There’s something magical about summer—long sunny days, fresh seasonal fruit, and more reasons to gather with friends and family. And what better way to celebrate the season than with desserts that are as cool and refreshing as the breeze off the ocean?
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic, or just treating yourself after a warm evening walk, these summer dessert ideas are light, delicious, and so easy to make. Let’s dive into some sweet inspiration!
1. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Jars
When the heat’s rising, the last thing you want is to turn on the oven. That’s why these no-bake cheesecake jars are an absolute dream.
How To Make Them
Layer crushed graham crackers, a creamy cheesecake filling (just cream cheese, sugar, and whipped cream), and loads of fresh berries. Assemble in small jars or glasses, chill, and serve cold. Bonus points for presentation!
2. Watermelon Pizza (Yes, You Read That Right!)
This one is a colorful, healthy, and ultra-refreshing twist on dessert—and it's Instagram-ready too.
Here’s What You Need
Slice a thick round of watermelon into wedges, like a pizza. Spread a layer of Greek yogurt on top, drizzle with honey, and decorate with berries, kiwi, mango, and mint. You can also add whipped cream for a light, sweet touch that pairs well with the fruit. Kids love it, and adults will be impressed.
3. Aperol Spritz Trifle
A lively, cocktail-inspired trifle that captures the spirit of an Aperol Spritz – layered with Prosecco-soaked vanilla cake, Aperol-infused pudding, zesty citrus jam, fresh orange slices, and billowy whipped cream for a stunning summer showstopper.
What To Do
To make an Aperol Spritz Trifle, start by baking or buying a vanilla sponge cake, then cube it and soak the pieces lightly in Prosecco. In a bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding with a splash of Aperol to give it that signature bittersweet flavor. Layer the soaked cake in a large trifle dish or individual cups, followed by a spoonful of orange or citrus marmalade, slices of fresh orange, a layer of the Aperol pudding, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers as desired, then chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld. Garnish with orange zest or candied orange slices before serving.
4. Grilled Peached With Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilling fruit caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with ice cream.
How To Make Them
Halve and pit ripe peaches, brush with a little butter or oil, and grill until tender. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or granola. Trust us—this one’s unforgettable.
5. Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Strawberry shortcake cups are the perfect summer dessert because they're light, refreshing, easy to make, and showcase sweet, juicy strawberries at their seasonal best.
What You’ll Do
To make strawberry shortcake cups, layer cubed pound cake or shortcake at the bottom of small cups or jars. Top with sliced fresh strawberries (tossed in a little sugar if you like) and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers if your cups are tall, then finish with more whipped cream and a strawberry on top. Serve chilled for a quick, delicious treat!
6. Classic Icebox Cake
A true summer staple that requires zero baking and basically makes itself overnight.
What You Need
Layer cookies (graham crackers or chocolate wafers work great) with whipped cream or pudding in a dish. Chill overnight. The cookies soften and turn cake-like. You can flavor it with vanilla, chocolate, or espresso, or layer in berries for a fruity twist.
7. Easy Berry Tart
A berry tart is another great summer dessert because it highlights fresh, seasonal berries in a light, buttery crust, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crisp flavors that feel refreshing and not too heavy on warm days.
How To Build It
To make an Easy Berry Tart, start by baking a tart shell (homemade or store-bought) until golden and let it cool completely. Combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and pour it into your CreamRight dispenser. Charge it with one Ultra-Purewhip N₂O charger, shake, and chill. Spread the whipped cream evenly into the cooled tart shell, then top with a mix of fresh berries. For a simple finish, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey, and serve chilled for a light, summery dessert.
8. Atlantic Beach Pie
Another delicious summer dessert idea is an Atlantic Beach Pie. This dessert is known for its cool, creamy citrus filling and salty cracker crust which offers a refreshing, tangy-sweet bite that’s light, satisfying, and perfect for hot weather.
How To Make It
To make Atlantic Beach Pie, start with a crust made from crushed saltine crackers, melted butter, and a bit of sugar, pressed into a pie dish and baked until lightly golden. For the filling, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon or lime juice (or a mix of both), then pour it into the cooled crust and bake until set. Chill the pie completely, then top with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt before serving for a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and citrusy flavors.
Pro Tip for Making Good Summer Desserts: Add Whipped Cream
To take your summer dessert recipes to the next level of deliciousness, consider pairing them with homemade whipped cream. Whipped cream is a summer dessert essential. It’s light, airy, and perfectly indulgent without feeling too heavy. It pairs beautifully with just about anything, from fresh berries and grilled fruit to pies, parfaits, and icebox cakes. You can dollop it on top of strawberry shortcake, swirl it into layered trifles, or use it as a quick topping for fruit salads to instantly elevate them.
Ready to Take Your Whipped Cream Game to the Next Level
Plan on using whipped cream in your desserts this summer? You can quickly and easily make whipped cream for your summer desserts using a whipped cream charger and dispenser from CreamRight. We have a great selection of products to choose from, making it easy to find the options that fit your culinary needs—whether you’re a professional chef or a parent simply looking to level up for your kids.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!