20 Quick Summer Dessert Recipes for Busy Women in 2025

When the sun’s blazing and the air feels like a warm blanket, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven for hours. That’s why summer desserts are all about keeping it cool, easy, and totally refreshing.

Whether hosting a BBQ, chilling with family, or craving something sweet on a hot day, these 20 dessert ideas are your go-to summer lifesavers.

From fruity cakes to no-bake wonders, we’ve packed this list with treats that look beautiful, taste amazing, and scream summer.

So, ready to dive spoon-first into these sunshine-filled recipes?

1. Strawberry Icebox Cake

This Strawberry Icebox Cake is your new summer favorite if you want a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels fancy but takes minimal effort.

It’s a no-bake treat with whipped cream, graham crackers, and sweet strawberries. The magic happens overnight as the graham crackers soak up the cream and soften into a cake-like texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of graham crackers
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or Cool Whip)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (if using homemade whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups sliced strawberries

Instructions:

1. Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a 9×13 pan.
3. Add a layer of graham crackers.
4. Add a layer of whipped cream, then strawberries.
5. Repeat layers until you reach the top. Finish with strawberries on top.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).

Tip: For added flavor, drizzle with strawberry sauce or add a layer of vanilla pudding.

2. Peach Cheesecake (No-Bake)

This chilled cheesecake is a summer dream come true. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with juicy peaches for a light yet indulgent bite. And guess what? No oven required!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
• 2 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)

Instructions:

1. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press into a springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in the whipped cream gently.
4. Pour the mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
5. Arrange peach slices beautifully on top.
6. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Optional Garnish: Add peach glaze or a dusting of crushed graham crackers.

Perfect for: Picnics, backyard parties, or when you’re just craving something cool and fruity!

3. Strawberry Shortcake

This timeless treat layers buttery shortcake with juicy strawberries and clouds of whipped cream. It’s quick, pretty, and captures the essence of summer in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 3 tbsp sugar (for macerating)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter
• ⅔ cup milk or cream
• Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Toss strawberries with sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to release juices.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Add milk and mix just until the dough comes together.
5. Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
6. Split warm shortcakes, layer with strawberries and whipped cream.

Serve: Immediately for the best warm + cool combo!

Bonus: Add a hint of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

Read details: Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Summer

4. Banana Split Cake

Think banana split, but in cake form with layers of sweet, fruity, creamy joy that require zero baking! This dessert is cold, comforting, and perfect for summer birthdays or BBQs.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) cream cheese blocks
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 bananas, sliced
• 1 can of crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 container of Cool Whip
• Chocolate syrup, chopped nuts, cherries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix crumbs and butter, press into a 9×13 pan to make the crust.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over the crust.
3. Layer sliced bananas, then pineapple.
4. Top with Cool Whip and spread evenly.
5. Chill for 4 hours before serving.
6. Add chocolate drizzle, nuts, and cherries just before serving.

Flavor Tip: Use strawberry slices or swap in chocolate pudding for an extra layer.

5. Pineapple Cream Dessert

This is the tropical hug your taste buds have been waiting for! Creamy, dreamy, and bright with pineapple flavor, this one’s dangerously easy to whip up.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tub Cool Whip
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix crumbs and butter, press into the bottom of a square dish.
2. In a bowl, mix pineapple (with juice), condensed milk, and Cool Whip until smooth.
3. Spread the crust evenly.
4. Chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Topping Ideas: Toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or maraschino cherries.

Perfect For: When you want something cold, creamy, and ready in a flash.

6. Lemon Blueberry Cake

Fresh blueberries and zesty lemon come together in this ultra-moist sheet cake. It’s bright, beautiful, and perfect for serving a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (or your favorite lemon cake recipe)
• 1 cup buttermilk (to replace water for richness)
• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup oil
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries)
• Lemon glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp lemon juice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and oil until smooth.
3. Toss blueberries with flour and fold them gently into the batter.
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool, then drizzle with lemon glaze.

Pro Tip: Want extra zing? Add lemon zest to the batter.

This cake is ideal for brunches, potlucks, or anytime you want a dessert that looks fancy but is secretly super simple.

7. Lemon Gelatin

This refreshing gelatin dessert is light, citrusy, and jiggly-fun—perfect for hot days or family gatherings. You can mold it into cute shapes or serve it in glass cups for elegance.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet lemon-flavored gelatin (like JELL-O)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• Optional: fruit bits like grapes, strawberries, or pineapple

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.
2. Stir in cold water and mix well.
3. Pour into molds or a dish. Add fruit if using.
4. Refrigerate until firm (about 4 hours).

Serving Idea: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a lemon slice.

This no-fuss dessert is excellent for kids and grown-ups alike and looks super fun when served in mini cups with spoons at BBQs or picnics.

8. Key Lime Pie Bars

Zesty, creamy, and chilled to perfection—these Key Lime Pie Bars bring the taste of summer in every tangy bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ cup key lime juice
• 4 egg yolks
• Zest of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crumbs and butter, press into an 8×8-inch pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
4. Whisk condensed milk, lime juice, yolks, and zest until smooth.
5. Pour over the rust and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Cool, then refrigerate for 4+ hours before cutting into bars.

Top with whipped cream and extra lime zest for a pretty finish.

These are a must-make for any summer party, easy to slice, transport, and enjoy chilled under the sun.

9. Blueberry Sheet Cake

This one’s a blueberry-packed dream. It’s light and fluffy, with bursts of fruit in every bite. Plus, it looks gorgeous with a white glaze or a creamy topping.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk gradually.
4. Fold in blueberries gently.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.

Optional Topping: A simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) or cream cheese frosting.

It’s perfect with coffee or as a sweet finish to a summer dinner.

10. Strawberry Lemon Blondies

These Strawberry Lemon Blondies are soft, chewy, and bursting with authentic fruit flavor. Unlike brownies, blondies have a dense texture and buttery base that pairs perfectly with summer berries.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup diced strawberries

Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
2. Mix butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Fold in flour, then gently stir in strawberries.
5. Spread into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool before glazing.

Visual Tip: The pink-red strawberries pop beautifully against the golden blondie base—perfect for Instagram!

11. Lemon Posset

This silky-smooth British dessert feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple. It has just three ingredients, no eggs or gelatin, yet it magically sets into a creamy lemon custard.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for more punch)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cream and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring.
2. Let it boil gently for 3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest.
4. Pour into small ramekins or jars.
5. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.

To Serve: Top with berries, mint leaves, or a shortbread cookie on the side.

It’s smooth, tangy, and incredibly refreshing, like a lemon cloud in a cup. It’s excellent for elegant dinners or make-ahead party desserts!

12. Sugar Cookie Crust Fruit Tart

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s secretly easy? This fruit tart uses sugar cookie dough as a crust and is topped with a layer of sweet cream and colorful fresh fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube of sugar cookie dough (or homemade)
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup sliced fruits (kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Press sugar cookie dough into a tart pan or pie dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Spread the cream mixture over the cooled crust.
5. Decorate with fruit slices in a beautiful pattern.

Tip: Glaze with a mix of apricot jam + water for that shiny bakery finish.

Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just showing off your fruit styling skills!

13. Snicker Apple Salad

It’s sweet. It’s creamy. It’s crunchy. And yes—it’s called a salad! This retro-style dessert combines apples, Snickers, and whipped topping into one unforgettable bowl.

Ingredients:

• 4 Granny Smith apples (chopped)
• 4 full-size Snickers bars (chopped)
• 1 tub Cool Whip (or 2 cups whipped cream)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix with milk until thick.
2. Fold in Cool Whip to create a creamy base.
3. Stir in chopped apples and Snickers bars.
4. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

Optional Topping: Caramel drizzle or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

This one’s perfect for potlucks and BBQs—it disappears fast and always gets people talking.

14. Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Colorful, customizable, and Instagram-worthy, this Fruit Pizza is a crowd favorite that brings fun to any summer gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 roll of sugar cookie dough
• 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, grapes, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out cookie dough into a circle on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
4. Spread frosting over the cooled cookie.
5. Arrange sliced fruit on top in rows or a rainbow pattern.

Pro Tip: Use seasonal fruit or cut shapes with cookie cutters for a kid-friendly twist.

It’s a dessert and a creative art project in one!

15. Raspberry Lemon Ice Cream Pie

This frozen pie is a bright, tart, creamy dessert that hits the spot on scorching summer days. You’ll love how refreshing and fast it is to put together.

Ingredients:

• 1 Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups lemon ice cream or frozen yogurt
• 1 cup raspberry sorbet
• 1 cup whipped topping
• ½ cup fresh raspberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Let ice cream and sorbet soften slightly.
2. Spread a layer of lemon ice cream in the crust.
3. Add a layer of raspberry sorbet.
4. Top with whipped topping and a few fresh raspberries.
5. Freeze until firm (about 4–6 hours).

To Serve: Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing for smooth cuts.

It’s creamy, tangy, and the prettiest pink-and-yellow combo you’ve ever seen!

16. No-Bake Oreo Lasagna

This layered Oreo dessert is rich, creamy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness—without ever turning on the oven. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers who want something cool and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Oreos (crushed)
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tub Cool Whip (divided)
• 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding
• 3 cups cold milk

Instructions:

1. Mix crushed Oreos and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch pan to make the crust.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar, then fold the Cool Whip in half.
3. Spread cream cheese layer over crust.
4. Mix the pudding mix with milk. Let set for 5 mins, then spread over the cream layer.
5. Top with remaining Cool Whip. Chill for at least 4 hours.

Garnish with: Crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or a chocolate drizzle.

It’s like an icebox cake meets chocolate heaven and a Pinterest favorite!

17. Mango Coconut Pudding Cups

These tropical pudding cups are creamy, naturally sweet, and bursting with sunshine flavor. If made with coconut milk, they’re also dairy-free, making them great for all diets!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Whisk coconut milk, sugar, salt, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 mins).
3. Remove from heat, stir in mango puree.
4. Pour into small cups or jars.
5. Chill for 2–3 hours until set.

Top with: Diced mango, toasted coconut flakes, or mint.

Each spoonful feels like a tropical vacation, and they’re so easy to prep ahead for guests.

18. Cherry Dump Cake

This 3-ingredient dessert is the ultimate no-fuss summer bake. It’s warm, gooey, buttery, and always a crowd favorite. Just dump, bake, and serve!

Ingredients:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter (sliced into thin pats)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Dump cherry pie filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top.
4. Place butter slices evenly across the surface.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

It’s quick, comforting, and delicious, warm or chilled, perfect for lazy summer nights.

19. Watermelon Popsicles

Cool, fruity, and fun, these homemade popsicles are made with real watermelon and a splash of lime. They’re perfect for kids, adults, and pool parties!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1–2 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Mini chocolate chips (optional for “seeds”)

Instructions:

1. Blend watermelon, lime juice, and sweetener until smooth.
2. Pour into popsicle molds. Drop in a few mini chocolate chips for fun.
3. Freeze for 4–6 hours.

Tip: Run molds under warm water for a few seconds to release.

They’re healthy, refreshing, and super Instagrammable, especially with the fake seed trick!

20. Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

If you’ve got 10 minutes, you’ve got time for this Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. It’s cold, creamy, layered, and loved by all ages.

Ingredients:

• 12 ice cream sandwiches (vanilla or Neapolitan)
• 1 tub Cool Whip
• ½ cup chocolate syrup
• Crushed Oreos, M&Ms, or sprinkles for topping

Instructions:

1. In a 9×13-inch dish, layer 6 sandwiches side by side.
2. Spread half the Cool Whip, and drizzle chocolate syrup.
3. Repeat with another layer of sandwiches and the remaining Cool Whip.
4. Add toppings. Freeze 4+ hours.

To Serve: Let sit for 10 minutes, then slice like a cake.

It’s the easiest summer dessert ever and always disappears fast at parties!

Final Thoughts: Summer’s Sweetest Side, One Dessert at a Time

There’s something magical about summer desserts; they’re not just sweet treats but moments of joy. Whether it’s the chill of a Strawberry Icebox Cake on a hot afternoon or the bright burst of flavor in a Lemon Blueberry Sheet Cake, these recipes bring sunshine to every bite.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef or spend hours in the kitchen. From no-bake favorites to colorful fruit creations, these 20 summer dessert recipes are made for real life: easy, crowd-pleasing, and Pinterest-worthy.

So grab your fruit, chill your pans, and start layering, mixing, and freezing into summer dessert bliss.

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Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.