Summer is a season synonymous with long, sunny days, outdoor activities, and the joy of indulging in light and refreshing treats. While the heat can sometimes make us hesitant to indulge in heavy, rich desserts, summer desserts offer the perfect balance of sweetness, lightness, and coolness, making them ideal for enjoying after a warm day.
From fresh fruit-based dishes to frozen indulgences, summer desserts are designed to keep you cool while satisfying your sweet tooth. In this article, we will explore a variety of summer dessert ideas that are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for hot weather.
Whether you’re planning a barbecue, a picnic, or a quiet evening at home, these Summer Desserts will ensure that you finish your meal on a sweet note.
6 Summer Desserts Ideas:
Craving something sweet and refreshing this season? Read below to discover 6 Summer Desserts Ideas that are easy to make, light, and perfect for beating the heat!
1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a quintessential summer dessert. Its layers of fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream make it a refreshing and indulgent treat. The key to a great strawberry shortcake is fresh, ripe strawberries, which are in season during the summer months.
Ingredients:
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1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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2 tablespoons sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
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¾ cup heavy cream (plus extra for whipped cream)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
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In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Toss to coat, and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the cold butter cubes into the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough just comes together.
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Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it out into a rectangle about 1-inch thick and cut the dough into rounds using a biscuit cutter.
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Place the dough rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
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To serve, split the baked shortcakes in half, top with the macerated strawberries, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: The sweetness of the strawberries paired with the light, fluffy cake and whipped cream make this dessert feel refreshing while still satisfying.
2. Lemon Sorbet
Lemon sorbet is a perfect dessert for hot days. It’s light, tangy, and packed with refreshing citrus flavors. Sorbet is made without dairy, so it’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or looking for a dairy-free treat.
Ingredients:
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1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
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1 ½ cups water
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1 cup sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions:
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In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
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Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
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Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or an ice cream maker, and freeze until solid (about 4 hours if using a shallow dish).
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If using an ice cream maker, churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the sorbet reaches a soft, scoopable consistency.
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Serve the sorbet in bowls or glasses, garnished with extra lemon zest or mint leaves for a decorative touch.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: The tartness of the lemon and the ice-cold texture of the sorbet offer a refreshing, cooling effect on a hot day. It’s a perfect palate cleanser or a sweet treat after a light meal.
3. Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is another summer favorite that showcases the sweetness of in-season peaches. This dessert combines juicy fruit with a biscuit-like topping, making it both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a warm, homey dessert that still feels light and summery.
Ingredients:
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6 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
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¼ cup sugar (for the peaches)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar (for the biscuit topping)
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the sliced peaches with ¼ cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-inch baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon for the biscuit topping.
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Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Stir in the heavy cream until the dough just comes together.
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Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the peaches, covering most of the fruit.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the peaches are bubbling.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: The warm, juicy peaches paired with the biscuit topping create a deliciously satisfying contrast, making it a perfect dessert for a summer evening.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad
While not traditionally thought of as a dessert, watermelon feta salad can serve as a light and refreshing sweet treat at the end of a summer meal. The sweetness of the watermelon and the saltiness of the feta make for an unexpected and delightful flavor combination.
Ingredients:
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4 cups watermelon, cubed
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1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon honey
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Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and chopped mint.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and lime juice.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra mint leaves if desired.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: Watermelon is incredibly hydrating and refreshing, while the feta adds a savory contrast. The mint and honey-lime dressing bring a sweet and herbal flavor that makes this salad an ideal summer dessert.
5. Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries
Frozen yogurt bark is an easy-to-make, customizable summer dessert that’s light yet indulgent. The yogurt base is topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, creating a sweet and refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
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2 cups Greek yogurt (plain or flavored)
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
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¼ cup dark chocolate, melted (optional)
Instructions:
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the Greek yogurt evenly over the sheet, forming a thin layer.
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Drizzle the honey over the yogurt, and top with mixed berries.
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Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top if using.
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Freeze for 3-4 hours, or until the yogurt is firm and set.
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Break the yogurt into pieces and serve.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: This dessert is cooling and light, with Greek yogurt providing protein and probiotics. The fresh berries add a burst of sweetness, and the optional dark chocolate drizzle makes it even more indulgent.
6. Coconut Milk Popsicles
Coconut milk popsicles are a creamy and refreshing treat that’s perfect for a summer afternoon. They’re naturally dairy-free and can be made with a variety of fruits and flavorings to suit your tastes.
Ingredients:
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1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
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2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, or berries)
Instructions:
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In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, honey, and vanilla extract.
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Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, filling them about three-quarters full.
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Add fresh fruit to the molds, stirring gently to distribute.
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Freeze for 4-6 hours, or until completely set.
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To release the popsicles, run warm water over the outside of the molds.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: Coconut milk provides a creamy, tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, making these popsicles a delicious and cooling way to end a summer meal.
Key take Away:
Summer is a time for fresh, light, and cooling desserts that celebrate the season’s best ingredients. Whether you’re craving a fruity sorbet, a classic strawberry shortcake, or a creative dessert like watermelon feta salad, the possibilities are endless. The key to great summer desserts is to keep them simple, refreshing, and full of natural flavors.
These summer desserts are perfect for barbecues, picnics, or simply indulging in a treat at home. With their variety of textures and flavors, they offer a refreshing way to cool down and enjoy the best that summer has to offer.
Read Next: 6 Summer Dinner Ideas
FAQs:
Q. What are some easy summer desserts to make?
Easy summer desserts include strawberry shortcake, lemon sorbet, watermelon feta salad, and frozen yogurt bark with berries, all of which are quick to prepare and perfect for warm days.
Q. Can I make summer desserts ahead of time?
Yes, many summer desserts like sorbets, frozen yogurt bark, and cobblers can be made in advance and stored in the freezer or refrigerator, making them convenient for busy summer days.
Q. Are summer desserts healthy?
Many summer desserts can be healthy, especially those made with fresh fruits like watermelon, berries, and peaches, and light ingredients such as Greek yogurt and honey.
Q. How can I make summer desserts dairy-free?
To make summer desserts dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of dairy-based products and opt for fruit-based treats like sorbets or dairy-free popsicles.
Q. What fruits are best for summer desserts?
Summer fruits like strawberries, peaches, blueberries, watermelon, and mango are perfect for making refreshing and sweet desserts, thanks to their natural juiciness and vibrant flavors.
Q. Can summer desserts be made without baking?
Yes, many summer desserts, such as sorbets, frozen yogurt bark, and fruit salads, don’t require baking and are great options for keeping the kitchen cool in hot weather.