40 Summer Desserts For A Sweet Way To Beat The Heat

Cool down with these refreshing treats from classic recipes to new favorites.

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Updated on June 1, 2024

Southern Living Berry Chantilly Cake sliced and ready to serve — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When the temperature outside is approaching 100 degrees and the sweet craving hits, decadent chocolate cakes and bourbon balls aren't the recipes we're reaching for. In the heat of summer, we're all about trying to stay out of the hot kitchen, which is where homemade ice cream, icebox pies, and throw-together cobblers come into play.

These frozen and fruit-froward desserts will take you from pool parties and backyard barbecues to luncheons and summertime holiday gatherings.

01 of 40

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

These ice cream sandwiches will take you right back to your childhood. It doesn’t get any easier than creamy vanilla ice cream between two brownies from your favorite boxed mix. They’re guaranteed to melt in your mouth in more ways than one. For an extra fun touch, roll the edges in rainbow sprinkles.

02 of 40

Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake Recipe

Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake — Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Hadas Smirnoff

While we love a classic banana pudding, you can’t go wrong with layering in extra flavorful summer strawberries. Bonus, this icebox cake comes together in an 8x8 pan with a simple graham cracker-layered crust for easy assembly and a pretty presentation.

03 of 40

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream — Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

We turned a fan-favorite Southern springtime dessert into a refreshing ice cream primed for warm summer afternoons. The blend of vanilla ice cream, jammy strawberries, and bits of angel food cake will have you coming back for a second scoop. Serve it as is or with extra freshly sliced strawberries atop.

04 of 40

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars — Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Don’t save this recipe just for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July—these bars are worth enjoying on repeat all season long. The layers of fruit swirled cheesecake and soft cookie crust will have you reaching for seconds.

05 of 40

Blueberry-Lemon Crunch Bars

Blueberry-Lemon Crunch Bars — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

A jammy blueberry and lemon mixture between two buttery, crunchy layers has these bars bursting with flavor. They’re so simple and delicious, so we won’t tell if you sneak one for breakfast.

06 of 40

No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie

No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This no-oven-required, ice cream-filled peanut butter pie rendition will have you pushing your traditional recipe aside. Whether it's the peanut-butter-infused ice cream, crushed peanut-butter-and-chocolate cereal crust, or fresh whipped cream—you'll definitely want a second slice.

07 of 40

Blueberry Lemon Cake

Blueberry-Lemon Cake on a white marble plate — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

No food coloring here! Pureed blueberries give this cake its beautiful, bright color. Inside, each layer is full of flavor with tart and tangy lemons and buttermilk paired with sweet, fresh berries.

08 of 40

Mascarpone Cheesecake

Mascarpone Cheesecake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Though this recipe calls for lengthy freezer time, it only takes 15 minutes of hands on prep. The fruit-forward, no-bake cheesecake is ultra creamy thanks to mascarpone cheese.

09 of 40

Pineapple Ice Cream

Pineapple Ice Cream — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

If you haven't had pineapple ice cream before, this recipe is a must. A heaping bowl will transport you straight to the beach. Enjoy it as is or serve it with fresh fruit or with a slice of homemade pound cake. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for it to fully freeze before enjoying.

10 of 40

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice-Cream Cake

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice-Cream Cake

Calling all chocolate lovers. Layers of mint chocolate chip ice cream, devils food cake, and chocolate ganache make up this decadent ice-cream cake. Top it with whipped cream and extra minty-chocolate bits.

11 of 40

Homemade Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream — Caitlin Bensel

As much as we love Blue Bell, there's nothing better than homemade cookies and cream ice cream. The key is to thoroughly crush the cookies for an overall fine consistency with a few chunks so every bite is cookie-filled.

12 of 40

Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake

Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake — Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham Â Â

Summer is for simplicity which means this sheet cake falls at the top of the list when we're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Be sure to let the pink-hued cake cool completely before topping it with fresh strawberry studded icing.

13 of 40

Ice Cream Cake

Southern Living Ice Cream Cake decorated cake is ready to serve on a platter with a slice out on a plate — Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This ice-cream cake will take you back to memories of childhood birthday parties. It has all the layers of fudgy, chocolatey, creaminess you remember. The best part is you can get creative and use your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings.

14 of 40

Sea Salt Ice Cream

Sea Salt Ice Cream — Photograher: Greg DuPree Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Whether enjoyed on its own, doused in chocolate sauce, or served with a warm brownie, this simple yet sophisticated sweet and salty flavor does it all.

15 of 40

Petite Blueberry Cheesecakes

Petite Blueberry Cheesecakes

Make these bite-sized treats can be made up to a month in advance and kept in the freezer to pull out at the drop of a hat. Just thaw them before topping with preserves and fresh fruit.

16 of 40

Strawberry Dream Cake

Strawberry Dream Cake — GREG DuPREE

You'll be sure to wow your crowd when you cut into this beautifully layered cake. Though it's stunning from the outside, the real star of the show is the row of fresh berries between the vanilla cake.

17 of 40

Pistachio Ice Cream

Pistachio Ice Cream — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

This recipe calls for raw pistachios and a few drops of green food coloring to give it the bright green hue. Top with roasted pistachios for plenty of flavor in each sweet-and-salty bite.

18 of 40

Cornbread Ice Cream

Cornbread Ice Cream — Southern Living

We'll have cornbread with just about anything in the South and that includes our dessert. This nostalgic recipe calls for whole buttermilk and crumbles of skillet cornbread. Top it with the preserves of your choice.

19 of 40

Lemon Icebox Pie

Southern Living Lemon Icebox Pie — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You'll turn heads when you show up to any party or cookout with this easy yet impressive looking citrus dessert. The no-bake recipe only takes 10 minutes of hands on time and relies on a store-bought graham cracker crust for an effortless treat.

20 of 40

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

chocolate raspberry cheesecake — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

From birthday celebrations to summertime soirees, with fresh raspberry purée, fruit spread, and rich chocolate this recipe is the definition of decadence.

21 of 40

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icebox Pie

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icebox Pie — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Key lime pie might be the long standing summertime favorite, but this velvety chocolate custard with a Nutter Butter crust makes for a stiff competition.

22 of 40

No-Bake Strawberry Pie

No-Bake Strawberry Pie — Joy Howard

The real key to beating the heat of summer? Not using the oven unless it's absolutely necessary, but that doesn't mean skimping on a centerpiece-worthy dessert. Throw together this icebox-like pie with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and cream cheese filling in a graham cracker crust.

23 of 40

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Southern Living Ice Cream Sandwiches stacked to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

This combination of perfectly creamy vanilla ice cream sandwiched between soft chocolate wafers takes us right back to our childhood days. While we'll always say yes to the store-bought treat, our homemade version is sure to wow any crowd.

24 of 40

Lemon Granita

Southern Living Lemon Granita in glasses to serve with a larger dish of granita off to the side — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Looking for the ultimate refreshing summertime icy sweet? This dairy-free alternative to ice cream uses just three ingredients.

25 of 40

Berry Tiramisu

Southern Living Berry Tiramisu topped with fresh berries — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Nothing says summer like a fresh fruit laden dessert and our twist on the classic Italian recipe is just that. Change out the espresso and marsala for homemade berry syrup and fruit liqueur, then sprinkle in plenty of berries within the layers of mascarpone cream.

26 of 40

Peach Crisp

Peach Crisp — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

When peaches are in abundance, an effortless crisp is always a go-to. Skip rolling out dough to make a crust or even peeling the peaches. All you need is 10 minutes of hands on time and a handful of pantry ingredients.

27 of 40

Frozen Raspberry Lemonade

Southern Living Frozen Raspberry Lemonade in glasses to serve — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Use frozen fruit instead of ice to make this raspberry lemonade extra thick and creamy. Adults and kids alike will love it.

28 of 40

Blueberry Bread Pudding

Blueberry Bread Pudding — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Switch up your blueberry cobbler for this gooey bread pudding recipe. Fresh blueberries and crusty French bread are baked together in a custard mix then topped with extra blueberry sauce.

29 of 40

Atlantic Beach Pie

atlantic beach pie in a blue pie plate — CREDIT: GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING: CHELSEA ZIMMER; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS

You might be shocked to find the pie crust is made with saltine crackers, but it’s the perfect hint of saltiness to balance the lemon-lime filling. Top it with fresh whipped cream and zest just before serving.

30 of 40

S'mores Pie

S'mores Pie — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Craving s'mores but too hot for a bonfire? Try this cool, no-bake dessert instead with all the same flavors—graham cracker crust, chocolate filling, and and marshmallow creme topping,

31 of 40

Watermelon Sherbet

Southern Living Watermelon Sherbet scoops in bowls with mint and lime wedges — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This isn't your average sherbet. The watermelon base is layered with notes of vanilla and lemon to balance the fruit's sweetness. For the best texture, be sure to freeze the watermelon cubes first.

32 of 40

Frozen Cheesecake Bites

Frozen Cheesecake Bites — Micah A. Leal

The only thing better than a creamy cheesecake? Frozen bite-size ones of course. Keep your freezer stocked with these nibbles so you'll always have a quick treat on hand.

33 of 40

Pineapple Fluff

Southern Living Pineapple Fluff in a bowl to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

If you’re looking for a dessert that is creamy, chewy, and crunchy in every bite—this tropical recipe will check the box. Whether it’s a side dish or dessert, a fluff salad is always fun to have on the table, especially with this combination of pineapple, macadamia nuts, coconut, and marshmallows.

34 of 40

Jell-O Pie

Jell-O Pie — FRED HARDY, FOOD STYLIST: MARGARET MONROE DICKEY, PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE

This nostalgic delicacy is made for hot summer days. The no-bake treat uses a ready-made graham cracker crust with a filling of strawberry and lemon flavored gelatin and whipped topping.

35 of 40

Strawberry-And-Basil Pavlova

Southern Living Strawberry-and-Basil Pavlova — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

With very little hands-on work, this stunning, big-batch pavlova is made for easy entertaining. The best part is it's actually best when the meringue is prepared a day in advance, so all you have to do is add the whipped topping and fresh berries before serving.

36 of 40

Pineapple Sunshine Cake

Pineapple Sunshine Cake — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

A trusty box of yellow cake mix is just one of the reasons we love this poke cake recipe. The crushed pineapple soaks into the warm cake before getting topped with a pudding mixture, plus toasted pecans and coconut chips. Bonus: It's made in a 13x9 pan, so it's ideal for easy transporting.

37 of 40

Rainbow Fruit Pizza

Rainbow Fruit Pizza — Southern Living

Pre-made sugar cookie dough and vanilla frosting with a rainbow of fresh fruit make for a simple, yet delicious dessert. You can choose one fruit or use a whole medley.

38 of 40

Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Southern Living Cheesecake Fruit Salad in a bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

For a fruit-forward dessert that is still on the light side, but a smidge more indulgent than plain fruit, try this one. A mix of whipped cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, and greek-style yogurt take the fruit salad up a notch.

39 of 40

Berry Chantilly Cake

Southern Living Berry Chantilly Cake sliced and ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Who loves fresh berries? Who doesn't love fresh berries? Made with layers of moist vanilla cake, raspberry jam, and any combination of your favorite berries.

40 of 40

Flag Cake

Southern Living Flag Cake decorated ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This patriotic cake just screams party. This is an impressive cake to celebrate the 4th of July, and the best part is that it's made with an easy whisk-together batter. Decorate with your favorite fresh berries.

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