29 Summer Dessert Recipes To Survive The Heat In Style

These are the desserts that understand it’s too hot to think, let alone turn on the oven. With 29 chill options that basically beg to be eaten barefoot on the porch, it’s all about staying cool without trying too hard. They don’t melt under pressure—and neither should you. Consider this dessert season, handled.

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

A close-up of a brownie square topped with a swirl of cheesecake and cherry filling.
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re after something that brings together a beloved classic and a fruit twist, look no further. In Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies, rich chocolate meets creamy cheesecake and ripe strawberries join the mix. It’s a unique combination that’s both refreshing and indulgent at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Fruit Pizza

A close-up of a vibrant fruit tart topped with slices of kiwi, strawberries, mango, grapes, and blueberries arranged in a decorative pattern.
Fruit Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think of your favorite fresh fruits sitting atop a sweet, giant cookie – that’s what you get with Fruit Pizza. This dessert is as much a joy to look at as it is to eat, with its colorful topping variety. Easy to customize based on what’s available, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Tiramisu

A slice of tiramisu is being lifted from the dish, showcasing layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those who love a dessert that’s both creamy and has a hint of coffee, Tiramisu is a real treat. It layers light mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers soaked in espresso, offering a match made in heaven. It has a sophisticated appeal that’s perfect for grown-up gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Biscoff Ice Cream

Scoops of ice cream with chunks of cookie and a whole cookie piece placed on top in a glass bowl.
Biscoff Ice Cream. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For fans of the famous spiced cookie, Biscoff Ice Cream takes those beloved flavors and churns them into a cold, creamy delight. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s wonder to whip up when you don’t want to crank up the oven. This one’s particularly good when you crave something sweet and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Ice Cream

Strawberry Poke Cake

A slice of cake with a light pink and beige interior, topped with white frosting and sliced strawberries.
Strawberry Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Strawberry Poke Cake is a dessert that oozes fruity goodness with every slice. It’s created by poking holes into a baked cake and filling them with a luscious strawberry sauce. This cake comes out super moist and flavorful. Plus, it looks amazing sliced up on a dessert plate.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Lemon Bars

Close-up of a lemon bar with a crumbly, light yellow top layer and a thicker, moist filling resting on a shortbread crust.
Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of tang with your sweet, Lemon Bars are an excellent pick. Their bright citrus flavor shines through with every bite, balancing perfectly with the shortbread base. They’re simple, yet sophisticated enough for any dinner party. And as a bonus, they’re incredibly easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Rhubarb Pie

Slice of strawberry pie on a plate with two black spoons beside it.
Rhubarb Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rhubarb Pie offers a pleasant surprise for those who haven’t tasted rhubarb’s unique tartness. The filling contrasts gratifyingly with the flaky pie crust. It’s a traditional dessert that brings a sense of nostalgia. And although rhubarb might be an underappreciated ingredient, this pie gives it the spotlight it deserves.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

Strawberry Shortcake

A close-up of a delectable strawberry shortcake reveals layers of biscuit, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry pieces on a plate. In the background, a bowl of strawberries enhances the sweet temptation.
Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On a lazy afternoon, nothing beats building your own Strawberry Shortcake. With layers of fluffy cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, it’s a classic for a good reason. It’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat. This dessert doesn’t only look beautiful; it’s a hit every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Lemon Yogurt Loaf

A sliced lemon cake topped with white icing and lemon slices.
Lemon Yogurt Loaf. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Imagine a loaf that’s moist, tangy, and drizzled with a sweet glaze; you’ve got Lemon Yogurt Loaf. It’s lighter than your typical cake, with a balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. This loaf is fantastic for brunch or as an afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Yogurt Loaf

Strawberry Pie

Close-up of a strawberry pizza featuring a thin crust topped with a layer of strawberry sauce and sliced strawberries, evoking the delightful appearance of a strawberry pie with its vibrant red color.
Strawberry Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who can resist the combination of ripe, juicy strawberries and a perfect pie crust? With Strawberry Pie, you get just that – a simple yet irresistible dessert. It’s great for those times when you want to make something that feels special without too much fuss. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and watch it disappear from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pie

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Fruit salad in a blue bowl with a spoon.
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, all you need is a medley of fresh fruits lightly dressed to enhance their taste. That’s where Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing comes in. The dressing’s tangy sweetness brings out the best of each fruit. It’s refreshing, light, and perfect for any occasion – especially when you need a quick and healthy dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Kool Aid Pie

A slice of cream pie on a white plate, topped with whipped cream. An orange slice and a drink are in the background.
Kool Aid Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Kool Aid Pie is one of those quirky desserts that’s both surprising and simple. A cool, sweet treat that takes you back to childhood with its familiar flavor. It’s shockingly easy to prepare, and you can pick the color and taste you love most. Perfect for a casual gathering or a family dessert that kids will adore.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Pie

Baked Alaska

A slice of baked Alaska with a toasted meringue exterior and green ice cream center being lifted from the dessert.
Baked Alaska. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a showstopping end to a meal, Baked Alaska brings drama to the table. With its browned meringue atop ice cream and cake, it’s a masterpiece of contrasting temperatures and textures. It’s the kind of dessert you choose when you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Baked Alaska

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Two scoops of Neapolitan ice cream in a glass dish, featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, served with two rolled wafer cookies.
Neapolitan Ice Cream. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Can’t decide on one flavor of ice cream? Neapolitan Ice Cream solves that problem with its trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It’s an all-in-one treat that satisfies different cravings in one scoop. It looks great when served and it’s a nod to the classic ice cream parlors of the past.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Close-up of a slice of fruit pie with a golden, flaky crust. The filling is a mix of pink and red fruit, slightly oozing out onto the plate.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a twist on traditional fruit pies, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie combines sweet and tart in a memorable way. The strawberries and rhubarb balance each other out wonderfully. It’s a rustic, comforting dessert that’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And its striking filling makes for an inviting slice every time.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Lemon Pound Cake

Sliced lemon cake with glaze on parchment paper, next to lemon slices.
Lemon Pound Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lemon Pound Cake is the kind of baked good that serves any occasion well. Its dense, moist texture contrasts with the bright lemon flavor. It’s a treat that you can enjoy with coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner. And it pleases both the cake lovers and those who are looking for something not overly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you mix everyone’s favorite cookie with a creamy cheesecake base, you get Oreo Cheesecake. It’s a modern dessert that brings a bit of childhood nostalgia. It’s rich and yet remarkably easy to indulge in. This cheesecake’s distinctive look with cookie chunks is a bonus that makes it a fun addition to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A dessert with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, a layer of red gelatin, topped with a whipped cream dollop and a strawberry slice, on a white plate with a spoon.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Contrary to its name, Strawberry Pretzel Salad isn’t a traditional salad, but a layered dessert with a salty-sweet dynamic. The pretzel crust offers a crunchy base to the layers of cream and fruit. It’s a conversation starter at potlucks and picnics. And it’s a treat that covers various textures and flavors in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Lemon Pie

A slice of lemon pie sits on a plate next to a pie with a slice removed.
Lemon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something about Lemon Pie that just feels right when you want a balance of sweet and tart. Its bright, citrusy filling within a buttery crust hits the spot every time. It’s elegant enough for a special event but easy enough for a weeknight dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Strawberry Cake

Close-up of a slice of strawberry cake dusted with powdered sugar, showing a fluffy texture and pieces of strawberries inside.
Strawberry Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, you want your cake loaded with fruit, and that’s where Strawberry Cake comes in. It’s moist, packed with fruit, and visually stunning with its natural pink hue. This cake is a hit at birthday parties and family gatherings. It serves well with a scoop of ice cream or just on its own.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background.
Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If Key lime pie is your thing, then Key Lime Bars will be right up your alley. They offer the same tangy taste in a convenient bar form. Perfect for picnics and easy to share, these bars have a pleasing texture. A bite into them brings a burst of tropical flavor that feels refreshing anytime.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Rhubarb Cake

Slice of rhubarb cake dusted with powdered sugar, on a white plate, with a silver spoon beside it.
Rhubarb Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re one for rustic and hearty desserts, Rhubarb Cake should be among your picks. It has the tartness of rhubarb intermingling with a sweet cake base. Eaten warm or room-temperature, it’s comforting and always a lovely surprise for those who’ve never tried rhubarb before.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake

Peach Cobbler

A close-up of a slice of peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate.
Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s nothing quite like Peach Cobbler with its bubbly, golden crust and juicy fruit underneath. It embodies the essence of a homestyle dessert. It’s warm, inviting, and pairs excellently with vanilla ice cream. Whether for a family gathering or just a treat for yourself, it’s a dessert that always feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Strawberry Dump Cake

A close-up of a fruit crumble dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With Strawberry Dump Cake, you get a fruity, comforting dessert with minimal effort. It’s as easy as layering and baking to get a gratifying result. Even those who aren’t confident in the kitchen can nail this one. It’s perfect when you want a homemade dessert without the homemade fuss.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie with a slice removed on a white plate. Topped with lime wedge and zest, the crust is golden brown. A hand touches the plate edge, and a small bowl with cream is nearby.
Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When it comes to classic desserts, Key Lime Pie is a standout with its custardy, tangy filling and crumbly crust. It brings the flavors of the Florida Keys right to your table. Its ease of preparation combined with its delicious taste makes it a perpetual favorite. And it’s just the thing when you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a tropical getaway.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lemon Cookies are a simple yet irresistible treat that’s both chewy and zingy. They’re a good fit if you love something that’s not too sweet but packed with flavor. These cookies are so light that you might end up eating more than you planned. And they’re great for baking in big batches to have on hand for unexpected guests.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Ice Cream Cake

Close-up of strawberry shortcake slices topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Layers of cake, cream, and strawberries are visible.
Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ice Cream Cake blends the joy of cake with the coolness of ice cream into one amusing dessert. Ideal for birthdays or any celebration, it makes for an impressive centerpiece. It’s surprisingly simple to customize with different flavors and toppings. And kids especially can’t get enough of it.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Grape Salad

Homemade fresh grape salad in a serving bowl with walnuts scattered on top.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re curious about a fruit salad that’s a bit off the beaten path, try Grape Salad. It’s creamy, sweet, and has a pleasing crunch thanks to a sprinkling of nuts. This is the sort of dish that’s perfect for contributing to a communal meal or picnic. And it’s often a pleasant discovery for those who’ve never had grapes prepared this way.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars will catch your eye with their vibrant streaks of berry. They’re a delicious blend of tart lemon and sweet raspberries in a velvety cheesecake form. Cut into bars, they’re easy to serve and even easier to fall in love with.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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