Summer baking is all about simple treats that don’t keep you stuck in a hot kitchen. June brings ripe berries, juicy stone fruits, and backyard gatherings that call for sweet endings.
These 17 desserts have become reader favorites because they deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss – perfect for sunny days when you’d rather be outside than measuring flour!
1. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Bars
Creamy, cool, and totally oven-free! These bars feature a buttery graham cracker base topped with smooth cream cheese filling.
Fresh summer berries create a gorgeous topping that looks fancy but takes seconds to arrange. Great for hot days when turning on the oven feels like torture.
2. Lemon Icebox Pie
Grandma’s secret weapon for summer gatherings! This zesty pie combines condensed milk with bright lemon juice for a filling that’s tangy and sweet.
The magic happens in your refrigerator – no baking required except for the quick graham cracker crust. One slice delivers sunshine in every cool, creamy bite.
3. Three-Ingredient Strawberry Popsicles
Who needs the ice cream truck? Blend fresh strawberries, yogurt, and honey for popsicles that taste like summer on a stick.
Kids love helping pour the mixture into molds. The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze! These treats have no artificial colors or preservatives – just pure fruity goodness.
4. One-Bowl Blueberry Cobbler
Bursting with juicy berries and topped with golden biscuit-like crust! This cobbler comes together in just one bowl.
The beauty lies in its rustic nature – no perfect crimping or fancy techniques needed. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream melting into the bubbling berry filling for maximum summer vibes.
5. Five-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
Chocolate cravings wait for no one! This single-serving cake cooks in your microwave in just one minute.
Mix pantry staples directly in your mug – no extra dishes to wash. The result is a warm, gooey center surrounded by cake that’s perfect for those nights when you need dessert ASAP.
6. Grilled Peach Sundaes
Fire up the grill for dessert! Halved peaches get caramelized and extra sweet when kissed by flames for just 3 minutes per side.
Top the warm fruit with vanilla ice cream that melts into the nooks and crannies. A drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon transforms this simple idea into restaurant-worthy dessert magic.
7. Two-Ingredient Pineapple Whip
The famous theme park treat made easy at home! Frozen pineapple chunks and coconut milk blend into a dairy-free soft serve that’s tropical and refreshing.
Serve immediately for soft-serve texture or freeze for firmer scoops later. The natural sweetness means no added sugar needed – making this a healthier option for cooling down.
8. Mason Jar Banana Pudding
Southern comfort in portable form! Layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers soften into heavenly bites.
The clear jars show off the pretty layers while making portion control easy. Make these a day ahead – they actually taste better after the cookies have time to absorb moisture and become cake-like.
9. Watermelon Pizza
Fun, fresh, and totally Instagram-worthy! A thick round watermelon slice becomes the “crust” for this playful dessert.
Top with yogurt “sauce” and pile on berries, mint, and shredded coconut “cheese.” Cut into triangles for the ultimate summer party trick. Kids go crazy for this healthy treat that looks like their favorite food.
10. Four-Ingredient Strawberry Shortcake
Store-bought pound cake transforms into elegant dessert with zero effort! Slice the cake, pile on macerated strawberries, and finish with a cloud of whipped cream.
The juices soak into the cake creating amazing flavor. Want to look fancy? Serve in wine glasses or mason jars with layers visible for a dessert that looks way more complicated than it is.
11. Lemonade Icebox Cake
Tastes like summer in cake form! Graham crackers layered with lemonade-flavored whipped cream create a no-bake wonder.
The crackers soften into cake-like layers as it chills. A sprinkle of lemon zest on top adds bright color and flavor punch. This dessert disappears fast at potlucks – people can’t believe how simple the ingredients are!
12. Air Fryer Berry Hand Pies
Flaky, fruity pockets ready in 10 minutes! Your air fryer transforms store-bought pie crust and fresh berries into hand-held treats.
The circulating heat creates perfectly golden crusts without heating up your kitchen. A quick glaze of powdered sugar icing adds sweetness. These portable pies are perfect for picnics or eating while wandering through the backyard.
13. Cookie Dough Dip
All the joy of eating cookie dough without raw eggs! This chickpea-based dip sounds strange but tastes exactly like chocolate chip cookie batter.
Nobody will guess the secret healthy ingredient. Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, or fruit for dipping. Keep it chilled for the authentic cookie dough texture that everyone sneaks from the mixing bowl.
14. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Healthy enough for breakfast but sweet enough for dessert! Spread Greek yogurt on a parchment-lined tray and sprinkle with summer berries and honey.
Freeze until solid, then break into irregular pieces. The tangy yogurt base pairs perfectly with sweet fruit. Store in freezer bags for grab-and-go treats that cool you down instantly.
15. Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Remember those store-bought ice cream sandwiches? These homemade versions use Rice Krispie treats instead of cookies!
The chewy, marshmallowy squares hold ice cream perfectly without getting too hard when frozen. Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters for extra smiles. These nostalgic treats combine two childhood favorites in one irresistible package.
16. Peach Dump Cake
The name isn’t fancy but the flavor is amazing! Simply dump canned peaches, cake mix, and butter in a baking dish.
The ingredients transform into a cobbler-like dessert with crispy top and jammy fruit bottom. No mixing bowls needed! This old-fashioned recipe has survived generations because it’s foolproof and always delicious.
17. Frozen Chocolate-Dipped Banana Bites
Nature’s popsicles get a chocolate upgrade! Banana slices dipped in melted chocolate create bite-sized frozen treats.
Roll in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut before freezing for extra texture. These little flavor bombs satisfy sweet cravings with built-in portion control. The frozen banana takes on an ice cream-like texture that’s surprisingly creamy.