Summer is the perfect time to keep things simple and sweet. These 21 easy desserts are made for sunny days, laid-back nights, and everything in between. They’re quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and just right for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself. If you like treats that feel light, fun, and easy to love, this list is full of keepers.
Dessert Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Frosted Banana Bars
Turn those extra bananas into a soft, sweet treat that’s topped with a thick layer of frosting. These bars are easy to bake ahead and always hit the mark when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take a lot of work. Slice them up and pass them around after dinner for one of those easy summer desserts no one wants to miss.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Mango Mousse
This mango mousse is smooth, creamy, and full of bold fruit flavor that makes dessert feel easy. You don’t need much time or effort to make it, and it sets up light enough to enjoy even after a big meal. Grab a spoon and dig into a summer dessert that’s cool, quick, and always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Mango Mousse
Raspberry Jam Bars
These jam bars have a soft, buttery crust and a layer of sweet raspberry jam that melts just right in every bite. They’re easy to mix up and bake, and you can even swap the jam for whatever’s already in the fridge. Bake a batch and keep them close when you want a summer dessert that’s fast, fun, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Chewy Lemon Cookies
These chewy lemon cookies bring a bright pop of citrus in every soft and sweet bite. They’re just tart enough to keep things interesting and easy enough to make again and again. Make a batch today and see why this is one of those summer desserts that keeps disappearing from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies
Cherry Crumb Bars
These crumb bars are loaded with fresh cherries, a buttery crust, and a golden topping that comes together fast. They’re the kind of dessert that looks impressive but takes almost no effort to make. Cut them into squares and share one of the best easy summer desserts that tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
S’mores Stuffed Strawberries
These strawberries are stuffed with marshmallow and chocolate, then rolled in crushed graham crackers for a fun take on a classic treat. They’re simple to prep and make a big impact without needing a fire or a plate. Set out a tray and watch these summer desserts disappear before dinner even starts.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Strawberries
Dessert Nachos
Dessert nachos turn crispy cinnamon-sugar chips into the base for a sweet mix of berries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. They’re fun to build and even more fun to eat, making them a great pick for a casual night with friends or family. Serve them up and turn any summer evening into something special with this easy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Blueberry Pudding Cake
This pudding cake bakes into its own warm, fruity sauce, with juicy blueberries and soft cake in every scoop. It’s sweet, simple, and perfect when you want something homemade without a lot of work. Spoon it into bowls and enjoy one of the most comforting summer desserts you’ll make all season.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pudding Cake
Cherry Bavarian Custard
This smooth and creamy custard is packed with cherry flavor and doesn’t need any baking at all. It feels light but still rich enough to count as dessert, which makes it perfect after dinner. Chill a batch and serve it when you’re craving something cool, easy, and full of summer flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard
Mango Lassi
This mango lassi is creamy and fruity, and it only takes a few ingredients to make it right at home. It’s sweet without being heavy, which makes it perfect as a lighter dessert that still hits the spot. Blend one up and pour yourself a glass of this easy summer favorite you’ll want on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Mango Lassi
Blueberry Peach Crisp
This fruit crisp brings together blueberries and peaches under a golden, buttery topping. It bakes fast and tastes great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dish it out warm and enjoy one of those summer desserts that feels homemade and easy all at once.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp
No Churn Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
This no-churn ice cream is packed with cherries and chocolate chips, and you don’t even need a machine to make it. It’s sweet, rich, and creamy, with big flavor in every frozen bite. Freeze a batch and scoop it up for an easy summer dessert that’s always worth the wait.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Marguerite Salad
This old-school dessert salad is loaded with marshmallows, cherries, and pineapple, all mixed in a creamy dressing. It’s sweet, soft, and surprisingly refreshing, which makes it great for summer cookouts and backyard meals. Stir it up and bring it out when you want a summer dessert that gets everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Marguerite Salad
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
This mousse is rich with chocolate and just a hint of Bailey’s, giving it a smooth flavor that feels a little fancy. It chills fast in the fridge and makes dessert feel special without a ton of work. Spoon it into cups and serve a summer dessert that hits the mark every single time.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Grilled fruit brings out deep, sweet flavor, and when you drizzle it with brown sugar caramel, it’s even better. These kebabs are fun to make and even better to eat with a scoop of ice cream. Fire up the grill and enjoy a summer dessert that’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and half-dipped in sweet white chocolate, just like the ones you remember. They’ve got a homemade feel with a nostalgic twist that makes them perfect for casual get-togethers. Bake a batch and bring back the kind of summer dessert that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Lemon Squares
These bars mix a crisp crust with smooth lemon filling that hits just the right mix of tart and sweet. They’re simple to slice and always look like you tried harder than you did. Pass them around and let this easy summer dessert do the talking.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Cherry Surprise Cookies
These soft cookies each hide a cherry inside, giving every bite a sweet surprise that’s fun and tasty. The dough is buttery and simple to make, so you can whip these up fast when you need something different. Bake a tray and let this sweet twist on a summer dessert steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
These bars are stacked with chocolate chips and gooey caramel, giving you something rich without needing fancy ingredients. They’re easy to slice and even easier to keep going back for. Cut a square and see why this no-fuss summer dessert beats plain old cookies every time.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Classic Brownies
These brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with chocolate from edge to center. They’ve got that classic homemade flavor that works for any crowd, big or small. Bake a pan and serve up a no-fail summer dessert that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake
Layers of wafers, lemon pudding, whipped cream, and strawberries make this dessert smooth, creamy, and full of bright flavor. It chills in the fridge until the wafers turn tender, so every spoonful comes out just right. Grab a spoon and dig into a cool summer dessert that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Cake