29 Summer Sweets You Don’t Even Have To Pretend Are Healthy

These are for the moments when fruit on top doesn’t need to count as a healthy move. 29 summer sweets that make no promises and still deliver the kind of joy that only cold, sugary things can. No fake wellness angle—just treats that hit exactly how you want. That’s the whole point.

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.

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.

If you’re in the mood for something unexpectedly fun and easy, this might just be your jackpot. It takes a childhood drink and turns it into a creamy, chilled pie that’s both colorful and surprising. Kool Aid Pie isn’t just a conversation starter; it’s a throwback to simpler times with a taste that’s hard to forget.
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.

Stay cool with an impressive dessert that’s bound to catch every eye at the table. A sponge cake base, ice cream center, and a toasted meringue topping make Baked Alaska a layered masterpiece. It’s a showstopper that marries cold and hot elements for an unforgettable eating experience.
Get the Recipe: Baked Alaska

Rhubarb Pie

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

Often underrated, this pie brings a tartness that’s a pleasant surprise against the sweetness. Rhubarb Pie carries the banner for unique flavors, creating a balance that’s tart, sweet, and totally crave-able. It’s a celebration of simplicity and complexity, all wrapped in a flaky crust.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

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.

Who knew a cookie could transform into such a creamy, dreamy dessert? Biscoff Ice Cream takes the beloved spicy-sweet snack and turns it into a cooling treat. It’s rich, it’s decadent, and it has a unique flavor profile that stands out from the crowd. Best of all, it’s a no-churn wonder, making it accessible to make without fancy equipment.
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.

Imagine a cake that’s as moist as it gets, with pockets of sweet fruity syrup throughout. Strawberry Poke Cake is all about those surprise bites of strawberry goodness that make every forkful different. It’s a playful dessert that’s soaked in flavor, literally. Dessert enthusiasts will love the fun process and the even better flavors that emerge.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

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.

Looking for a refreshing twist on a classic? This is where vibrant fruits meet a zingy dressing in a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances it from good to unforgettable. It’s not just a side dish; it becomes a centerpiece with tastes that pop.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

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.

Chocolate and strawberries take center stage in this indulgent fusion dessert. Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies blend rich, fudgy brownie base with a creamy cheesecake layer and fresh strawberry swirls. They’re a triple threat on the dessert table, combining three beloved desserts into one.
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.

Who says pizza can’t be a dessert? With a sweet, soft crust, cream cheese frosting, and an array of fresh fruit toppings, Fruit Pizza turns the idea of pizza on its head. It’s a playful, customizable dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

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 haven’t explored much of rhubarb in desserts, here’s where you start. Rhubarb Cake is moist, tangy, and sweetly inviting, offering a different take on fruit cakes. It’s a homey, comforting bake that has just enough uniqueness to keep it interesting. For those who love to pair their sweet with a hint of sour, this cake hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake

Lemon Yogurt Loaf

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

Sometimes, all you need is the simple pleasure of a moist, tangy loaf cake. Lemon Yogurt Loaf uses yogurt to achieve an incredibly tender crumb and a bright lemon flavor throughout. It’s effortlessly elegant, perfect for a casual brunch or a sophisticated dessert. The glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Yogurt Loaf

Grape Salad

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

This might just be the easiest and most surprising salad you’ll come across. Grape Salad blends sweet grapes with a creamy mixture, topped with a crunchy element that adds the perfect contrast. It’s a unique side dish that can steal the show at any potluck or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

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.

Don’t let the name fool you; this dish is a winner for its simplicity and flavor. With layers of fruit and cake mix that meld together in the oven, Strawberry Dump Cake is as easy as it is delicious. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” dessert that comes out looking and tasting fantastic.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

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.

Immerse in the world of creamy mascarpone cheese layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Tiramisu offers a rich, indulgent taste balanced by the boldness of coffee. It’s an Italian classic that never fails to impress, offering a sophisticated flavor profile neatly packed into every slice.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

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.

When you can’t decide between cake and ice cream, why not have both? Ice Cream Cake combines layers of soft cake with creamy ice cream, offering the best of both worlds. It’s a frozen delight that looks as cool as it tastes, perfect for any celebration or just because.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

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.

Take a classic pie to new heights with the addition of rhubarb. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie mixes the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb for a match made in heaven. The duo creates a filling that’s both vibrant and comforting, encased in a buttery crust. It’s the pie that makes you ask for a second slice, even when you’re full.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

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 you’re craving something tangy and sweet with a crumbly crust, this is it. Key Lime Bars are the bite-sized version of the classic pie, making them perfect for sharing (or not). They pack a punch of citrus flavor, balanced with a sweet base that crumbles perfectly at each bite. Ideal for when you want a little zing in your dessert menu.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake on cake stand.
Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Transform strawberries into a show-stopping dessert that pleases both the eye and the palate. Strawberry Cheesecake combines a creamy cheesecake base with a glossy strawberry topping. It’s a classic for a reason, offering a rich texture and a balance between sweet and tart flavors. This cheesecake is a love note to strawberry lovers.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake

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.

For a taste of the tropics, nestled in a crispy crust, look no further. Key Lime Pie is the refreshing dessert that brings a zingy lime flavor to the forefront, mellowed by a creamy filling. It’s both bold and beautifully simple, capturing the essence of summer in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

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.

Picture a dessert that’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a texture that melts in your mouth. Lemon Bars are the quintessential treat with their bright lemony filling and soft, sandy base. They’re the kind of no-fuss dessert that you can whip up anytime for a dose of sunshine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

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.

Why settle for one flavor when you can have three? Neapolitan Ice Cream brings together chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in perfect harmony. It’s a childhood favorite that stands the test of time, offering something for everyone. This ice cream is a colorful reminder of simple pleasures and shared moments.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

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.

Nothing says “simple pleasures” quite like this dessert. Strawberry Shortcake layers fluffy biscuits with sweet, macerated strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors, where each component shines on its own but works even better together.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Lemon Cookies

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

When life gives you lemons, make these cookies. Lemon Cookies are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a light, crisp texture. They’re like a little burst of sunshine in every bite, ideal for pairing with a cup of tea or as a solo treat. Their bright flavor and simple charm make them a hit with all ages.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

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.

This dish challenges the notion of what a salad can be. Strawberry Pretzel Salad has a salty-sweet crust, a creamy middle layer, and a jello-strawberry topping that makes it irresistible. It’s a layered delight that’s part dessert, part salad, and totally delicious. Great for potlucks and family gatherings, where it never fails to spark conversation.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

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.

There’s something about the combination of Oreos and cheesecake that just works. Oreo Cheesecake brings the best of both worlds, with a crunchy Oreo base and a creamy cheesecake filling. It’s a dream dessert for cookie and cheesecake fans alike. Rich, indulgent, and loaded with flavor, it’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

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.

Enjoy a slice of sunshine whatever the weather outside. Lemon Pie combines a snappy crust with a smooth, citrusy filling, topped off with a layer of whipped cream. It’s refreshingly light and zingy, making it a perfect ending to any meal. A tribute to all things bright and beautiful in dessert form.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

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.

Immerse in a dish that feels like a hug in dessert form. Peach Cobbler is all about juicy peaches under a soft, biscuit-like topping, creating a rustic and comforting dish. It’s warm, it’s sweet, and it’s utterly rewarding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert captures the essence of homely comfort, bringing smiles around the table.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

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.

Keep it classic with a dessert that celebrates the sweet simplicity of strawberries. Strawberry Pie features whole berries encased in a jelly-like glaze, all sitting in a buttery crust. It’s a vibrant, juicy treat that shines with the natural flavor of its star ingredient. Each slice is a tribute to the timeless combination of strawberries and sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pie

Lemon Pound Cake

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

Indulge in the dense, moist goodness of a traditional favorite. Lemon Pound Cake offers a delectable texture with a citrus tang that enriches every bite. It’s robust enough to stand on its own but absolutely divine when paired with a dollop of cream or a handful of fresh berries.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

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.

If you’re after something that looks as gratifying as it tastes, here it is. Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars combine the tang of lemon with the sweetness of raspberries in a creamy cheesecake mix over a crunchy base. The combination of flavors and textures will have you coming back for seconds.
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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