The Best Stone Fruit Desserts for When It’s Too Hot to Think
When the weather is sweltering, the last thing you want is a dessert that needs a lot of effort. Stone fruits like peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots are perfect for easy treats that don’t require much time in the kitchen. They’re sweet, juicy, and ready to go with minimal prep.
These desserts are all about keeping things simple—think chilled crisps, no-bake tarts, quick skillet bakes, and frozen treats. Stone fruits hold up well in both fresh and lightly cooked recipes, so you don’t need to do much to make them shine.
Whether you have a full fruit bowl or just a few ripe pieces on hand, there’s something here that makes dessert feel easy. Great for warm evenings or last-minute get-togethers, these ideas help you enjoy the best of summer without turning on the oven for long.
Nectarine Slab Pie
This easy-to-share pie is perfect for summer gatherings. With a buttery crust and juicy nectarines spread edge-to-edge, it’s great for feeding a crowd. Serve it warm with ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Nectarine Slab Pie
Peach Almond Tart
Flaky puff pastry, ripe peaches, and a hint of almond make this tart both simple and impressive. It bakes up beautifully with minimal effort. Best enjoyed with coffee or as a light dessert after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Peach Almond Tart
Plum and Rose Jam
A small-batch preserve that highlights the natural sweetness of plums with just a hint of floral aroma. It’s great on toast, layered in yogurt, or paired with cheese. Keeps well in the fridge and makes a thoughtful gift.
Get the Recipe: Plum and Rose Jam
Cherry Cheesecake
Creamy and rich with a bright cherry topping, this dessert brings a little luxury to the table. The buttery crust adds a nice crunch to every bite. Great for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake
Cherry Dump Cake
One of the easiest desserts you can make—just layer and bake. The cherries bubble underneath a golden cake topping that requires no mixing. It’s nostalgic, quick, and always a hit at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake
Yellow Plum Crumble Bars
Sweet-tart plums tucked between a soft shortbread base and a golden crumble top. These bars are portable and freezer-friendly, perfect for snacks or casual desserts. A fun way to use up extra fruit.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Plum Crumble Bars
Summertime Peach Crisp Recipe
This crisp is a staple for warm-weather months. Juicy peaches bake beneath a crunchy oat topping for that perfect hot-and-cold dessert combo. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Summertime Peach Crisp Recipe
Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake
A beautiful cake where fruit takes center stage. The cherries and apricots caramelize underneath, adding a sweet glaze as it bakes. Great for brunch or afternoon coffee breaks.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake
Cherry Bars a GBBO Traybake
Inspired by British baking, these traybake-style bars combine a tender cake base with vibrant cherry flavor. Easy to cut and share, they’re ideal for tea time or school lunches. Light, sweet, and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bars a GBBO Traybake
Peach Pandowdy
An old-school favorite with a rustic charm. Chunks of peach are baked under a patchwork crust that gets broken partway through baking to soak in all that juice. It’s cozy and unfussy.
Get the Recipe: Peach Pandowdy
Old Fashioned Peach Crumble Recipe
A traditional dessert that keeps things simple. Fresh peaches and a buttery topping make it a dependable choice when you want comfort in a bowl. Pairs well with vanilla anything.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Peach Crumble Recipe
Ground Cherry Jam
A unique twist on traditional jams, ground cherries bring a mild, almost pineapple-like sweetness. This spread works well on toast or stirred into oatmeal. A great way to use up a garden harvest.
Get the Recipe: Ground Cherry Jam
Sweet Cherry Cobbler
Big, soft biscuits on top of bubbling cherries—classic and hard to resist. The fruit thickens into a rich filling as it bakes. A scoop of vanilla on top never hurts.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cobbler
Sweet Cherry Handpies
These portable treats are golden and flaky, stuffed with cherry filling that doesn’t skimp. Great for picnics, lunchboxes, or anytime you want pie without the plate. They freeze well too.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Handpies
Easy Peach Cake Recipe
Simple ingredients come together for a moist, fruit-forward cake. It’s not too sweet and works well for breakfast or dessert. Dust with powdered sugar or enjoy it plain.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Cake Recipe
Peach Raspberry Bars
The tartness of raspberries balances the sweet peaches in these soft, chewy bars. They’re layered just right for a colorful treat that’s easy to slice and pack. Great for summer snacking.
Get the Recipe: Peach Raspberry Bars
Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Shortcut-friendly and no fuss—this cobbler gets its base from pantry staples. The peaches shine through while the topping puffs up perfectly. It’s ideal when you want something quick but homemade.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Chocolate Cherry Cobbler Cake
Chocolate and cherries make a bold pair in this rich, baked dessert. The cobbler-like texture is somewhere between cake and pudding. A warm spoonful is especially good with a little cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cobbler Cake
Quick and Easy Peach Hand Pies
All the charm of homemade pie in a snack-sized format. Store-bought dough keeps things simple, and the peach filling cooks down just right. Perfect for kids or quick treats on the go.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Peach Hand Pies
Cherry Pie Bars
Think of these as pie’s low-maintenance cousin. A soft base, jammy cherry center, and crumb topping all in one pan. They slice neatly and work well for parties or bake sales.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Bars
Peach Kuchen
This traditional dessert has roots in German kitchens and features peaches nestled in a custard-like filling on a tender crust. It’s best served slightly warm and makes a lovely brunch addition.
Get the Recipe: Peach Kuchen
