Summer is the perfect time to enjoy desserts that capture the sweetness of the season. These 21 summer desserts are all about fresh, bright flavors that are light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. From chilled treats to fruity favorites, these recipes are made for warm days and sunny gatherings. Whether you’re looking for something quick or a little more indulgent, there’s a summer dessert here that’s just right for you.
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
These Easy Lemon Bars feature a tangy lemon filling atop a buttery shortbread crust, creating a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer. With a total time of about 50 minutes, you’ll enjoy the bright citrus flavor paired with the rich, crumbly crust. The contrast between the zesty lemon and the sweet, buttery base makes every bite delightful. Perfect for any sunny day when you crave something light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter
This Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter combines apples and bourbon to create a rich, spreadable treat with a deep, caramelized flavor. It takes about 8 hours to make but requires minimal hands-on time, letting your slow cooker do all the work. The result is a smooth, spiced apple butter that pairs perfectly with toast, biscuits, or even as a dessert topping. It’s a cozy, comforting way to savor the taste of summer apples.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter
Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
This Blackberry Lime Tart brings together tart blackberries and tangy lime in a crisp pastry shell, topped with delicate edible flowers. Ready in about 2 hours, this tart is a visual and flavorful showstopper, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The lime zest brightens the blackberry filling, making it a refreshing summer dessert. A beautiful and tasty way to enjoy fresh seasonal berries.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake offers the classic combination of sweet strawberries and fluffy whipped cream on tender biscuits. This dessert takes about 40 minutes to prepare, delivering a simple yet satisfying treat that showcases the sweetness of ripe strawberries. The soft, buttery biscuits provide a perfect base for the juicy, fresh fruit. A timeless dessert that’s always a hit during summer.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Blueberry Ice Cream
Blueberry Ice Cream blends fresh blueberries with a creamy base to create a smooth and fruity treat perfect for cooling down on a hot day. With just about 30 minutes of prep time before freezing, this ice cream is a quick and easy way to enjoy seasonal blueberries. The rich, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the vibrant blueberry flavor. It’s a simple, refreshing dessert that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Ice Cream
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes combine creamy pineapple ice cream with a sweet, crumbly base, offering a tropical escape in every bite. This dessert takes about 2 hours, including freezing time, and is perfect for warm days when you want something cool and refreshing. The pineapple’s natural sweetness shines through, making these ice cream cakes a delightful way to enjoy summer flavors. Ideal for picnics or outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes
Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream
Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream pairs the tartness of key limes with a smooth, creamy filling and a nutty graham cracker crust. Ready in about 2 hours, this pie is a deliciously tangy and sweet treat that’s perfect for summer. The coconut whipped cream adds a tropical twist, enhancing the pie’s refreshing flavor. A delightful dessert for those who love citrusy treats with a hint of coconut.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream
Mini Apple Pies
Mini Apple Pies offer all the comfort of a classic apple pie in a convenient, handheld size. With a prep time of about 1 hour, these pies are filled with sweet, spiced apples and wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for parties or picnics, they capture the warm flavors of apple pie in a bite-sized form. A sweet and satisfying treat that’s easy to enjoy on the go.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies
Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Drizzle
Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Drizzle feature creamy ice cream between two crisp shortbread cookies, finished with a drizzle of rich chocolate. This dessert takes about 1 hour to make, including freezing time, and is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The sweet, buttery cookies contrast with the smooth ice cream, making it a perfect treat for hot summer days. A fun, easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Drizzle
Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell
Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell offer a crunchy, chocolatey coating over your favorite ice cream flavor. With just 30 minutes needed, including freezing time, this dessert is a quick and easy way to add some fun to your summer treats. The homemade magic shell hardens instantly, creating a satisfying crack when you bite into it. A simple yet indulgent way to enjoy ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp combines sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb under a golden, buttery oat topping. This dessert takes about 1 hour to prepare, offering a warm, comforting treat with a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The crispy topping contrasts nicely with the soft, juicy filling, making it a delightful summer dessert. Perfect for enjoying fresh, seasonal produce in a simple yet satisfying way.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Strawberry Crème Brûlée is a creamy dessert featuring a layer of fresh strawberries beneath a rich custard, topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust. This elegant treat takes about 1 hour to make, delivering a delightful mix of textures with every spoonful. The smooth custard complements the sweetness of the strawberries, while the crunchy top adds a satisfying contrast. A sophisticated yet simple dessert perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Spiked Lemonade Popsicles
Spiked Lemonade Popsicles combine the refreshing taste of lemonade with a hint of alcohol, creating a cool and boozy summer treat. With just 15 minutes of prep time before freezing, these popsicles are quick and easy to make. The tangy lemonade pairs perfectly with the alcohol, making them a fun way to enjoy a cocktail in frozen form. Ideal for hot days when you want something cool and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Spiked Lemonade Popsicles
Citrus Dream Tart
The Citrus Dream Tart features a tangy citrus filling in a crisp pastry shell, offering a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer. Ready in about 2 hours, this tart is a bright, zesty treat that’s sure to please citrus lovers. The buttery crust adds a rich contrast to the tart filling, making every bite deliciously balanced. A light and refreshing way to end a summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart
Strawberry Mojito Wine Popsicles
Strawberry Mojito Wine Popsicles bring together the fresh flavors of strawberries, mint, and white wine for a cool, refreshing treat. With just 15 minutes of prep time before freezing, these popsicles are an easy way to enjoy a cocktail-inspired dessert. The combination of sweet strawberries and refreshing mint makes these popsicles perfect for hot summer days. A fun and fruity way to beat the heat.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mojito Wine Popsicles
Peach Crumble Bars
Peach Crumble Bars combine juicy peaches with a buttery crumble topping, creating a deliciously sweet and crumbly dessert. This recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare, delivering a perfect balance of soft fruit and crisp topping. The natural sweetness of the peaches shines through, making these bars a delightful summer treat. Perfect for picnics or as an easy dessert for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars
Blackberry Lime Sorbet
Blackberry Lime Sorbet is a smooth, icy dessert that blends tart blackberries with zesty lime for a refreshing summer treat. Ready in about 30 minutes before freezing, this sorbet is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh, seasonal berries. The combination of blackberry and lime creates a vibrant, fruity flavor that’s perfect for hot days. A light, refreshing dessert that’s both sweet and tangy.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Sorbet
Butterscotch Peach Crisp
Butterscotch Peach Crisp combines ripe peaches with a rich butterscotch sauce and a buttery oat topping for a warm, comforting dessert. This recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare, offering a delightful mix of soft, juicy peaches and a crisp, crunchy topping. The bourbon adds a rich depth of flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peaches. A perfect dessert for summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Peach Crisp
Pina Colada Sangria Popsicles
Pina Colada Sangria Popsicles blend the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with a splash of white wine, creating a fun and fruity frozen treat. With just 15 minutes of prep time before freezing, these popsicles are a quick way to cool down on a hot day. The combination of coconut and pineapple brings a taste of the tropics to your summer. A refreshing and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any summer occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pina Colada Sangria Popsicles
Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme
Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme is a rich, creamy dessert that pairs the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of blackberries. This dessert takes about 2 hours to prepare, delivering a luxurious treat with a smooth, velvety texture. The contrast between the sweet white chocolate and the tangy blackberries makes every spoonful a delight. A decadent dessert perfect for a special summer occasion.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme
Blackberry Crumble Pie
Blackberry Crumble Pie combines juicy blackberries with a sweet, crumbly topping in a flaky pastry crust, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ready in about 1 hour, this pie is a delicious way to enjoy fresh, seasonal blackberries. The sweet crumble topping complements the tartness of the berries, creating a satisfying summer dessert. A simple, yet flavorful pie that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie