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Though turning on the oven and baking a cake isn’t the first thing that comes to mind during the dog days of summer, you can’t deny the feeling when you get a hankering for something sweet. That’s why it’s so gosh darn important to have some easy summer desserts in your arsenal. Because whether you’re hosting a cookout or simply craving refreshing frozen treats, these sweet recipes are sure to come in handy throughout the season. Here, you’ll find tons of summer desserts for every occasion, like s’mores treats for your next camping trip and fruity summer pies for the perfect ending to a backyard dinner. There are also tons of no-bake desserts and ice cream recipes for those sweltering hot days.
Find out how to make homemade dole whip (a creamy, tropical pineapple soft serve) and one of Ree Drummond’s favorite summer desserts: key lime pie. Looking to use seasonal produce? There are tons of blueberry desserts, strawberry recipes, and sweet peach treats on the list ahead. Or use a combination of all three in the show-stopping fruit tart. No matter which recipe you choose, these light and bright treats will be a welcome addition to your backyard barbecue or even your 4th of July spread. But don’t wait too long. Before you know it, the summer desserts will be replaced by pumpkin spice everything!
Blackberry Pie
Blackberries are at their sweetest and juiciest during the hot days of summer, so it’s the perfect time to make this homemade blackberry pie. Not only is it bursting with berry flavor, but it’s also the prettiest color purple you’ll ever see.
Get the Blackberry Pie recipe.
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No-Bake Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars
This recipe has all the flavors of an orange creamsicle, plus the added bonus of a graham cracker crust and luscious cheesecake filling. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven to make them.
Get the No-Bake Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Chocolate Milkshake
A frosty milkshake sounds like the perfect way to cool down this summer. And if you’re a fan of all things chocolate, then you’ll love this recipe made with chocolate ice cream, chocolate milk, chocolate syrup, and chocolate whipped cream.
Get the Chocolate Milkshake recipe.
Oreo Icebox Cake
Icebox cakes are a breeze to make. You simply whip up the creamy filling, layer it with Oreos and fresh, juicy raspberries, and pop it in the fridge.
Get the Oreo Icebox Cake recipe.
Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread
When you have an abundance of zucchini from your garden or the farmer’s market, it’s the perfect excuse to make this chocolate zucchini bread. The combination of milk and bittersweet chocolate chips, along with cocoa powder, makes it extra fudgy.
Get the Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe.
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Peach Cobbler
This summery cobbler has a sweet biscuit topping. It’s easier than fussing with pie crust but just as scrumptious and it tastes even better with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Get the Peach Cobbler recipe.
Lemon Blueberry Cake
Tart lemons and sweet blueberries are a match made in dessert heaven. They come together in an easy 9-by-13-inch cake topped with a lemony cream cheese frosting.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Cake recipe.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
This remake of the beloved ice cream truck pop is surprisingly easy to whip up. It only requires five ingredients, plus wooden sticks and popsicle molds.
Get the Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars recipe.
Fruit Pizza
This recipe will instant brighten up any backyard cookout. It’s a unique concept that starts with a cookie crust topped with frosting and fresh fruits as the “toppings.”
Get the Fruit Pizza recipe.
Strawberry Ice Cream Pie
This pie is like a giant ice cream sundae that’s fit for a crowd. It even has a waffle cone crust, strawberry ice cream filling, and whipped cream on top.
Get the Strawberry Ice Cream Pie recipe.
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July 4th Ice Cream Sandwiches
There’s nothing more patriotic than a red, white, and blue treat! But these easy ice cream sandwiches can really be made throughout the summer, too. Just switch up the sprinkle colors depending on the occasion.
Get the July 4th Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This retro dessert is making a comeback and it’s easy to see why. The glistening pineapple and sweet cherries will bring a fun, tropical flavor to any party.
Get the Pineapple-Upside Down Cake recipe.
Atlantic Beach Pie
Inspired by a trip to the beach, this pie has a bright and sunny filling and a sweet-and-salty cracker crust. It’s perfect for serving up with a big dollop of whipped cream.
Get the Atlantic Beach Pie recipe.
Cherry Sherbet
Put fresh, seasonal cherries to good use in this creamy, frozen homemade sherbet. It has a touch of cherry booze to give it even more cherry flavor.
Get Ree’s Cherry Sherbet recipe.
Key Lime Cheesecake
For a fun twist on key lime pie, this recipe has the same tart flavors you know and love, plus the fluffy texture of a classic cheesecake. It even has the traditional graham cracker crust!
Get the Key Lime Cheesecake recipe.
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Grilled Peaches
You can use your grill for more than just burgers or hot dogs! It’s also a great way to add a caramelized char to these seasonal peaches. Top them off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and dessert is served.
Get the Grilled Peaches recipe.
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
This cool, creamy cheesecake has a filling that looks as delightful as it tastes. The trick is using strawberry Jell-O to help the cheesecake stand nice and tall. It also gives the dessert its pretty pink color.
Get the No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
S’mores Bars
There’s no need to build a fire for this twist on a classic childhood favorite. The flavors of s’mores are layered into a scrumptious chocolate and marshmallow dessert.
Get the S’mores Bars recipe.
Raspberry Cream Pie
This no-bake pie will hit the spot on a scorching summer day. It has an Oreo cookie crust and a creamy berry filling made with two not-so-secret ingredients: raspberry yogurt and instant vanilla pudding.
Get Ree’s Raspberry Cream Pie recipe.
Peach Pie
No canned peaches here. This homemade pie is all about the juicy, freshness of seasonal summer peaches. There’s also a hint of flavor from cardamom, ginger, and lemon.
Get the Peach Pie recipe.
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Copycat Drumsticks
This classic ice cream truck treat is just like the kind you might remember as a kid. It’s filled with vanilla ice cream, topped with chopped nuts, and even has that crispy sugar cone that’s coated on the inside with chocolate.
Get the Copycat Drumsticks recipe.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are like a burst of sunshine in every bite. They’re a summery twist on the traditional crinkle cookie, but made with both lemon zest and lemon juice for citrusy flavor.
Get the Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe.
Peach Crumble
The only thing better than a crumble is a crumble with a big scoop of ice cream right on top. The balance between the warm, bubbly fruit, the cinnamon-sugar topping, and the cold ice cream is a match made in heaven.
Get the Peach Crumble recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
These bars will satisfy that cheesecake craving in half the time. The buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and strawberry swirls can even be made ahead of time.
Get the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Ice Cream Icebox Cake
This cool, refreshing icebox cake layers vanilla ice cream with blackberry preserves, lemon curd, crushed gingersnaps, and fresh berries. To finish it off, there’s a lemony whipped cream piled on top.
Get the Ice Cream Icebox Cake recipe.
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Blueberry Pie
This pie is best made with fresh blueberries are at their summer peak. Don’t be intimidated by the lattice topping, it’s actually surprisingly easy to achieve.
Get the Blueberry Pie recipe.
Blondie Ice Cream Sandwich
Stash these ice cream sandwiches in your freezer and your family will thank you. Instead of cookies or a cakey chocolate wafer, this version sandwiched between two decadent chocolate chip blondies.
Get the Blondie Ice Cream Sandwich recipe.
Double Cherry Almond Slab Pie
This homemade pie will get you excited for fresh cherry season. It’s baked in a sheet pan so you know it’ll feed everyone at the cookout. Just don’t forget the almond glaze on top.
Get the Double Cherry Almond Slab Pie recipe.
Homemade Creamsicle Pop
You only need three ingredients to make these creamy, dreamy pops. They’re made using popsicle molds, but good old-fashioned paper cups with wooden sticks would work, too.
Get the Homemade Creamsicle Pop recipe.
Peach-Raspberry Crisp
This fruity crisp is made in a thin sheet pan, so not only does it feed a crowd, but it also ensures plenty of that crunchy oat and pecan topping.
Get the Peach-Raspberry Crisp recipe.
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Piña Colada Cake
Planning a pool party? Or even a backyard cookout? This tropical cake would make a fun addition to your summer party. The mini umbrellas are entirely optional but aren’t they cute?!
Get the Piña Colada Cake recipe.
Strawberry Cobbler
This recipe celebrates the sweet flavor of summer strawberries. It’s simple yet delicious and even better when topped with vanilla ice cream.
Get the Strawberry Cobbler recipe.
Neapolitan Ice Cream Bars
This recipe is a fun twist on those containers of Neapolitan ice cream you might remember as a kid. There’s a chocolate cookie base, creamy vanilla ice cream, and fresh strawberries on top.
Get the Neapolitan Ice Cream Bars recipe.
Strawberry Cupcakes
These pink cupcakes aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re studded with fresh strawberries and topped with a strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s tangy and sweet. They’d be perfect for any seasonal occasion.
Get the Strawberry Cupcakes recipe.
Blueberry Bars
In the summer, you don’t have to fuss with baking every night of the week. Make these blueberry bars ahead and stash them in the fridge for whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Blueberry Bars recipe.
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Strawberry Icebox Cake
This chilled cake is perfect for summer parties—it’s actually best when it’s made ahead of time. Prep it at least four hours in advance or even overnight.
Get the Strawberry Icebox Cake recipe.
Homemade Dole Whip
Creamy, citrusy, and perfectly refreshing—this frozen soft serve is easy enough to make right at home. And it’s great for enjoying on a hot day.
Get the Homemade Dole Whip recipe.
Blueberry Crumble
This simple recipe lets the fresh, seasonal berries shine. It’s delicious on it’s own, but we also suggest a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. 😉
Get the Blueberry Crumble recipe.
Peach Dump Cake
This super-simple dessert might use canned peaches but it’ll taste just like summer. To give it a fresh element, try adding a handful of seasonal blueberries or blackberries before adding the cake mix.
Get the Peach Dump Cake recipe.
No-Bake Key Lime Pie
If there’s anyone who would appreciate this variation on key lime pie, it’s Ree Drummond. “I would like to state that I am currently obsessed with refrigerator pies,” she says. And, we couldn’t agree more! It’s light, tart, and piled into a classic graham cracker crust.
Get the No-Bake Key Lime Pie recipe.
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Strawberry Cake
Head to the farmers’ market to pick up fresh strawberries for this wholesome cake. If you can’t find any, other seasonal berries like blueberries or blackberries would work well, too.
Get the Strawberry Cake recipe.
Fruit Tart
Talk about a showstopper! This elegant-looking tart is topped with a variety of fruits and an apple jelly glaze that’s perfectly sweet.
Get the Fruit Tart recipe.
Cherry Crisp
Easier than pie but just as scrumptious—a summer crisp might just be the perfect dessert. Especially when served with your favorite ice cream.
Get the Cherry Crisp recipe.
Peach Galette
You don’t worry about making the perfect pie crust with this summer dessert. A galette is meant to be rustic—it just adds to the delicious goodness.
Get the Peach Galette recipe.
Blackberry-Cheesecake Swirl Ice Cream
This dessert combines two sweet favorites: ice cream and cheesecake. It’s a refreshing twist that everyone will love.
Get Ree’s Blackberry-Cheesecake Swirl Ice Cream recipe.
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Red, White, and Blue Trifle
This layered cake is the ultimate summer dessert—not only is it loaded with seasonal berries, but it has that patriotic theme that makes it perfect for summer parties.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Trifle recipe.
Blueberry Crumble Sundaes
This ice cream sundae has all the flavor of a blueberry crumble—including the sweet, syrupy berries and nutty, oat topping. Plus, whipped cream for topping.
Get Ree’s Blueberry Crumble Sundaes recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake
The combination of tender biscuit dough, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy berries is utter perfection. Store some of the shortcake dough in the freezer to whip this up on a moment’s notice.
Get the Strawberry Shortcake recipe.
Ice Cream Cake
Whether you’re celebrating a summer birthday or simply a warm night, you can’t go wrong with this epic ice cream cake. Just don’t forget the whipped cream and cherries on top.
Get the Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Coconut Cream Pie
This comforting, tropical pie is made with a silky coconut custard and plenty of homemade whipped cream on top. To give it an extra boost of tropical flavor, garnish with toasted coconut chips.
Get the Coconut Cream Pie recipe.
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Peach Ice Cream
Ree is a big fan of making her own ice cream. “One of the best things is that the flavor possibilities are endless,” she says. And, in the summer this peach flavor is sure to be hit.
Get the Peach Ice Cream recipe.
Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet
You’ll want to put this upside-down apple cake on repeat all season long. It’s what Ree calls a “keeper recipe.”
Get Ree’s Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet recipe.
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
When the temperatures rise, the last thing we want to do is turn our ovens on. That’s where this no-bake cheesecake comes in handy. It’s easy, bright, and doesn’t require standing in a hot kitchen.
Get the No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake recipe.
Chocolate-Mint Ice Cream
Calling all chocolate lovers! This refreshing treat is what Ree calls “required summer eating.”
Get Ree’s Chocolate-Mint Ice Cream recipe.
Peaches and Cream with Basil
If you’re looking for something unexpected this summer, try this version of peaches and cream. Not only does seasonal basil give it a burst of freshness, but the addition of Greek yogurt in the cream provides an interesting tang.
Get Ree’s Peaches and Cream with Basil recipe.
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Blueberry Buckle
If you could turn a classic crumbly coffee cake into a summer dessert, this would be it. It’s bursting with fresh, seasonal blueberries.
Get the Blueberry Buckle recipe.
Lemon Bars
For a treat that’s as sunny as the day ahead, make these bright and citrusy lemon bars. They have the perfect ratio of filling to cookie crust.
Get Ree’s Lemon Bars recipe.
Strawberry Pie
Looking for a dessert to serve on the fourth of July? This strawberry pie is sure to steal the show. You can bring it to a potluck party or serve it up in your own backyard.
Get the Strawberry Pie recipe.
Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce
This sweet and summery dessert is best served warm from the oven with a generous drizzle of chilled maple cream sauce over the top. Don’t be shy with the sauce.
Get Ree’s Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce recipe.
Key Lime Cakes in a Jar
Pack these cute cake jars for your next summer picnic. They’re light, bright, and so easy to make. You can even use store-bought pound cake.
Get Ree’s Key Lime Cakes in a Jar recipe.
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