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Best Summer Desserts | Summer Drinks and more

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Quick, refreshing, and light desserts are the best for summer. The local farmer's market is filled with beautiful and colorful seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, cherries, grapes, nectarines, plums, cantaloupes, and watermelon. The best way to consume these summer fruits is to make easy and refreshing summer desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

collage picture of best and easy summer desserts and drinks recipes.

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This post is all about popular and best summer desserts that include summer fruit pies, patriotic desserts, cool and refreshing ice creams, popsicles, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes and drinks, no-bake desserts, make-ahead desserts, and also some baked recipes like galette, cakes, cupcakes, and muffins.

The good part about these desserts is that they are quick and easy to make, and they taste refreshing and delicious with the seasonal fruits.

If you are looking for summer dinner recipe ideas, then check out some of the best salad, salsa, entrees, and grilling recipes here.

Patriotic Desserts

These beautiful red, white, and blue desserts are the best patriotic desserts you can make on the 4th of July or national holidays and show love for your country.

Some of my favorite patriotic desserts include American flag pie, red white blue panna cotta, fruit and cream, jello for 4th of July party, and flag poke cake.

Mixed berry pie or American flag pie with stars and stripes.

Red White and Blue Berry Pie

Mixed Berry Pie is a delightful summer dessert made from fresh, ripe, and juicy strawberries and blueberries in a homemade buttery, flaky golden pie crust. This patriotic-themed American flag pie dessert is one of the best treats for the 4th of July, along with the famous layered red, white, and blue strawberry blueberry panna cotta. 
Check out this recipe.
strawberry and blueberry panna cotta, easy no bake red white and blue 4th of July dessert recipe

No Bake Berry Panna Cotta

Strawberry and Blueberry Panna Cotta is a 3 layered fancy Italian no bake dessert with interesting flavors in each layer. It's sweet, creamy and tangy, plus very easy to make and you can prepare it in advance. One of the best make ahead recipe for 4th of july.
Check out this recipe.
Fruit and cream dessert, Patriotic No bake red, white, blue dessert for 4th of July, Memorial Day.

Patriotic Fruit and Cream

Fruit and Cream is a very simple yet so fresh and delicious dessert that you should prepare during the summer or on patriotic holidays! You can create a beautiful and tasty dish with just a few ingredients that will impress your guests. The dish can be prepared in under 15 minutes and comes to about 350 calories per serving!
Check out this recipe.
4th of july dessert, american flag dessert, patriotic recipes, red, white blue, jello, jello shots

American Flag Jello

4th of July dessert or Layered Jello dessert is one of the easiest, addictive 3-layer treats you can make to celebrate American Independence Day on July 4th. This dessert is going to be a crowd-pleaser at your party.
Check out this recipe.
poke cake, easy jello poke cake with cake mix, 4th of july red white blue cake #americanrecipes

Red White and Blue Poke Cake

This poke cake with beautiful red and blue jello drizzle and topped with smooth whipped cream is a total crowd-pleaser for the 4th of July party, Christmas dinner, or maybe any time of the year.
Check out this recipe.

Fruit Desserts

Fruit desserts are the best way to enjoy seasonal fruits' natural sweetness and flavors.

You can make fruit salad, strawberry cinnamon crisp, tart, crumble, parfait, or check out easy strawberry turnovers with puff pastry sheets, peaches, and cream, shortcake with seasonal berries, oatmeal bars with berries of your choice, fruit galette with ice cream, sticky rice with mangoes and more.

Strawberry Turnovers

Strawberry Turnovers

Strawberry Turnovers are quick and easy to make pastries, with delicious sweet and tart filling on the inside, crispy and flaky texture on the outside.
Check out this recipe.
peaches and cream dessert, easy and best summer dessert recipe with peaches #quickdesserts

Peaches and Cream

Peaches and Cream Dessert is a simple and easy-to-make classic summer treat prepared using fresh peaches and heavy cream.
Check out this recipe.
Quick and delicious mini blueberry galettes or crostatas on white parchment paper.

Blueberry Galette

Blueberry Galette or Blueberry Crostata is a simple and easy to make, yet so impressive fancy dessert where the sweet and fresh blueberries are encased in perfectly crispy, flaky, and buttery homemade pie crust. The best summer dessert recipe that is ready in 40 minutes and is under 450 calories per serving!
Check out this recipe.
best strawberry shortcake in serving plate layered with biscuits, strawberries and whipped cream.

Strawberry and Raspberry Shortcake

Make the best and easy strawberry shortcake and raspberry shortcake this summer. The delicious, crisp, crumbly cake is filled with freshly sliced summer strawberries, raspberries, and cream.
Check out this recipe.
blackberry oatmeal bars on white parchment paper.

Blackberry Oatmeal Bars

Blackberry oatmeal bars are a great way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh blackberries in a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert. Made with rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar, they are easy to make and customizable with different types of fruit or nuts, and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment. 
Check out this recipe.
Easy and Delicious Strawberries and Cream served in a dessert glass.

Strawberries and Cream

Strawberries and Cream is the simplest, best, and most delicious no-bake dessert one can make. The combination of fresh whipped cream and strawberries is truly a treat! This can be prepared in under 10 minutes and is about 400 calories per serving.
Check out this recipe.
Easy Thai Mango sticky rice dessert on a black plate topped with salted coconut sauce and mung beans.

Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice, known as Khao Niao Ma Muang, is a popular, must-try Thai dessert. The creamy coconut milk, sticky rice, and juicy fresh mangoes make a mouthwatering and refreshing dessert.
Check out this recipe.
Mango Doughnuts (Donuts) with Mango Glaze, How to make best homemade doughnuts #doughnuts #donuts #glaze #icing #frosting, mango recipes, summer breakfast and desserts, yeast donuts, glazed donuts, vegan donuts, holiday breakfast and dessert, air fryer donuts, baked donuts, instant pot recipes, mango recipes, holiday breakfast ideas

Mango Donuts

Mango Doughnuts (Donuts) with Mango Glaze are soft, moist, and fluffy donuts bursting with full of mango flavors which are then covered in an aromatic mango glaze. A double treat for all mango lovers!!!
Check out this recipe.

Cake and Chocolate Recipes

You can never ignore chocolate desserts; try combining them with seasonal fruits and vegetables in summer. You will love our zucchini chocolate bread, white chocolate mango mousse, and raspberry with chocolate chip cookies.

Also, try some of the best fruit-based cakes, bread, and cupcakes that include strawberry cupcakes with fresh strawberries, peach upside-down cake, mini pavlova, which can also be served as individual desserts, and fruit bread with mixed seasonal fruits.

best chocolate zucchini bread with chocolate chip and one moist bread slice.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Make the best chocolate zucchini bread this summer season. This zucchini chocolate bread is rich, insanely moist, fudgy, and chocolaty, the most delicious chocolate cake you will ever have. You will never know it is made with vegetables. 
Check out this recipe.
Best Peach Upside Down Cake.

Peach Upside Down Cake

Peach upside-down cake is a soft, light, and moist cake, and with every bite, you'll experience the delectable taste of caramelized peaches. This cake is one best summer desserts with fresh and ripe peaches. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, as an after-meal dessert, or evening snack.
Check out this recipe.
easy, best, simple recipe for fresh strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting

Strawberry Cupcakes

Strawberry Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting are classic, moist, and delicious treats loaded with flavors from fresh strawberries in cupcakes and frosting. 
Check out this recipe.
best easy mini pavlova recipe, meringue-based dessert, pavlova nests, Christmas desserts

Pavlova Cake

Best Mini Pavlova Recipe with only 5 ingredients is a perfect dessert recipe for Christmas, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Summer parties, or any time of the year!
These mini pavlovas are one of the best individual treats you can add to your holiday dessert platter. This meringue-based dessert is perfectly crispy on top, light and airy, and has a marshmallowy texture on the inside.
Check out this recipe.
raspberry white chocolate chip cookies, subway cookies, Christmas, thanksgiving, holiday desserts

Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of the best, chewy and decadent cookies you will ever try. These cookies can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Do surprise your loved ones with these cookies this holiday season.
Check out this recipe.
Easy Mango White Chocolate Mousse or Mousse Au Chocolat Mangue, Make ahead eggless dessert recipe

Mango White Chocolate Mousse

Easy Mango White Chocolate Mousse or Mousse Au Chocolat Mangue is super simple to make, light and airy, melt-in-mouth fancy dessert with delicious fruity flavor prepared using just 5 ingredients. A perfect treat for all mango and chocolate lovers.
Check out this recipe.
fruit bread slices served in white plate, with a side of peach and strawberries slices.

Easy Fruit Bread

Fruit cake is a classic dessert that is made with a mixture of fresh fruits and spices, and is prepared throughout the year with seasonal fruits. This no-knead bread cake can be prepared in under an hour and pairs really well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Check out this recipe.
eggless mango cake, vegan mango cake, mango pound cake, sponge cake, mango loaf bread #mango #cake

Eggless Mango Cake

This eggless mango cake is packed with flavors from fresh mangoes, soft and moist, and requires no fancy ingredients to prepare at home.
Check out this recipe.

Healthy and Light Dessert Recipes

These recipes are light, healthy, and unique, which will cool your body plus a total crowd-pleaser.

We have mango chia pudding, the most popular one, no-cook banana pudding, and finger millet custard best summer dessert to cool your body.

Mango Chia seeds Pudding recipe - vegan, gluten free, keto, paleo, whole30, weight watchers food, weight loss diet recipe, make ahead breakfast, dessert, mid day snack, protein packed, summer food recipe ideas, no cook recipe, chia seed pudding with almond milk, soy milk, full fat coconut milk, cashew milk, overnight pudding, tropical pudding, vegan breakfast, weight loss smoothie, pudding with yogurt, chia seed recipes

Mango Chia Pudding

Mango Chia Pudding is a healthy and nutritious, creamy & delicious, make-ahead, no-cook option for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even as a dessert recipe prepared using just 4 ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
banana rasayana, balehannu rasayana, seekarane, hershale, easy healthy no bake banana dessert recipe

Banana Pudding (No Cooking)

Banana Rasayana or Balehannina Rasayana or Seekarne is a traditional and popular recipe from Coastal Karnataka (Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapur), which can be prepared in less than 5 minutes using just 3 ingredients.
The recipe is called Balehannu Rasayana in Kannada. We call it Kele Hashale (hesale, hershale) in Konkani.
Check out this recipe.
mango rasayana, aam ras, Mavina Seekarane, quick and easy rwecipes with ripe mangoes #Mangoes #drink

Mango Rasayan (No Cooking)

Mango Rasayana is a quick and easy-to-make, no-cook addictive mango dessert prepared in less than 10 minutes. Also known as Mavina Rasayana and Mavina Seekarane, can be served as a drink, after-meal dessert, or as an accompaniment with obbatu (puran poli/holige/bobbattu), rice shavige (sevai, idiyappam, spring hoppers), pooris, or even dosas like neer dosa, surnali, mushti polo, etc. 
Check out this recipe.
ragi manni, finger millet custard, halbai, halwa, mangalorean manni, #ragirecipes #healthysweets

Finger Millet Custard (Specially for summer)

Ragi Manni or Finger Millet Custard is a healthy and delicious, melt-in-mouth traditional sweet recipe prepared using just four ingredients.
Check out this recipe.

Cool Frozen Summer Desserts

Homemade ice creams are always the best. Maybe no churn, gelato, sorbet, or fruit popsicles. We always have a tub of ice cream with seasonal fruits.

Try our strawberry fruit popsicles, dulce de leche ice cream, homemade mango ice cream, fresh fruit mango popsicles and roasted almond ice cream recipe.

Best homemade dulce de leche ice cream served in waffle bowl.

Dulce De Leche Ice Cream

Ice cream to die for!!! Dulce de leche ice cream is the classic rich, smooth, and creamy homemade American favorite treat full of caramel goodness. Carmel ice cream is the easiest, most delicious way to cool down this summer.
Check out this recipe.
simple and easy homemade mango popsicles on a serving plate with ice cubes and fresh mango slices.

Mango Popsicle Recipe

These homemade Mango Popsicles are a cool, refreshing, delicious summer treat prepared using only three ingredients. Both kids and adults are going to love this fruit popsicle.
Check out this recipe.
Homemade Mango Ice Cream Recipe - Eggless, No Churn, 3 ingredients only.

Mango Ice Cream

This homemade mango ice cream is a creamy and delicious treat you should not miss trying. You don't need an ice cream maker to prepare this recipe. All you need are three ingredients: fresh mangoes, cream, and condensed milk. It is one of the best summer recipes to beat the heat when mangoes are in season.
Check out this recipe.
Scoops of delicious roasted almond ice cream in two waffle cones.

Roasted Almond Ice Cream

Roasted Almond Ice Cream or Toasted Almond Ice Cream is an easy to make, smooth and creamy eggless no churn ice cream with authentic roasted almond flavor and requires only 4 ingredients to prepare.
Check out this recipe.
Best homemade strawberry popsicles with fresh strawberries in a serving bowl.

3 ingredient Strawberry Popsicles

Strawberry Popsicles are a classic and refreshing homemade frozen treat made using three ingredients only —the perfect recipe to try on hot summer days.
Check out this recipe.

Summer Drinks

Drinks are always the light, refreshing, cool, and delicious way to enjoy a hot summer day. Don't miss trying these summer drinks.

We have iced coffee, iced tea, seasonal fruit smoothies, coconut water, tomato juice, homemade grape juice, blueberry mojito, raspberry lemonade, milkshake with dulce de leche, state fair, and carnival-style orange shake-up.

Iced Coffee, How to make the best easy Iced Coffee at home #starbucks #coffee #thai #vietnamese

Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee is an instant easy-to-make, refreshing & delicious coffee recipe that is wonderful on its own that can be served any time of the day or even at night 🙂 Iced coffee can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
best and simple Mango smoothie (mango lassi) served in glass.

Mango Smoothie

Make the best lassi today in less than 5 minutes. Mango lassi or Mango Smoothie is a popular Indian smoothie drink that is creamy and sweet, refreshing, a healthy and delicious way to cool on a hot summer day, or to add a touch of tropical flavor to kick-start your morning routine.
Check out this recipe.
Quick and Refreshing Raspberry Lemonade served with ice cubes, whole raspberries, and lemon slices in a tall glass.

Raspberry Lemonade

Looking for a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink for summer? Look no further than this delicious Raspberry Lemonade recipe! Made with just four simple ingredients, this homemade drink beats any store-bought counterpart with its unbeatable taste and visual appeal. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a summer barbecue, Raspberry Lemonade is the perfect way to stay cool and refreshed all season long. 
Check out this recipe.
virgin mojito, classic mint mojito, mint lemonade, non alcoholic mocktail drink #summerdrink

Virjin Mojito

Virgin Mojito is a classic and refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail drink packed with lemon and mint flavors that adults and kids will love. This drink can be prepared in 5 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Dulce De Leche Milkshake, Caramel Milkshake, Best & easy summer drink recipes, dessert drinks, fancy desserts, ice cream float, #milkshake #icecreamshake #dulcedeleche #summerdrinks #4thofjuly #caramel

Dulce De Leche Milkshake

Dulce De Leche Milkshake is an intensely delicious, creamy, and thick milkshake filled with the flavor and goodness of caramel, topped with churros and chocolate - all in one glass.
Check out this recipe.
ORANGE SHAKE UP - BEST AND POPULAR CARNIVAL AND FAIR FOOD

Orange Shake Up

Orange Shake Up is one of the best thirst-quenching and refreshing, easy-to-make drink that requires just 3 ingredients to prepare. One of the best and popular food item from carnival and fair food list, and can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Best Falooda Recipe (Indian Royal Rose Faluda Ice cream dessert drink).

Ice Cream Float

Best Falooda Recipe you will make at home. This is a delicious Indian dessert drink or ice cream float with a unique combination of flavors from rose syrup, sweet basil seeds, falooda noodles or sev, chilled milk topped with vanilla ice cream, and tutti frutti.
Check out this recipe.
Mango Mastani, Mango Shake with ice cream, thick mango milkshake, mango ice cream homemade, bajirao mastani drink and story, diwali recipes, fasting recipes, mumbai, pune street food, summer drink dessert recipes, mango recipes, Indian dessert drink, navratri vrat recipes, alphonso recipes, mango pulp, chunks and puree, iftar and ramzan recipe

Mango Thickshake

Mango Mastani | Mango Shake is a rich, thick and creamy drink topped with ice cream, dry fruits, nuts, and freshly chopped mango chunks. A delightful drink for all mango lovers.
This mango milkshake with ice cream is a popular street food recipe from Pune, named after the famous Bajirao’s wife Mastani. You can prepare this in 5 mins!
Check out this recipe.

Make Ahead

You can make ahead some of the best and most delicious summer desserts. Some of my family's favorites include frozen treats like dulce de leche ice cream, 3-ingredient mango ice cream, no-bake panna cotta, overnight chia seed pudding, fruit-based bread, zucchini cake, and more.

I have given make-ahead and store instructions for desserts in each of their recipe posts.

No Bake Summer Desserts

If you don't want to turn on your oven on hot summer days, just like us, then do try these quick and easy no-bake summer desserts that are perfect on a hot sunny day.

These no-bake treats are made using seasonal fruits like berries (strawberries, blueberry, blackberry, watermelon, peaches, and more).

Some of our favorites include patriotic berry panna cotta, strawberries and cream or quick peaches and cream, seasonal fruits, and chia pudding.

Recipe FAQS

What are some individual summer desserts?

If you are looking for individual serving desserts, then try out a trifle, parfait, mug cake, fruit panna cotta, and fruit-based mousse.

What dessert does well in the heat?

Fruit-based pies, cakes, cupcakes, jello, or slice of seasonal fruits are the light and best way to end your summer meal.

Recipe card

Collage of best, easy and light summer dessert recipes and drinks.

Easy Summer Dessert Recipes

Kushi
Quick, refreshing, and light desserts are the best for summer. The local farmer's market is filled with beautiful and colorful seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, cherries, grapes, nectarines, plums, cantaloupes, and watermelon. The best way to consume these summer fruits is to make easy and refreshing summer desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
5 from 39 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 365 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Berries and Cream

  • 1 lb Fresh seasonal berries, chopped (Use strawberry, blueberry, blackberry or combine seasonal fruits)
  • 1 or 2 tablespoon Sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

For the cream

  • 1 pint Heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Confectioners sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Combine berries of your choice, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Toss and keep it in the refrigerator for atleast 30 minutes so that the juices are released.
    1 lb Fresh seasonal berries, chopped, 1 or 2 tablespoon Sugar, ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • Add cream, sugar, confectioners, and vanilla extract in a bowl, and whip until medium-stiff peaks are formed using a hand-held mixer.
    1 pint Heavy cream, ⅓ cup Sugar, 1 tablespoon Confectioners sugar, ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • Arnnage cream and berries in dessert bowls or glasses. Keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 22mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 1168IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Dessert and Sweets Recipes for a Sweet Tooth

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Comments

  1. Kathleen

    5 stars
    This is one comprehensive and fantastic list of summertime delights. I'm looking forward to trying and sharing all of them. Yum!

    Reply

  2. suja md

    5 stars
    Thank you for all desserts, looks amazing.

    Reply

  3. chara

    5 stars
    Love this recipe, gonna make this on the weekend. thanks for sharing

    Reply

  4. Justine

    5 stars
    These all look fantastic!

    Reply

  5. Jess

    5 stars
    Delish and perfect for summer

    Reply
5 from 39 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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