15 Delicious and Fun Dessert Recipes

Summer is the season of sun, fun, and delightful desserts that capture the essence of the warm months. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, the perfect summer dessert can elevate any occasion. Let’s dive into a world of sweet treats that are not only easy to make but also bursting with the flavors of the season.

1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar (for strawberries)
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the milk and beaten egg just until combined.
5. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While the shortcakes are baking, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
8. Once the shortcakes are done, let them cool slightly. Split them in half and fill with strawberries and whipped cream.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, juicy goodness of summer strawberries.

2. Mango Coconut Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the mangoes, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. Scoop into bowls or cones and savor the tropical flavors of mango and coconut.

3. Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set.
8. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
9. Enjoy the tangy and sweet combination of lemon and blueberries in these creamy cheesecake bars.

4. Watermelon Granita

Ingredients:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the watermelon, sugar, and lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish.
3. Freeze for 1 hour, then use a fork to scrape the frozen edges into the center. Repeat this process every 30 minutes until the entire mixture is fluffy and crystallized, about 2-3 hours.
4. Scoop the granita into bowls and garnish with mint leaves.
5. Refresh yourself with this icy and vibrant watermelon granita on a hot summer day.

5. Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the peaches with 1 cup of sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
6. Spoon the peaches and their juices evenly over the batter. Do not stir.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the batter has risen up through the peaches.
8. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy the sweet taste of summer peaches.

6. Raspberry Lemonade Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the raspberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, combine the raspberry puree with the lemon juice and remaining 1 cup of water.
4. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
6. Unmold the popsicles and enjoy a tangy and refreshing treat that’s perfect for cooling down on a summer day.

7. Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, peeled and chopped
• 2 mangoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1 papaya, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, mangoes, kiwis, papaya, strawberries, and blueberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and chopped mint.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Enjoy a burst of tropical flavors in every bite with this vibrant and healthy fruit salad.

8. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend the avocados until smooth.
2. Add the cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until creamy and well combined.
3. Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Garnish with fresh berries and enjoy a rich and creamy chocolate dessert that’s surprisingly healthy.

9. Key Lime Pie

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
• 1 tbsp key lime zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest until smooth.
4. Pour the filling into the crust and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until the filling is set.
6. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Top with whipped cream and enjoy the tart and creamy goodness of a classic key lime pie.

10. Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and sliced

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture is thick and creamy, about 25-30 minutes.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Spoon the rice pudding into bowls and top with sliced mango.
5. Enjoy a comforting and tropical dessert that’s perfect for any summer night.

11. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
5. Spoon the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
6. Top with fresh berries and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
7. Slice and enjoy a creamy and refreshing no-bake cheesecake.

12. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over both sides of the pineapple rings.
4. Grill the pineapple for 2-3 minutes on each side or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Serve the grilled pineapple rings on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful summer treat.

13. Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup raspberry jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Spoon half of the raspberry jam over the batter and swirl with a knife.
8. Repeat with the remaining batter and jam.
9. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and enjoy the sweet and tangy raspberry swirls in this moist pound cake.

14. Blueberry Lemon Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the blueberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the blueberry skins.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
5. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy a refreshing and tangy blueberry lemon sorbet.

15. S’mores Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Graham crackers for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream.
3. Bake for 5 minutes or until the chocolate is melted.
4. Remove from the oven and stir until smooth.
5. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden and toasted.
7. Serve the dip with graham crackers and enjoy the gooey and chocolatey goodness of s’mores in dip form.

Summer is all about indulging in delicious desserts that bring joy and refreshment to your days. These recipes are designed to be easy, fun, and perfect for any summer gathering or solo treat. So, grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and start making memories with these delightful summer desserts. Happy cooking!