Favorite Desserts for Sunny Days

Spring and summer desserts are all about keeping things light, fresh, and easy. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want something cool after a hot day, there’s always room for a sweet treat. These recipes are made to keep things simple and seasonal.

From frozen favorites like popsicles and ice cream to no-bake bars and fruit-based dishes, there’s a lot to choose from. Many use in-season fruits like berries, peaches, or watermelon, making them both refreshing and flavorful. You don’t need a lot of time or effort to make something everyone will enjoy.

These desserts are great for casual get-togethers, picnics, or just an afternoon treat. They’re flexible, quick to make, and perfect for warmer weather. Whether you want something fruity, creamy, or crunchy, there’s something that fits.

Lemonade Pie

This chilled pie is creamy, tangy, and perfect for warm days. It’s made with frozen lemonade concentrate and a graham cracker crust, coming together quickly with minimal effort. Light and refreshing, it’s a great make-ahead dessert. Serve it cold with a bit of whipped topping for a cool finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemonade Pie

Blackberry Lime Sorbet

Sweet blackberries and a splash of lime come together in a smooth, icy treat. It’s light, vibrant, and naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for hot afternoons. The lime adds a subtle tang that complements the berries perfectly. Just blend, freeze, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Sorbet

Sugar Cream Pie

This old-fashioned pie has a silky, custard-like filling with a rich vanilla flavor. It’s set in a simple pie crust and topped with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. It’s comforting, straightforward, and ideal for those who prefer something a little more subtle. Serve chilled or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cream Pie

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A rich, creamy cheesecake topped with a layer of gooey pecan pie filling—this one combines two favorites in one dessert. The buttery crust holds everything together while the nutty topping adds a bit of crunch. Great for holidays or when you want something a little extra. It slices beautifully and always gets compliments.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Zucchini Brownies

Moist and chocolatey, these brownies use shredded zucchini to create a soft, rich texture without tasting like veggies. They’re fudgy, easy to make, and a smart way to use up extra zucchini. No one will know they’re in there unless you tell them. A favorite even with picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Brownies

Peach Crumble Bars

Juicy peach filling is layered between a buttery crust and crumb topping in these easy-to-slice bars. The fruit softens and sweetens in the oven, creating a perfect balance with the golden crumbs. Great for picnics, dessert trays, or packing in lunchboxes. No fork required.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars

Raspberry Dump Cake

This fuss-free dessert uses a handful of pantry ingredients to create a warm, berry-filled treat with a soft cake topping. The raspberries break down as they bake, creating a fruity layer that pairs well with the crisp edges. It’s great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Dump Cake

Strawberry Crème Brûlée

This version of the classic dessert features a layer of fresh strawberries beneath the silky vanilla custard. The crisp caramelized sugar top adds contrast in both texture and flavor. It’s elegant but not overly complicated to make. Chill it well before torching the top for that signature crack.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crème Brûlée

Easy Peach Cake Recipe

Soft, moist, and full of juicy peaches, this cake is as simple as it is flavorful. Whether made in a round pan or as a sheet cake, it bakes up beautifully golden. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze finishes it off nicely. It’s great for brunch or a low-key dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Cake Recipe

Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

These bars feature sweet-tart yellow plums tucked into a crumbly base and topping. They slice easily and hold their shape, making them perfect for sharing. The plum filling thickens as it bakes, creating a jam-like center. A great way to use seasonal stone fruit.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars

Blueberry Crumble

Warm blueberries bubble beneath a crisp, golden oat topping in this simple baked dessert. The fruit softens and thickens in the oven, becoming rich and jammy. Great on its own or topped with whipped cream or ice cream. It’s a go-to when you want something easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumble

Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds

This chocolate tart is rich and dense, with a smooth filling set in a crisp almond crust. A sprinkle of sea salt or a few toasted almonds on top adds a bit of contrast. It’s a dessert that feels special but isn’t overly complicated. Best served in thin slices with coffee or berries.
Get the Recipe: Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds

Strawberry Crunch Bars

These no-bake bars combine creamy strawberry filling with a crunchy, crumb topping that mimics a nostalgic ice cream bar. They’re layered, chilled, and easy to slice. A fun treat for parties, especially when it’s too hot to bake. Sweet, crunchy, and cool.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Bars

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Creamy avocado blends into the chocolate to create a smooth, rich mousse that’s surprisingly light. It’s a smart dessert that feels indulgent but uses simple, wholesome ingredients. Sweeten to your liking and top with fruit, nuts, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Quick to make, and it chills beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Raspberry Pretzel Salad

This layered dessert combines a salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and a top layer of raspberry gelatin with whole berries. The contrast of salty and sweet is what makes it so popular. Best served chilled, it’s great for potlucks and family gatherings. Always a hit on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Pretzel Salad

Light Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping

This cheesecake is airy and less dense than its American counterpart, with a soft, creamy center and crisp crumb topping. It’s lightly sweet, letting the texture do most of the talking. Perfect for those who enjoy something a bit more subtle. Serve it chilled for the best results.
Get the Recipe: Light Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping

Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Layered with cake, ice cream, and plenty of strawberries, this frozen dessert is both pretty and practical. It’s a fun way to cool down on hot days and easy to make ahead for parties. The layers hold up well when sliced. A great crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Saiki K Coffee Jelly

Inspired by the anime, this dessert features firm, glossy coffee-flavored cubes served with sweet cream or milk. It’s mildly bitter, balanced by the creamy topping, and makes a refreshing pick-me-up. Serve it in glasses or bowls for a fun twist on your usual dessert rotation. A little different, in a good way.
Get the Recipe: Saiki K Coffee Jelly

Éclair Cake

This no-bake dessert layers graham crackers with a vanilla pudding mixture and tops it all with chocolate frosting. It chills in the fridge until the layers soften into something smooth and sliceable. Tastes like a classic éclair, but no piping bags required. Great for potlucks and make-ahead treats.
Get the Recipe: Éclair Cake

Mini Strawberry Shortcake

These single-serve shortcakes are layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a simple, summery treat. The biscuits bake up soft and slightly sweet, the perfect base for the fruit. Easy to assemble and great for gatherings. Serve right after assembling for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Mini Strawberry Shortcake

Blueberry Dump Cake

A simple, hands-off dessert where blueberries bake under a golden, buttery cake mix topping. As it cooks, the berries release their juices and blend with the mix to form a soft, warm layer. Just add a scoop of ice cream or a bit of cream on top. It’s low-effort and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Dump Cake