22 Easy Summer Treat Recipes

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing treats that cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or just relaxing on a warm afternoon, there’s nothing better than indulging in some delicious summer desserts. From fruity pies to creamy ice creams and no-bake goodies, these easy recipes are perfect for any occasion. They’re quick to make, don’t require much fuss, and are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Slab Pie

This recipe is perfect for those who don’t own a pie pan but have a sheet pan. Martha Stewart’s slab pie uses a foolproof, food-processor dough and can be filled with anything from sour cherries to peaches. The large, thin pie slices easily and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for summer gatherings. The crisp, flaky crust pairs wonderfully with the juicy, sweet fruit filling, creating a delightful treat. The ease of preparation and versatility make it a summer favorite.

No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake

Nigella Lawson’s no-bake Nutella cheesecake features a buttery crumb crust with a Nutella–cream cheese filling, topped with toasted hazelnuts. It’s a rich, decadent dessert that doesn’t require an oven. The creamy, chocolate-hazelnut filling is smooth and luscious, complemented by the crunchy crust and nutty topping. Served chilled, it’s a cool, indulgent treat perfect for warm days.

10-Minute Lime Cracker Pie

Similar to Key lime pie, this dessert comes together in just 10 minutes. Ritz crackers provide a creamy, cakey structure, while sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and lime juice and zest create a tangy, smooth filling. The combination of tart lime and sweet cream results in a refreshing, citrusy dessert. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Peach Cobbler with Hot Sugar Crust

This cobbler, inherited by chef Renee Erickson, highlights the natural flavor and texture of peaches without peeling or thickening them. The peaches are mixed with lemon juice and zest and topped with a sweet batter and hot sugar crust. The result is a juicy, flavorful cobbler with a delightful sugary crunch on top. The contrast between the tender, sweet peaches and the crisp, caramelized crust makes each bite irresistible.

Fresh Blueberry Pie

This blueberry pie keeps the texture and integrity of the blueberries intact for a brighter, lighter dessert. Use your favorite pie crust, blind-baked, or try Beranbaum’s excellent recipe. The filling consists of fresh blueberries, which burst with flavor in each bite. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the blueberries to shine, creating a delightful, summery pie that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Key Lime Meringue Pie

Featuring an Italian-style meringue, this pie has a bright, punchy middle and a secret ingredient: plenty of salt in the meringue. The combination of tart key lime filling and fluffy, slightly salty meringue creates a perfect balance of flavors. The crisp crust, creamy filling, and light, airy meringue make this pie a standout summer dessert. Each slice is a burst of tangy, sweet, and salty goodness.

Olive Oil Cake

This simple cake requires only two bowls and a whisk. The result is a community-favorite cake with a crackly crust and ultra-moist center, perfect for topping with whipped cream and sugared summer fruit. The olive oil adds a unique, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit. Its light, airy texture makes it a perfect dessert for warm weather, providing a delicate and delicious end to any meal.

Meringue Gelato Cake With Chocolate Sauce

This semi-homemade dessert involves folding store-bought meringues into whipped cream, resulting in a light, airy cake. Topped with chocolate sauce, it’s a quick and easy treat. The combination of crispy meringue and smooth, creamy gelato creates a delightful texture contrast. The rich chocolate sauce adds a layer of indulgence, making this cake a perfect summer dessert for those hot days when you want something light yet satisfying.

Fudgy Chocolate Eggplant Cakes

This unique cake, created by Ian Knauer, uses eggplant to create a rich, moussey texture without oil, cream, or butter. The eggplant is blended into a smooth batter, resulting in a moist, fudgy cake. The deep chocolate flavor is complemented by the subtle earthiness of the eggplant, creating a surprisingly delicious dessert. It’s a great way to use up summer eggplant while satisfying a chocolate craving.

Citrus Cake

This citrus cake is made in one bowl and one step, with yogurt providing richness and moisture. The result is a tender, flavorful cake with a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s topped with a simple frosting that enhances the fresh, tangy taste. The combination of citrus and yogurt creates a refreshing, light dessert that’s perfect for summer. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Chocolate Mousse

This mousse requires chocolate and water, which are combined through a bit of science and magic to create a fluffy, creamy dessert. The intense chocolate flavor is rich and satisfying, making it a perfect treat for chocolate lovers. The texture is light and airy, providing a delightful contrast to the deep, bold taste. It’s an impressive yet simple dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse

This mousse combines Greek yogurt with a milk-based chocolate ganache, resulting in a rich, creamy dessert with a tangy twist. It’s topped with a dollop of orange marmalade or your favorite jam. The smooth, velvety texture of the mousse is complemented by the bright, fruity topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a sophisticated and delicious dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Banana Ice Cream

Frozen bananas are blended into a creamy, smooth ice cream. You can add tahini and drizzle honey on top for extra flavor. The natural sweetness of the bananas creates a deliciously sweet and refreshing treat. It’s a healthy, dairy-free dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. The simplicity and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying treat.

Frozen Yogurt

This frozen yogurt requires only three ingredients: whole-milk yogurt, sugar, and kosher salt. Whisk, chill, and churn for a simple, refreshing dessert. The tangy yogurt flavor is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar, creating a light, creamy treat. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or topped with fresh fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey. The simplicity of the recipe makes it a perfect summer staple.

No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream

This coffee ice cream requires only heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, instant espresso, and espresso liqueur. Whisk the ingredients together and freeze for a rich, creamy dessert. The bold coffee flavor is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk, creating a smooth and indulgent treat. The no-churn method makes it easy to prepare, and the result is a deliciously refreshing ice cream.

No-Churn Fresh Lemon Ice Cream

This ice cream relies on lemon juice to thicken heavy cream, creating a creamy, custard-like texture without sweetened condensed milk. The bright, tangy lemon flavor is refreshing and invigorating, making it a perfect summer treat. The smooth, creamy texture is balanced by the tartness of the lemon, creating a delightful and refreshing dessert. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy the taste of summer.

Strawberry Lemon Sorbet

This sorbet combines strawberries, sugar, and a whole lemon for a sweet-tart treat. The ingredients are blended in a food processor to create a smooth, slushy texture. The bright, fruity flavors of the strawberries and lemon create a refreshing and invigorating sorbet. It’s a perfect dessert for hot summer days, providing a cool and satisfying treat. The simplicity and ease of preparation make it a favorite summer dessert.

Strawberry Rose Smoothie

This layered smoothie combines strawberries and yogurt for a beautiful, cocktail-like appearance. The flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy yogurt create a delicious and refreshing drink. The addition of rose water adds a fragrant, floral note that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s a perfect summer breakfast or snack, offering a cool and satisfying treat. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it a visually stunning and tasty treat.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies use a relaxed, bowl-and-spoon method instead of a stand mixer. The dough is made with vegan ingredients and can be baked or frozen for later. The result is a chewy, chocolatey cookie with a satisfying crunch. The rich chocolate flavor is complemented by the sweet, buttery dough, creating a delicious and indulgent treat. They’re perfect for making spontaneous ice cream sandwiches or enjoying on their own.

Spicy Chocolate Chip-Hazelnut Cookies

Nik Sharma’s cookies are a nod to Nutella, with a streamlined process and gluten-free ingredients. The addition of spices adds a unique twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie. The result is a crispy, chewy cookie with a rich chocolate and hazelnut flavor. The subtle spiciness adds an interesting depth of flavor, making these cookies a standout treat. They’re perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their sweets.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

These classic cookies are boiled instead of baked, resulting in a chewy, chocolatey treat. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich, indulgent flavor. The cookies are perfect for making ice cream sandwiches or enjoying on their own. The simplicity and ease of preparation make them a go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying dessert. The chewy texture and rich flavor make these cookies a favorite treat.

Epic Snickerdoodles

These snickerdoodles are ready with zero wait time, thanks to a unique melting and cooling method for the butter. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with a rich, buttery flavor and a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating. The combination of textures and flavors makes these cookies a standout treat. The ease of preparation and delicious results make them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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