50 Fruity Summer Desserts That Are Easier Than Pie
You'll love these easy, breezy treats that make the most of summer's sweetest produce.
Easy Summer Dessert Recipes
Rhubarb Tart
“The rhubarb flavour in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I’ll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts.” —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Get the recipe for Rhubarb Tart.
Bing Cherry-Amaretti Fool
“When Bing cherries are in season, I make this fruity custard-style fool. The sweet cherries and whipped cream balance perfectly with the sour cream.” —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Get the recipe for Bing Cherry-Amaretti Fool.
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
“One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved!” —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine
Get the recipe for Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries.
Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes
“This deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve.” —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Get the recipe for Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes.
Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake
“My family loves this lemon ice cream cake anytime, but it’s especially refreshing on a hot summer day. The sweet cream of coconut and tart lemon juice make a delicious combo, and the streusel adds a nice crunch.” —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio
Get the recipe for Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake.
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops
“These delicious ice-pops can be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon rind brings another layer of taste. They’re quick, easy and kid-friendly.” —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Get the recipe for Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
“I prepare this colourful dessert quite often in the summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece.” —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake.
Peach and Berry Cobbler
“This is one of my favourite summer recipes, as it features peaches and berries that are in season. But it’s just as delicious with frozen fruit any time of the year. The quick biscuit topping brings it all together.” —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Get the recipe for Peach and Berry Cobbler.
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
“This icebox cake has all of the flavours of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island!” —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Get the recipe for Pina Colada Icebox Cake.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cream
“A friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available.” —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Get the recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Cream.
Homemade Cherry Crisp
“Our family loves this pretty, tasty dessert. It uses convenient pie filling, so you can make it in no time—and it takes mere minutes to heat in the microwave.” —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
Get the recipe for Homemade Cherry Crisp.
Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
“I won a bake-off contest at Purdue University with this recipe for lemon bars with cream cheese frosting. I think you’ll love the dreamy topping.” —Michael Hunter, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Get the recipe for Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Strawberry Lemon Trifle
“This refreshingly fruity dessert is one of our favourites. It looks so beautiful layered in a glass bowl that people will think you fussed. The secret is starting with a purchased angel food cake.” —Lynn Marie Frucci, Pullman, Washington
Get the recipe for Strawberry Lemon Trifle.
Cranberry Apple Crisp
“Cranberries and apples are quite compatible in flavour and colour, and they help make any table look inviting.” —Martha Sue Stroud, Clarksville, Texas
Get the recipe for Cranberry Apple Crisp.
Rustic Orange-Rhubarb Tart
“This rustic rhubarb and orange tart is the perfect light dessert. We love it with fresh rhubarb in the spring, but it also tastes great with frozen fruit.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Rustic Orange-Rhubarb Tart.
No-Churn Blueberry Graham Cracker Ice Cream
“This sweet and creamy no-churn ice cream features a fresh blueberry jam swirl and graham cracker pieces. You can use raspberries in place of the blueberries for a different berry flavour.” —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Get the recipe for No-Churn Blueberry Graham Cracker Ice Cream.
Raspberry Patch Crumb Bars
“To give these fresh, fruity bars even more crunch, add a sprinkling of nuts to the yummy crumb topping. Everyone will want to indulge.” —Leanna M. Thorne, Lakewood, Colorado
Get the recipe for Raspberry Patch Crumb Bars.
Pineapple Coconut Tassies
“These cookies may sound and look fancy, but they’re rather easy to make. Their simplicity makes them an ideal choice for baking with children. My granddaughter enjoys helping me measure the ingredients. Children also can help shape the dough into balls, and then you can finish them together.” —Connie Shuff, York, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Pineapple Coconut Tassies.
Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake
“This scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favourite. My grandma even carries out our family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer.” —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida
Get the recipe for Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake.
Raspberry Cake
“Jazz up plain cake with raspberry gelatin and frozen berries. Spread with a light, fruity whipped topping, the festive results make a cool and refreshing dessert.” —Marion Anderson, Dalton, Minnesota
Get the recipe for Raspberry Cake.
Blueberry Zucchini Squares
“I saw a bar recipe on a box of muffin mix using apple and lemon zest. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a tasty combo.” —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Get the recipe for Blueberry Zucchini Squares.
Coconut Milk Strawberry-Banana Pops
These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You’ll love the hint of tropical flavour, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Coconut Milk Strawberry-Banana Pops.
Lemon-Lime Bars
“This easy lime bar recipe is a dessert that will wow your guests. I baked these bars for a luncheon on a hot summer day. A gentleman made his way to the kitchen to compliment the cook who made them.” —Holly Wilkins, Lake Elmore, Vermont
Get the recipe for Lemon-Lime Bars.
Roasted Strawberry Sheet Cake
“My Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is an ode to her.” —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Get the recipe for Roasted Strawberry Sheet Cake.
Peach Crisp Parfait Pops
“My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the pop sticks.” —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah
Get the recipe for Peach Crisp Parfait Pops.
Skillet Blueberry Slump
“My mother-in-law made a slump of wild blueberries with dumplings and served it warm with a pitcher of farm cream. We’ve been enjoying slump desserts for 60 years.” —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota
Get the recipe for Skillet Blueberry Slump.
Rhubarb Custard Bars
“Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves.” —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Rhubarb Custard Bars.
Iva’s Peach Cobbler
“My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer.” —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho
Get the recipe for Iva’s Peach Cobbler.
Cherry-Chocolate Pudgy Pie
“Here’s an ooey-gooey treat that’s just right for campfires and cookouts.” —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Get the recipe for Cherry-Chocolate Pudgy Pie.
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup
“Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth.” —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Get the recipe for Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup.
Blueberry Angel Dessert
“Make the most of angel food cake, pie filling and whipped topping by creating this light impressive dessert that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. It’s the perfect way to end a summer meal.” —Carol Johnson, Tyler, Texas
Get the recipe for Blueberry Angel Dessert.
Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice
“If you didn’t think watermelon and cilantro could go together in a dessert, this recipe will give you a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top for extra flair.” —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Get the recipe for Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice.
Lemon Ginger Icebox Cake
“Everyone searches for grand desserts that have easy ingredients and minimal effort. My lemony ginger icebox cake is the answer. It’s a lifesaver.” —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Get the recipe for Lemon Ginger Icebox Cake.
Triple Fruit Freeze
“These pops won’t turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they’re made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit.” —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Triple Fruit Freeze.
Strawberry-Lime Bars
“Our family loves fresh strawberries so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime, pretzels and cream cheese.” —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lime Bars.
Blueberry Graham Dessert
When you’re short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavour as cheesecake without the effort. Instead of making individual servings, you could layer the ingredients in a glass serving bowl. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Blueberry Graham Dessert.
Lemon Whirligigs with Raspberries
“Golden whirligigs with a tart lemon flavour float on a ruby raspberry sauce in this delectable dessert. I love serving it for guests. My children also like it made with blackberries.” —Vicki Ayres, Wappingers Falls, New York
Get the recipe for Lemon Whirligigs with Raspberries.
Strawberry Ice Cream Charlotte
“My family loves ice cream cake, so they were delighted when I first presented this dessert. It’s light, delicious and has a festive presentation.” —Scarlett Elrod, Newman, Georgia
Get the recipe for Strawberry Ice Cream Charlotte.
Summer Blackberry Cobbler
“My husband is from Alabama, so I like to treat him to classic Southern desserts. This cobbler is a must-have for us in the summer.” —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California
Get the recipe for Summer Blackberry Cobbler.
Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Yogurt Parfait
“Tart grapefruit and lime are balanced with a bit of honey in this cool and easy parfait.” —Lois Enger, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Get the recipe for Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Yogurt Parfait.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip Cake
“My friend Dave always brought two strawberry rhubarb cakes to work to celebrate his birthday. He’d use up rhubarb growing in the yard and treat his co-workers.” —Charlene Schwartz, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip Cake.
Blueberry Buckle with Lemon Sauce
“This recipe is a family favourite, served warm as dessert, plain or with a scoop of ice cream. My family also likes it cold as a coffee cake. But the lemon sauce topping makes this traditional dessert a little different, enhancing the flavour of the blueberries.” —Maureen Carr, Carman, Manitoba
Get the recipe for Blueberry Buckle with Lemon Sauce.
Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle
“For a dessert that looks as great as it tastes, this one can’t be beat! Layers of rich pound cake, luscious cream and sweet strawberries make this treat very inviting.” —Marnie Stoughton, Glenburnie, Ontario
Get the recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle.
Summer Dessert Pizza
“My family enjoys this dessert pizza recipe anytime of the year, but it’s especially refreshing during the hot months. You can use whatever fruits are in season.” —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Get the recipe for Summer Dessert Pizza.
Cherry-Peach Dumplings
“You can make this fruity dessert on your stovetop, but to really impress your guests, simmer it in an electric skillet right at the dinner table. There’s no more convenient way to enjoy the fruits of the season.” —Patricia Frerk, Syracuse, New York
Get the recipe for Cherry-Peach Dumplings.
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
“For an airy delight on a summer afternoon, try this mouthwatering cheesecake. Because it doesn’t contain eggs, it’s lighter but also very creamy and refreshing.” —Ken Gallagher, Hastings, Nebraska
Get the recipe for No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake.
Lemon Sheet Cake
“Lemon pie filling lends a splash of citrus flavour to convenient cake mix, and a rich cream cheese frosting gives it sweetness. My family likes this lemon sheet cake cold, so I cut it into squares and freeze before serving.” —Alyce Dubisar, North Bend, Oregon
Get the recipe for Lemon Sheet Cake.
Strawberry Bliss
“My easy-to-make puff pastry crust is topped with a soft-set pudding layer that has a hint of strawberry flavour. It needs to chill for at least an hour, so it’s your new go-to for a make-ahead brunch!” —Candace Richter, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Strawberry Bliss.
Rhubarb Mallow Cobbler
“My mom used to make this cobbler every year when I was growing up. Now we take fresh rhubarb to my son in Texas so he can share this recipe with his family.” —Judy Kay Warwick, Webster City, Iowa
Get the recipe for Rhubarb Mallow Cobbler.
Raspberry Custard Kuchen
“Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It’s no fuss to fix and impressive to serve.” —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington
Get the recipe for Raspberry Custard Kuchen.
After you’ve added these easy summer dessert recipes to your repertoire, check out our favourite three-ingredient recipes.
