23 Desserts Recipes That Keep It Light and Fun

Summer desserts should feel as easygoing as the season itself. These recipes keep things light, fresh, and full of flavor without weighing you down. They’re simple to make, fun to share, and perfect for sunny days or warm nights. If you’re looking for sweet treats that match the mood of summer, these recipes are just right.

Blueberry Cookies

If you like the flavor of blueberry muffins but the crunchiness of cookies, then you will love this recipe for blueberry cookies! Made with fresh blueberries and topped with a light and fluffy blueberry cream cheese homemade frosting, these soft, chewy blueberry cookies aren’t just irresistible but also beautiful.

Go to the recipe: Blueberry Cookies

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

This easy recipe for moist homemade strawberry crunch cupcakes is going to become your new favorite! Flavorful vanilla cupcakes with a simple cream cheese frosting and a yummy, fruity strawberry crunch topping. The highlight of these cupcakes is the delicious strawberry shortcake crunch, which adds an amazing texture and flavor to the cupcakes!

Go to the recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Raspberry Tiramisu

This no-bake raspberry tiramisu takes the classic dessert to a mouthwatering new level! Featuring layers of smooth, homemade mascarpone cream, spongy raspberry-soaked ladyfingers, and fresh raspberry sauce, it's the perfect finish to a picnic, celebration, or delicious Italian dinner!

Go to the recipe: Raspberry Tiramisu

Mini Carrot Cakes

Mini Carrot Cakes with silky smooth cream cheese frosting are the perfect size for one person and have a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture and cute piped carrot decoration. They're one of my favorite desserts!

Go to the recipe: Mini Carrot Cakes

Strawberry Lasagna

This heavenly no bake strawberry lasagna is a great way to brighten up the dessert scene this spring or summer! Made 100% from scratch, it features an irresistible strawberry golden Oreo crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, another fresh strawberry cheesecake layer, and a fluffy whipped topping. The result is a fresh and vibrant treat perfect for picnics, potlucks, and parties!

Go to the recipe: Strawberry Lasagna

Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

These raspberry cheesecake cookies are made with fresh raspberries and stuffed with cream cheese sprinkled with cheesecake crust. Cheesecake in a bite-sized cookie format. They are divine and super easy to make!

Go to the recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

Almond Strawberry Cake

This almond strawberry cake is a delightful balance of sweet and nutty. It may seem like a humble single-layer strawberry cake, but it’s packed with flavors and offers a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance for any occasion.

Go to the recipe: Almond Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Mousse

This light and creamy strawberry mousse is one of the best things to arrive at your spring or summer dessert table! Made with fresh strawberries and topped with a delightful vanilla chantilly cream, this easy strawberry mousse recipe has just the right sweetness and fruity flavor for a mid-day snack or post-dinner dessert.

Go to the recipe: Strawberry Mousse

Mini Tiramisu Cups

These mini tiramisu cups are the perfect no-bake desserts for summer that come together in 15 minutes using a few simple ingredients. Airy ladyfingers that are layered in between light mascarpone cream, rich espresso, and a touch of cocoa finish. Individual tiramisu parfaits that no need to share!

Go to the recipe: Mini Tiramisu Cup

Strawberry Icebox Cake

This delicious no bake strawberry icebox cake is the perfect dessert for those warm spring and summer days when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen or even turning on the oven! Layered with fresh strawberries, graham cracker cookies, and a rich vanilla whipped cream, it's light, refreshing, and 100% made from scratch. Whether making it for yourself or sharing it with a crowd, it is guaranteed to become a favorite!

Go to the recipe: Strawberry Icebox Cake

Ricotta Pie

While classic Italian ricotta pie is traditionally made at Easter, you can certainly enjoy it throughout the whole season! Lemon-infused ricotta gives a rich yet light flavor and an amazing creamy custard texture.

Go to the recipe: Ricotta Pie

Lemonade Bundt Cake

Lemonade bundt cake bursting with lemon flavor is one of the best cakes of all, with a melt-in-your-mouth velvety texture and a simple yet very lemonade-like decoration! Crazy moist yogurt bundt cake packed with citrus zest (lemon, lime, and orange zest) and loaded with a simple citrusy lemonade syrup for the maximum taste! 

Go to the recipe: Lemonade Bundt Cake

Limoncello Tiramisu

This bright and refreshing limoncello tiramisu puts a citrusy twist on the classic Italian dessert! Made with limoncello lemon curd, sweet ladyfingers, and creamy mascarpone cream between each layer, it will surely leave an impression.

Go to the recipe: Limoncello Tiramisu

Fraisier Cake

Fraisier cake (French strawberry cake) consists of buttery sponge layers filled with incredibly delicious and silky crème mousseline (pastry cream enriched with butter), a layer of refreshing strawberry compote, and the signature strawberry decoration around the cake.

Go to the recipe: Fraisier Cake

Pavlova Wreath

This signature easy pavlova wreath recipe adds an elegant look to the traditional pavlova. It features a crisp meringue shell topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream, fresh fruit, and mint leaves as a refreshing garnish.  In my beginner-friendly recipe, you'll find my foolproof techniques and expert tips that guarantee a flawless result every time. 

Go to the recipe: Pavlova Wreath

Mango Shrikhand [Indian Mango Dessert]

This creamy, luscious dessert is a classic Indian treat. Mango shrikhand is perfect for summer with the refreshing mango flavors, along with Greek yogurt, mango pulp, and exotic Indian spices. You'll want to reach out to this dessert on a hot summer day!

Go to the recipe: Mango Shrikhand [Indian Mango Dessert]

Lemon Lavender Cake

The days are getting a bit more summery here, but I still have one more delicate, delicious spring bake to share with you! This lemon lavender cake is light, tender, flavorful, and decadent!

Get the recipe: Lemon Lavender Cake

Fruit, Granola, and Yogurt Parfait

This bright and refreshing yogurt parfait recipe is so simple but so handy to keep in your repertoire! It’s perfect for spring, easter, brunches, snacks, and so much more.

Get the recipe: Fruit, Granola, and Yogurt Parfait

Strawberry Lemon Cake

For a light and fluffy dessert that looks absolutely stunning, this strawberry lemon cake recipe is sure to be hit at any dinner party or event.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Lemon Cake

Blueberry Granita with Coconut Whipped Cream

Blueberry granita is the best way to beat the summer heat. It features refreshing blueberries that are filled with nutrients, making this one of the best ways to cool off and stay hydrated!

Go to the recipe: Blueberry Granita with Coconut Whipped Crea

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry pretzel salad is an old-fashioned treat everyone will enjoy! A perfect blend of salty and sweet. It features a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a light cream cheese layer and a mouthwatering strawberry Jell-O topping filled with more strawberries! This pretzel salad is a Southern, no-bake dessert that has been popular at potlucks, picnics, gatherings, and more!

Get the recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

If you're looking for a taste of summer, enjoy this easy-to-make, no-bake strawberry cheesecake parfaits!

Get the recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits