Summer is the perfect season to take advantage of the natural sweetness of fruit! These simple summer desserts are easy to make and easy to enjoy. Look no further than these low-effort, high-reward options to sweeten the end of any summer meal.
When the temperature rises, the last thing I want to do is crank up the oven or stand over a stovetop. But there’s nothing better than a sweet send-off for summertime favorites like BBQ Pulled Pork Bowls or Skirt Steak with Roasted Red Pepper Relish.
My solution: simple, no-bake summer desserts like these!
This collection of summer dessert recipes features seasonal fruit. Take advantage of peak ripeness or hot deals at the farmers market or grocery store. When paired with classics like vanilla ice cream, honey, or chocolate, you truly can’t go wrong!
What’s Included In This Post
Balsamic Macerated Strawberries and Cream
I’m partial to strawberries after moving to a neighborhood named after them. But what’s not to love? Strawberries first show up in springtime, but are available throughout the summer.
The yogurt and whipped cream add richness to each bite. You might be licking the bowl after this one!
Easy, No-Bake Date Bark
The date bark trend first took off on social media. But for good reason! Juicy Medjool dates are the perfect base for layering peanut butter, crunchy toppings, and smooth, rich chocolate.
If you have the patience to wait while it freezes, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously chilled chocolate treat.
Get plenty more inspiration for cooking with dates in this collection of 30+ Sweet and Savory Date Recipes. Or, learn what makes Medjool dates so special in this recap of Where Dates Come From.
Zesty Cranberry Granita
Speaking of patience, you’ll need a little more for this easy summer dessert made with cranberry juice, jalapenos, and lime. A granita is less like ice cream and more like a sorbet. But it has a crumbly, loose texture similar to shaved ice.
Once you master this technique, you can repeat it with lots of other summery flavors to keep you cool all season!
Sweet Balsamic Fig Compote
If you’re craving the creaminess of ice cream, I have the perfect decadent topping for you. Fresh figs are in season during late summer and they don’t last long. If you find some, stock up!
This compote works well with both sweet and savory recipes. But I love a big scoop piled on top of vanilla ice cream and a dusting of lemon zest. So delightful to enjoy on the porch!
Cantaloupe and Caramel Ice Cream Sundaes
Last but not least, my list of five simple summer desserts ends with this spin on a classic. Use a melon baller to scoop bite-sized pieces of fresh cantaloupe into a serving dish. Add your ice cream and toppings then drizzle with caramel sauce.
The roasted peanuts and peanut brittle add that salty-sweet contrast plus crunchy texture that takes this sundae recipe over the top!
I hope you find a new favorite to enjoy all season. As always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog. Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!
