Now that summer’s heating up, you’re probably less inclined to turn the oven on. Browse this list of Ten Summer Dessert Recipes for cool treats that don’t always require heating up your house!
Here on the prairie (as is typical), we went from cold, rainy weather to heat and humidity practically overnight. That seems to happen after having the Winter That Never Ends. Spring pops up for a minute and then bam! Summer rolls in and cranks up the heat.
Every year, I try and hold off on having Jay install the air-conditioner downstairs (no, we don’t yet have central air), and usually he just takes it upon himself to pop it in when I’m working late. And he’s always right to have done so, because it’s SO much nicer indoors afterwards.
And though we have a good-sized A/C for the downstairs (we have another window unit upstairs), firing up the oven in the middle of a hot July day will take its toll on us, and will heat up the house uncomfortably. But just because it’s summer doesn’t mean I still won’t want a dessert, or might need one for a work potluck.I pulled together ten dessert recipes that don’t necessarily require heating up the oven and are perfect to cap off any summer day. A few of them do have baking requirements, but you can plan ahead and do your baking early enough to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Ten Summer Dessert Recipes
This collection of dessert recipes showcases summer treats to beat the heat!
This Almond Torte does require turning the oven on, but the spongey cake pairs beautifully with sweet summer strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Chocolate and peanut butter are a perfect pairing, and are cool and creamy together in this icebox cake.
Strawberry Jello Pie is the quintessential summer dessert. Chilled, creamy whipped topping mixed with strawberry-flavored gelatin in a graham cracker crust!
Homemade Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is easy to make, and chock full of chocolate pieces throughout the ice cream.
Make this Blackberry Mascarpone Tart to showcase summer's bounty of blackberries.
Like Strawberry Shortcake? Add some zing to your dessert by tossing the strawberries in sweet-tart balsamic vinegar!
Chocolate Eclair Cake is THE icebox cake to make. Graham crackers layered between creamy vanilla pudding soften overnight to create a cakelike consistency. Make this now to enjoy as soon as possible!
Easy Classic Cheesecake is worth turning the oven on for. Once it's baked, you chill it for a cool treat.
Strawberry Ice Cream is a great way to use up an abundance of strawberries, and makes a great summer treat.
The ultimate no-bake dessert, Tiramisu is great in summer as well as all year long!