Top 45 Best Summer Desserts

Here's my list of all the best summer desserts to make as the sun comes out and the weather heats up. The sunny long days are finally here, and if you need some summer dessert ideas, you're in the right place!

Jump to:

• Best Summer Desserts
• 1. Mango Mousse Cake
• 2. Strawberry Crunch Cake
• 3. Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake
• 4. Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake
• 5. Strawberry Charlotte Cake
• 6. Chocolate Ice Cream Bar
• 7. Peach Cobbler
• 8. Strawberry Cheesecake
• 9. Pistachio Ice Cream Bar
• 10. Fraisier Cake
• 11. Panna Cotta
• 12. Lemon Meringue Tart
• 13. Strawberry Galette
• 14. Boozy Orange Aperol Spritz Cake
• 15. Raspberry Ruby Ice Cream Bar
• 16. Strawberry Pavlova Cake
• 17. Tiramisu Cups
• 18. Lemon Blueberry Tart
• 19. Coffee Caramel Ice Cream Bar
• 20. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie With Oreo Crust
• 21. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 22. Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
• 23. Chocolate Passionfruit Tart
• 24. Pink Mini Pavlova Dessert With Raspberries
• 25. Raspberry Frangipane Tart
• 26. Wine Mousse Parfait With Peach
• 27. Creamy Sicilian Ricotta Pie
• 28. White Chocolate Raspberry Tart
• 29. Pistachio Cheesecake
• 30. Peach Galette
• 31. White Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
• 32. Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
• 33. Mango Tart
• 34. Mini Strawberry Pies
• 35. Bavarian Cream Donuts
• 36. Strawberry Cupcakes
• 37. Lemon Ricotta Cookies
• 38. Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Bars
• 39. Peaches and Cream Pie
• 40. Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Sandwiches
• 41. Ricotta Cake
• 42. Limoncello Tiramisu
• 43. Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie
• 44. Passionfruit Ice Box Cake
• 45. Lemonade Popsicles
• Summer Desserts FAQs
• Related Summer Dessert Recipes
• Top 45 Best Summer Desserts

Longer days, BBQ parties, summer vacations, and fun are all on the menu. But whether you like fruity desserts, chocolate desserts, sharing desserts, or all of the above, I've got you. Pick one (or several) of these tried and tested easy summer dessert recipes to enjoy with friends and family, or just keep it all to yourself.

Best Summer Desserts

1. Mango Mousse Cake

I'm kicking off with one of my favorite tropical summer dessert recipes, a deliciously light and airy mango mousse cake with the most amazing soft texture. Ripe, super-sweet mangoes are perfectly tamed with tangy whipped cream cheese and set off with a buttery sponge base.

2. Strawberry Crunch Cake

Simply put, if you have never tried a strawberry crunch dessert, now is the time. Strawberry Crunch Cake is an easy summer dessert that is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

Inspired by the frozen Strawberry Shortcake Ice cream bars, this summer cake recipe features three layers of moist sponge cake, rich yet light cream cheese frosting, and a strawberry crunch exterior. This cake is a true celebration of strawberry indulgence, and it's perfect for summer gatherings or celebrations.

3. Raspberry Lemonade Cheesecake

A fruity yet tangy raspberry lemonade cheesecake is a creamy summer dessert with an amazing summer twist. Its velvety texture and vibrant flavors make it a true indulgence whilst still tasting light and airy.

We infuse a tangy cream cheese filling with zesty lemon and raspberry compote and pour it into a cookie crust. So there's no baking or water bath required! Finally, it's topped with freeze-dried raspberries for an added touch of luxury.

4. Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake

Prepare to be wowed by this irresistible moist yogurt cake with a caramelized banana topping that the most amazing sticky texture. First, sliced bananas are arranged at the base of a cake pan, and then the cake batter is poured on top.

Once baked to perfection, the cake is inverted onto a serving plate, and voila! The caramelized bananas are now a tasty topping. Hence why this baked masterpiece has the renowned title of an "upside-down cake."

5. Strawberry Charlotte Cake

Your friends and family would be forgiven for thinking you had bought this summer dessert in a French patisserie, but in fact, it is really easy to make! Fluffy homemade ladyfingers surround a cake filled with incredibly silky crème mousseline and ripe fresh strawberries. Its texture is reminiscent of Tiramisu, and it has the most amazing fresh summer flavor.

6. Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

No-churn ice cream bars are such easy desserts that you can make in minutes and then forget about until a craving hits. Just 4 basic ingredients are all you need! Chocolate summer desserts have never tasted so good.

7. Peach Cobbler

Ripe seasonal stone fruits make some of my favorite summer desserts. When peaches come into season around here, we are sure to make peach desserts! But this twist on a classic uses flaky, buttery pie crust as a topping, and trust me, it is so worth making the swap. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream.

8. Strawberry Cheesecake

Who doesn't love no-bake summer desserts? Especially one that is packed with summer fruit flavors and rich cream cheese. There's no need to turn the oven on or create a water bath, so it really is hassle-free in addition to being delicious. The easy Graham cracker crust wraps around the whole cheesecake to give every bite some sweet crunch that will keep everyone coming back for more.

9. Pistachio Ice Cream Bar

This one is for fans of nutty summer desserts (and, in particular, pistachio desserts!). Homemade pistachio ice cream bars require just four simple natural ingredients and just 10 minutes of your time, all without the need for an ice cream maker. You can make your own homemade pistachio butter or buy storebought, and these ice cream bars have the best pistachio flavor.

10. Fraisier Cake

No doubt, this French summer dessert is instantly recognizable with the signature half-strawberry decoration around the edge. But whilst Fraisier cake might look hard to make, it is, in fact, very easy! Two layers of genoise sponge are layered with vanilla-flavored créme mousseline and fresh strawberries, and all you need is a simple piece of kit to create the impressive effect.

11. Panna Cotta

Try this super refreshing panna cotta that's creamy, tasty, and bursting with coconut flavor. The sweet and sour passion fruit compote contrasts beautifully with the coconut taste, and you'll love the creamy texture.

And you might not be able to guess, but this is also a dairy-free summer dessert recipe, in case you are catering to a dietary restriction or preference.

12. Lemon Meringue Tart

There's something about lemon desserts that taste so refreshing, and everyone loves them. Lemon meringue tart is one of those elegant summer desserts that look just as good as it tastes, and it always impresses guests. Why not serve this for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary?

13. Strawberry Galette

Have you ever seen those galette recipes that are soggy and need a spoon? There are none of those around here.  My strawberry galette has the perfect crust-to-filling ratio that makes the galette perfectly balanced, and the whole thing is so easy you'll have it in the oven in under 5 minutes! Strawberry, pie crust, bake, that's it.

14. Boozy Orange Aperol Spritz Cake

Instagram's favorite drink has a dessert cousin in this Aperol Spritz cake. And it's just as photogenic and delicious! This boozy summer cake makes it so easy to harness that vacation feeling, and you'll love the taste of the moist, brown sugar yogurt cake topped with oranges that have been soaked in Aperol Spritz. One of the best easy refreshing desserts for the summer.

15. Raspberry Ruby Ice Cream Bar

Here's another one of my favorite raspberry desserts that is ideal for summer. Fruity and delicious no-churn ice cream bars are guaranteed to go down a storm as a BBQ dessert or just because it's warm and you feel like it. Definitely one of the best simple refreshing summer desserts.

16. Strawberry Pavlova Cake

When I think of classic summer desserts, strawberry pavlova comes to mind. A beautiful baked mound of meringue is topped with fresh whipped cream and strawberries, and chopped mint. What's more, this is a naturally gluten-free summer dessert if you are baking around a dietary restriction or preference.

17. Tiramisu Cups

There's no need to share these cute summer desserts that come in individual portions, and they take just 15 minutes to make, too. Tiramisu is one of the most famous Italian desserts made by layering coffee-soaked sponge ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone and then topping it off with cocoa powder. Delicious!

18. Lemon Blueberry Tart

Aren't these just the daintiest French tartlets? And such an easy yet impressive design that will surely wow whoever gets to eat it. A delicious homemade sweet shortcrust pastry shell and a lemon curd filling are topped with blueberry whipped ganache and more fresh, sweet, and ripe blueberries.

19. Coffee Caramel Ice Cream Bar

Here are some summer treats for coffee lovers. Delicious no-churn coffee ice cream is encased in a crunchy caramelized white chocolate coating. The deep coffee flavor really balances the flavor, and what's more, you can achieve all of this with 4 simple natural ingredients in 10 minutes without any ice cream machine!

20. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie With Oreo Crust

If, like me, you love creamy peanut butter, then you need to try this. It has the best of both worlds, plus an Oreo cookie crust! Rich and decadent, no one will be able to resist. It works as a birthday cake and is one of my top make-ahead summer desserts, too.

21. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Elevate a regular chocolate chip cookie by browning the butter first and thank me later. The nutty taste is highlighted with the use of brown sugar, which doubles down on the chewy caramel taste. Serve warm and gooey with a pinch of sea salt.

22. Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

A bite-sized version of the iconic strawberry crunch cake, cupcake recipes make ideal summer desserts because everyone can have their own. Bring them to a summer cookout or BBQ or as a summer potluck dessert. And if you have any leftovers from the strawberry shortcake recipe, it tastes great on ice cream or yogurt.

23. Chocolate Passionfruit Tart

Looking for unique summer desserts? This passionfruit tart with a chocolate pastry shell and chocolate decoration appears as though you bought it in a fancy French patisserie, but actually, it is surprisingly easy to make at home yourself. And whoever came up with the idea of pairing chocolate and passionfruit deserves an award,  they are honestly a match made in heaven.

24. Pink Mini Pavlova Dessert With Raspberries

Isn't this the cutest summer dessert? Mini desserts are always popular as they look adorable and dainty, and everyone can enjoy their own. Sweet yet tart raspberries are the ideal accompaniment to meringue that is crunchy on the outside with marshmallow chewiness on the inside. All perfectly tied together with whipped cream.

25. Raspberry Frangipane Tart

Now, simply put, this summer dessert is the prettiest. A pâte sablée (sweet shortcrust pastry) tart shell is filled with a frangipane almond cream filling and juicy raspberries, adding a burst of fruity freshness. Once baked, it's decorated with creamy raspberry rosewater mousse domes, rosewater-infused whipped mascarpone piping, and fresh raspberries.

It might sound complex, but I talk you through every step and give you all the tips and tricks that you need to nail it.

26. Wine Mousse Parfait With Peach

I can never get over how elegant and refined this summer dessert looks. But it's certainly one for just the adults! A silky Sauvignon Blanc mousse is made with added white chocolate and heavy cream and served in a wine glass before being topped with delicious peach puree compote. As the French would say, it's 'Parfait!' (which means perfect).

27. Creamy Sicilian Ricotta Pie

There's the most delicious hint of lemon in this creamy Italian pie, which makes it the perfect dessert for summer events. Baking pies with ricotta means you get a perfect custard-like creamy texture that is lighter than other recipes. Don't have any ricotta? I have a ricotta cheese substitute article, in case you ever need it.

28. White Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Good quality white chocolate makes the ideal rich ganache base to infuse with raspberry puree and create the utterly delicious summer tart filling. Furthermore, I like to decorate it with edible summer flowers to max out the pretty French tart vibes. Seriously, this has to be one of my favorite white chocolate desserts. And if you ever need to brush up on your techniques, take a look at my online classes that has a special tart section!

29. Pistachio Cheesecake

Summer is the time for no-bake cheesecakes, and this creamy, pistachio-flavor-filled creation really hits the spot. If you love delicious summer desserts without a lot of fuss that you can make ahead, this is the choice for you. I'd highly recommend looking at all of my tips to make a neat-looking cheesecake crust like a pro.

30. Peach Galette

Have you ever made a homemade galette? It couldn't be easier. Use ripe and juicy peaches for a summer galette recipe, and then all you need to do is make a 2-minute pie crust and bake it in the oven. What could be simpler? Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream; everyone will love it.

31. White Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

When you need some easy summer dessert ideas, you can't go far wrong with chocolate-dipped strawberries. White chocolate and strawberries make the most amazing combination, and this easy dessert is so simple it's insane. Two ingredients, that's it. Thank me later!

32. Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

Is it a cookie or a cheesecake? It's both! The fruity cheesecake flavor is encased inside cookie dough and baked to gooey perfection. Surprisingly, these cookie cheesecake mashup desserts are easier to make than you think, and the freeze-dried raspberries add the most amazing taste.

33. Mango Tart

As mesmerizing as this stunning mango tart looks, it actually tastes even better! The tart shell is baked and filled with homemade pastry cream (Crème Pâtissière) that's delicately flavored with vanilla pods, and then slices of mango create a beautiful design. Surely you'll agree, it's a showstopper.

34. Mini Strawberry Pies

If you like strawberries with a creamy filling and buttery pastry, then you are going to fall in love with these Mini Strawberry Pies! Just imagine fresh strawberries on top of a divine little cream pie with a super flaky crust! It's a simple 2 step recipe that is the ideal mini individual strawberry pie dessert for your next summer party or gathering!

35. Bavarian Cream Donuts

There are many delicious types of cream filled donuts out there, but these delightful Bavarian cream donuts are hands down a treat that everyone will love! Made with buttery brioche donuts and then filled with a creamy, rich French vanilla cream, they are super light, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or dessert!

36. Strawberry Cupcakes

These berry-delicious homemade strawberry cupcakes aren’t just any old ordinary cupcakes! They feature super moist and fluffy aromatic vanilla cake crowned with luscious fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting!

37. Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Brighten up your world with a burst of citrusy bliss with these easy-to-make and delectably delicious Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies! With their soft melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of tangy to sweet, these lemon cookies are a true delight! Expert tip: Try to freeze them and eat them as lemon ricotta cookies ice creams!

38. Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Bars

Key Lime pie is a classic American dessert pie, and in this unique summer dessert recipe, it is turned into an ice cream bar! Dipped in silky Italian meringue and Graham cracker crumbs, it has all the taste of frozen key lime meringue pie but on a stick.

39. Peaches and Cream Pie

I'm not sure which part of this summer dessert recipe sounds the best. It could be the flaky, buttery pie crust shell, the almond-flavored mascarpone whipped cream filling, or the super juicy macerated fresh peaches. Either way, it's certainly a winner for me.

40. Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ah, PBJ, we never forget you, even when we grow up. Make a summer treat for kids and adults alike with these easy ice cream cake sandwiches made with peanut butter and jelly. But make enough for a crowd, as they will surely disappear fast.

41. Ricotta Cake

A ricotta cake is like a mix between Polish cheesecake and Italian Ricotta cake and is reminiscent of clafoutis in terms of texture. Choose whichever seasonal summer fruits take your fancy, like peaches, apricots, and raspberries, and serve it on warm sunny summer days after long, lazy lunches.

42. Limoncello Tiramisu

Try this summery twist on traditional Tiramisu made with Limoncello liqueur; it's so zesty and light one of the best easy refreshing desserts. Instead of coffee, the ladyfingers are soaked in Limoncello syrup before being layered with a pillowy lemon-whipped mascarpone cream mixture. It really is divine.

43. Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie

We all love a Graham cracker crust, but have you ever tried a pretzel crust? It's made with pretzels, honey, and slightly browned butter, and it is really quite something. Especially when, like in this summer dessert, it is topped with a crème fraîche filling and juicy peaches. Simply put, you have to try it.

44. Passionfruit Ice Box Cake

Assembling an icebox cake is a lot of fun, and it's even more fun when you take it out of the fridge later and get to eat it. This easy ice box cake recipe is a perfect summer dessert as it's cool and refreshing and packed with delicious tropical fruit flavor.

45. Lemonade Popsicles

When it comes to simple, refreshing summer desserts, lemonade popsicles are top of the list. When the sun is beating down, and you just want something cool, you'll be thrilled to remember they are in the freezer. Just make sure to have enough, as they'll be popular summer desserts for sure!

Summer Desserts FAQs

Related Summer Dessert Recipes