What Worked For Me: 27 Summer Desserts For Tired Weeknights

Long days can feel heavier during warm evenings. Finding something simple and refreshing makes a big difference. What worked for me: 27 summer desserts for tired weeknights. Sweet and light options made every evening a little brighter and easier to enjoy.

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.

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.

A dessert with a surprising twist that’s ridiculously easy to pull together. Kool Aid Pie adds a playful splash of bright flavor without taking tons of effort. It’s a great choice for when you need a sweet treat and don’t have much time. Perfect for keeping things simple midweek.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Pie

Lemon Yogurt Loaf

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

Light, soft, and just slightly sweet—this dessert is perfect when you don’t want anything heavy. Lemon Yogurt Loaf feels familiar and comforting but still refreshingly different from basic cakes. It’s a no-fuss option that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or some fresh fruit. Quick enough to make without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Yogurt Loaf

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.

Warm and comforting in the best way possible, even when you’ve had a long day. Peach Cobbler brings soft fruit with a bit of crisp topping together and never feels complicated. It’s wholesome in a homey way and easy to prepare whenever you’re craving something special. Great to throw together without overthinking.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

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.

Fudgy richness meets creamy layers in this easy dessert combination. Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies create a dessert that’s effortless yet feels special every time. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for when you want something simple but memorable. An easy way to treat yourself after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

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.

A simple dessert that feels nostalgic with every bite. Neapolitan Ice Cream delivers three favorite flavors in one easy scoop for no-brainer enjoyment. It’s uncomplicated and works perfectly for pretty much any mood. Great to keep handy for any night where you just need an instant dessert.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Ice Cream

Rhubarb Pie

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

Tangy fruit blends perfectly with a flaky crust in this comforting dessert. Rhubarb Pie is a go-to option for quick and easy weeknight treats. It’s flavorful without being complicated and feels just right every time. A cozy way to finish off your dinner when you need something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

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.

Layers of flavor and fruity sweetness make this dessert hard to forget. Strawberry Poke Cake brings just the right touch of something extra without being complicated to create. It’s easy, tasty, and works great for a weeknight treat. A fun way to enjoy dessert without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke 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.

Smooth layers of coffee and cream make this dessert simple yet indulgent. Tiramisu feels just fancy enough without any added stress to prepare. It’s an excellent choice for when you want dessert to feel effortless but wholesome. Great for evenings where you want a little bit of indulgence.
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.

Creamy homemade frozen dessert is always a hit after dinner. Biscoff Ice Cream is rich, smooth, and full of comforting goodness. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up with minimal effort yet feels special. Perfect for winding down after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Ice Cream

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.

Tossing fresh fruit with a simple dressing makes dessert come alive in seconds. Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing is a simple way to enjoy whatever’s on hand in your fridge. The tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of your fruit. Great for when you don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

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.

Light, fruity, and packed with flavor, it’s hard to go wrong with this dessert. Strawberry Cake brings the perfect balance of fresh sweetness and fluffy texture to your plate. It’s simple to whip up and works great as an after-dinner pick-me-up. Each bite feels like a little reward after a tiring day.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake

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.

A sweet treat that starts with a light base and is topped with a medley of fruit. Fruit Pizza is like dessert and creativity combined into one dish. It takes little preparation but turns out super cheerful and fun every time. Great for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Grape Salad

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

Smooth and creamy dessert doesn’t have to be hard to make. Grape Salad has an interesting blend of texture from soft grapes with a bit of crunch. It’s quick to whip up and feels a little unexpected if you’re used to plain fruit. Makes a great pairing for almost any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

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.

Layers of cake and ice cream come together in the easiest way possible. Ice Cream Cake is great when you want something cool and sweet without a lot of work. It does the job without needing fancy skills or tons of cleanup. It’s the perfect way to end a meal stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream 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.

Tangy dessert bars with a touch of citrus feel like just the thing for winding down. Key Lime Bars are easy to make and have a fun flavor contrast that works surprisingly well. They’re simple but different enough to keep things interesting for dessert. Great for anyone who loves a citrus twist.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Strawberry Cheesecake

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

Creamy richness with just the right amount of fruity sweetness makes this dessert shine. Strawberry Cheesecake has a smooth, indulgent texture that’s still easy to enjoy after a busy night. It’s flavorful but remains simple enough for weeknight dinners. A perfect treat to wrap up your evening.
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.

A creamy and tangy dessert that’s both familiar and comforting. Key Lime Pie gives you that perfect blend of sweet and tart in every bite. It works well if you’re looking for something that feels a little indulgent without being complicated. Quick to whip up and fun to revisit when you’re tired of basic sweets.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

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.

Fruity flavors and effortless preparation make this dessert practically made for tired evenings. Strawberry Dump Cake requires minimal effort and still delivers plenty of flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that’s dependable when you need simplicity. Great for when you don’t have time but still want something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dump Cake

Pistachio Ice Cream

A glass bowl holds two scoops of pistachio ice cream topped with crushed pistachios, with a waffle cone placed upside down in the bowl.
Pistachio Ice Cream. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cool and nutty dessert is perfect for winding down after dinner. Pistachio Ice Cream adds a light twist that feels both familiar and different at the same time. It’s creamy and delicious without any fuss or stress involved. Perfect for keeping dessert low-key but interesting.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

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.

Rich and indulgent, with the perfect crunch from cookies. Oreo Cheesecake is the go-to dessert when you just want something straightforward and fun. It’s not fussy and can be prepared effortlessly even on days you’re worn out. Makes every evening a little sweeter without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

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.

Flaky crust and fruity filling come together perfectly in this baked dessert. Strawberry Pie is an easy option for winding down after a long day. It’s simple but delivers on flavor with every bite. Great for whenever you want something that doesn’t take up too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pie

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.

Sweet and tangy dessert bars are always a quick way to wrap up your evening. Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars give the perfect balance between fruity notes and creamy cheesecake goodness. It feels casual yet pleasing without any over-complicated steps. Great when you need something easy that still tastes special.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

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.

A mix of crunch and fruity sweetness makes this dessert both unique and enjoyable. Strawberry Pretzel Salad is straightforward to prepare but feels different enough to make it exciting. It’s simple yet packed with texture and flavor. Perfect for when you need dessert to be quick but fun.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

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.

Sweet fruity flavors matched with a moist texture make this dessert hard to beat. Rhubarb Cake is the perfect choice when you’re looking for something easy yet wholesome after a long day. It’s simple to make and always dependable. A slice is all you need to end your evening right.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake

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.

Creamy citrus flavors make this dessert refreshing without being overwhelming. Lemon Pie delivers just the right touch of brightness and comfort. It’s light and smooth, which makes it a great ending to dinner. An easy go-to when you just want dessert to be straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Lemon 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.

Fluffy layers paired with the fruity sweetness make this dessert a reliable favorite. Strawberry Shortcake is light, easy to make, and perfect for dinner’s final touch. It isn’t complicated, but it’s always worth it. Great for whenever you want something simple and quick.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

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.

Ice cream and fluffy cake come together in a dessert that’s unique and fun to enjoy. Baked Alaska feels like a little celebration but remains simple enough to make after dinner. It’s light but still fills the sweet tooth gap. A perfect way to create a dessert that’s different and entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Baked Alaska

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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