobbler is a sweet and aromatic dessert that takes about an hour to bake. It combines ripe peaches with fragrant basil in a fluffy cobbler topping, creating a unique flavor combination. The taste is a delightful mix of summer’s warmth and the freshness of herbs. This cobbler is a wonderful way to use seasonal peaches and add an unexpected twist to a classic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Basil Peach Cobbler
Apple olive oil cake
Apple Olive Oil Cake is a moist and flavorful treat that’s ready in about an hour. Olive oil, apples, and a hint of citrus are the main ingredients that give this cake its distinctive taste and tender crumb. The olive oil provides a subtle fruitiness that complements the sweetness of the apples. This cake is a simple yet delicious option for a summer afternoon snack or a casual dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple olive oil cake
Lemon ricotta pancakes
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a fluffy and light breakfast option that can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. The combination of lemon zest and ricotta cheese results in a creamy texture and a bright, citrusy flavor. These pancakes are a delightful way to start a summer day, offering a twist on the traditional pancake recipe. They’re sure to be a favorite among kids and adults looking for a special weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon ricotta pancakes
Wild berry galette
Wild Berry Galette is a simple and rustic dessert that’s ready in about an hour. It features a variety of wild berries wrapped in a buttery crust, offering a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The galette’s free-form shape makes it an easy and forgiving pastry to prepare. This dessert is a perfect showcase for the abundance of summer berries and is sure to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Wild berry galette
Lemon almond yogurt cake with strawberries
Lemon Almond Yogurt Cake with Strawberries is a moist and tangy cake that takes about an hour to bake. Made with almond flour, yogurt, and fresh lemon, it has a nutty base with a bright burst of citrus. Topped with fresh strawberries, it offers a sweet and fruity complement to the lemon flavor. This cake is a delightful and refreshing choice for a summer dessert or teatime treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon almond yogurt cake with strawberries
Gluten-free brie and pear quiche
Gluten-Free Brie and Pear Quiche is a savory delight that’s ready in about an hour. The main ingredients are brie cheese, ripe pears, and a gluten-free crust, resulting in a creamy and subtly sweet flavor. This quiche is a sophisticated option for a summer brunch or light dinner, offering a delicious combination of flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic quiche without the gluten.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free brie and pear quiche