11 Simple Summer Desserts You Can Make in Minutes
When the summer heat is on, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen baking can feel daunting. Luckily, you don’t need complicated recipes to enjoy delicious and refreshing desserts! Summer is all about ease and simplicity, and that extends to our sweet treats.
Get ready to discover 12 incredibly simple summer dessert ideas that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, perfect for cooling down and satisfying your sweet tooth on those warm sunny days.
1. Easy Berry Parfaits
Layer creamy yogurt (Greek or regular), granola, and your favorite fresh summer berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a glass. Repeat the layers for a simple, healthy, and refreshing dessert that takes just minutes to assemble. It’s a customizable treat perfect for a quick and satisfying sweet fix.
2. No-Bake Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust
Use a store-bought sugar cookie dough (or make a simple one) and press it into a pizza pan. Bake and cool. Spread with a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, then arrange colorful fresh fruits like kiwi, peaches, and berries on top. It’s a visually appealing and easy crowd-pleaser.
3. Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint
A surprisingly refreshing and simple sweet-savory dessert. Cubes of chilled watermelon are tossed with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty feta, while the mint adds a cooling touch. It’s an unexpected yet delightful summer treat.
4. Frozen Banana “Nice” Cream
Peel ripe bananas, slice them, and freeze until solid. Blend the frozen banana pieces in a food processor until smooth and creamy, resembling soft-serve ice cream. You can add other frozen fruits like berries or a spoonful of peanut butter for extra flavor. It’s a healthy and incredibly simple one-ingredient dessert.
5. Strawberry and Basil Bruschetta
Toast slices of baguette and top them with a mixture of sliced fresh strawberries, chopped fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of black pepper. The sweet strawberries and aromatic basil create a surprisingly delicious and sophisticated simple dessert.
6. Peaches and Cream Popsicles
Blend ripe peaches with a little cream or yogurt and a touch of sweetener (like honey or maple syrup). Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. These homemade popsicles are a simple, refreshing, and healthy way to enjoy the taste of summer peaches.
7. Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Flakes
Slice a pineapple into rings and grill them until they develop grill marks and become slightly caramelized. Sprinkle it with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. The warm, sweet pineapple with the tropical coconut is a simple and satisfying summer treat.
8. Lemon Sorbet
This bright and tangy dessert requires just a few simple ingredients lemon juice, water, and sugar. Combine them, chill, and then churn in an ice cream maker (or use a no-churn method). The refreshing citrus flavor makes it the perfect palate cleanser on a hot summer day.
9. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
A classic for a reason! Simply melt chocolate (milk, dark, or white) and dip fresh, ripe strawberries into it. Let the chocolate harden on parchment paper. This elegant and easy dessert is always a crowd-pleaser and requires minimal effort.
10. S’mores Dip
No campfire needed! In an oven-safe dish, spread a layer of chocolate chips and top with marshmallows. Bake until the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey and the chocolate is melted. Serve with graham crackers for dipping. It’s a warm, gooey, and incredibly simple summer indulgence.
11. Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Combine a variety of your favorite seasonal fruits like melon, berries, grapes, and mango. Whisk together honey and lime juice for a light and refreshing dressing to drizzle over the fruit salad. It’s a healthy, simple, and vibrant dessert option.
