Summer is here, and that means it’s time for sweet treats that are as fun as the season itself. From backyard BBQs to relaxing beach days, these 39 delicious summer desserts are the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you’re craving something fruity, creamy, or light, these simple desserts will be a hit at any gathering.
German Plum Kuchen. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Strawberry Mug Cake
This single-serving strawberry mug cake is a perfect quick fix for when a sweet craving strikes. With simple ingredients and no cake mix involved, it’s an effortless treat to whip up. Make it tonight, and indulge in a delicious dessert in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mug Cake
Blueberry Crumb Bars
These blueberry crumb bars are the perfect grab-and-go treat for any outing, filled with juicy blueberries and topped with a buttery crumble. They’re easy to make and hold up well, even in warmer weather. Bake a batch and take them along for your next picnic or road trip.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
Mango Pie
This mango pie features a silky, tangy filling in a flaky, buttery crust, making it a simple yet delicious dessert. It’s easy to prepare, offering a refreshing and satisfying finish to any meal. Slice it up and enjoy a cool, fruity dessert that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pie
Cherry Bavarian Custard
This creamy cherry custard is a chilled delight that’s incredibly simple to make and perfect for any occasion. It combines smooth custard with the sweetness of fresh cherries, creating a refreshing treat. Spoon it into cups and serve this light, fruity dessert at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard
German Plum Kuchen
This traditional German plum cake features juicy plums on a tender, buttery base, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s easy to make, and the plums create a soft, flavorful texture that’s irresistible. Slice it up and enjoy a comforting treat with your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: German Plum Kuchen
Lemon Squares
These lemon squares have a crisp, buttery crust with a tangy lemon filling that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart. They’re quick to make and even easier to eat, making them perfect for any casual get-together. Bake a pan and serve them at your next party for a treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Avocado Ice Cream
This avocado ice cream is creamy, smooth, and a fun twist on your usual frozen treat. Made with ripe avocados, it’s rich and indulgent without being overly sweet. Scoop it up and enjoy a cool, refreshing dessert that will surprise and delight.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Ice Cream
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Layers of wafer cookies, lemon pudding, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries create a light and refreshing icebox cake. It’s super easy to assemble, and chilling it turns the wafers into a soft, cake-like texture. Make it ahead and serve this creamy dessert at your next BBQ or get-together.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
S’mores Stuffed Strawberries
These strawberries are stuffed with gooey marshmallow and rich chocolate, then rolled in crushed graham crackers for a perfect bite-sized s’mores treat. No campfire needed—just a few ingredients and a little bit of time. Serve them at your next BBQ and watch everyone grab one (or two!).
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Strawberries
Banana Boats
Banana boats are a fun, easy dessert to make, filled with chocolate, marshmallows, and caramel for a gooey, sweet treat. They’re perfect for outdoor gatherings and can be made in no time with minimal ingredients. Grab a banana and create a treat that will make everyone smile.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
These decadent chocolate caramel bars are a layered dessert that combines rich caramel with gooey chocolate and a buttery crust. They’re perfect for sharing and always a crowd-pleaser, especially with their satisfying texture and sweet flavors. Cut a few bars and share them with friends—they’ll disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Mango Custard
This mango custard is creamy, smooth, and perfectly sweet, offering a refreshing dessert that’s ideal for any summer meal. It’s super easy to prepare and packs a fruity punch in every spoonful. Make a batch and enjoy a chilled, fruity treat whenever the craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Frosted Banana Bars
These soft, moist banana bars are topped with a creamy, thick frosting that makes them the ultimate sweet treat. They’re simple to bake and are perfect for any gathering, especially when you need a quick dessert. Whip up a batch and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth banana bars with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Fresh Strawberry Pie
This fresh strawberry pie is a delightful mix of buttery crust and juicy, ripe strawberries, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and brings out the natural sweetness of the berries in every bite. Serve it up at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Cherry Crumb Bars
These cherry crumb bars offer a perfect balance of buttery crumb topping and sweet, tart cherry filling. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and always a hit at BBQs or family gatherings. Bake a batch and bring them along for your next picnic or road trip.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Raspberry Meringues
Light, airy, and bursting with fruity flavor, these raspberry meringues are a delicious, bite-sized summer treat. They’re quick and easy to prepare, and they melt in your mouth with every bite. Serve them at your next gathering and watch them disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Meringues
No Churn Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
This no-churn cherry chocolate chip ice cream is a rich, creamy dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious. With a perfect balance of sweet cherries and decadent chocolate chips, it’s a cool treat that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Freeze a batch and serve it at your next party or get-together for a refreshing dessert.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Traditional Peach Kuchen
This traditional peach kuchen features a soft, buttery base with juicy, sweet peaches on top, creating the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to make, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. Slice it up and enjoy a comforting dessert with your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Peach Kuchen
Marguerite Salad
This dessert salad combines marshmallows, pineapple, and cherries in a creamy, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s quick to prepare and always a hit at summer BBQs or picnics. Stir it up and serve this light, fruity dessert that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Marguerite Salad
Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
These individual pineapple upside-down cakes are a tropical twist on a classic dessert, with caramelized pineapple and a moist, buttery cake. They’re easy to make and fun to serve at any gathering. Serve them at your next event for a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Individual Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
These grilled fruit kebabs are drizzled with brown sugar caramel, creating a sweet and smoky dessert that’s perfect for any summer gathering. The fruit becomes tender and delicious as it grills, offering a refreshing finish to a warm day. Fire up the grill and enjoy this fun, easy dessert with your friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Cinnamon Apples
These cinnamon apples are a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to prepare using an Instant Pot. They’re full of flavor, with the sweetness of apples and the aromatic spice of cinnamon blending together perfectly. Make a batch and enjoy these cozy apples on a cool evening.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches
These chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches filled with cherry ice cream are a cool, sweet treat everyone will love. They’re fun to make, and the combination of flavors is a perfect summer delight. Freeze a batch and serve them at your next cookout or poolside gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches
Classic Brownies
These classic brownies are rich and fudgy, with a shiny, crackly top and a soft, chewy interior. They’re easy to make, and the rich chocolate flavor will satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth. Bake a pan and share them with friends at your next picnic—they’ll be gone in no time!
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
These gooey chocolate cherry brownies are a delicious twist on a classic treat, with tart cherries paired perfectly with rich, fudgy chocolate. They’re simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Slice them up and serve them at your next BBQ for a dessert everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Bourbon Chocolate Mousse
This bourbon chocolate mousse is a smooth, creamy dessert that’s as indulgent as it is delicious. The addition of bourbon gives it a unique depth of flavor that will impress anyone who tries it. Spoon it into cups and serve it chilled for a special treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chocolate Mousse
Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are half-dipped in white chocolate, offering a comforting, homemade taste. They’re simple to make and remind everyone of sweet memories from childhood. Bake a batch and share these nostalgic cookies with friends and family—they’ll love them.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Dessert Nachos
These dessert nachos are a fun twist on a classic snack, piled high with fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle. They’re easy to make and a great way to share a sweet treat with a group. Skip the plates and let everyone dig in as the sun sets on your next summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Blueberry Pudding Cake
This warm blueberry pudding cake features a soft, cakey top and a rich, sweet sauce underneath. It’s simple to make and a perfect dessert to enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it fresh from the oven for a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect after any meal.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
This decadent Bailey’s chocolate mousse is smooth, creamy, and rich, making it the perfect treat for any special occasion. It’s indulgent yet light, with the perfect balance of chocolate and bourbon flavors. Spoon it into cups and serve up this luxurious dessert at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
These frozen banana nice cream sandwiches are the perfect summer dessert, with a creamy banana filling between crispy graham crackers. They’re simple to make and a hit on warm days when you need a cool treat. Keep a batch in the freezer and grab one whenever you need a sweet, refreshing bite.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
These vanilla orange cheesecake bars have a tangy citrus twist with a creamy filling and a light, crunchy cereal crust. They’re easy to prepare and make a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer. Serve them chilled at your next gathering and watch everyone reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
Mango Lassi
This mango lassi is a cool, creamy drink made with sweet mangoes and a touch of yogurt, offering a refreshing finish to any meal. It’s quick to prepare and packed with tropical flavor, making it a perfect dessert for hot days. Blend one up and enjoy a delicious, easy treat that’s perfect any time.
Get the Recipe: Mango Lassi
Raspberry Jam Bars
These raspberry jam bars are a sweet and tart dessert with a buttery crust and fruity filling. They’re easy to make, and the jam creates a perfect balance of flavor with every bite. Bake a batch and keep them on hand for your next gathering or afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
These no-bake double chocolate cherry cereal bars are chewy, crunchy, and packed with rich chocolate and tart cherries. They’re quick to make and even better when chilled, making them a perfect treat for summer. Keep them on hand for a sweet, cool snack whenever you’re craving something indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Cherry Surprise Cookies
These cherry surprise cookies are a soft, chewy treat that hides a sweet cherry filling inside. With a mix of sweet and tart flavors, they’re a unique twist on the classic cookie. Bake a batch and surprise your guests with a cookie they won’t forget.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Sweet summer fruits come together in this warm blueberry peach crisp, topped with a golden oat crunch. The juicy filling tastes like it came fresh from the farm, filling the house with mouth-watering aromas. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp
Cherry Pie Cookies
These cherry pie cookies are like little pockets of summer, featuring a golden crust and a gooey, fruity center. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a road trip, or a casual afternoon snack. Pile them on a plate and let everyone enjoy a bite of cherry-filled happiness.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Cookies
Chewy Lemon Cookies
These chewy lemon cookies bring a burst of citrus in every bite, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart. They’re light and refreshing, making them ideal for a simple summer treat. Bake a batch and watch them vanish as quickly as the sunny days.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies