30 Summer Desserts That Are No-Bake and Oh, So Easy

Val Goodrich

By Val Goodrich

Updated on Jul. 03, 2025

Too hot to turn on the oven? No problem! These easy summer desserts are ready in a flash and don't even need to be baked. Keep cool and reward yourself with these no-bake recipes.

While you’ll certainly be craving something sweet during the peak of summer, you may not be relishing the idea of turning on the oven. Don’t worry! You can get your summer desserts desires fulfilled with the best flavors of the season—all without having to bake a thing.

These no-bake summer desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you and your kitchen cool. Expect ice cream-based desserts like ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cakes, cream cheese or pudding-based no-bake pies with all sorts of fun crumb crust ingredients, a few fruity popsicle recipes and even those vintage icebox desserts that are making a comeback.

1/30

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Total Time:10 min
Servings:18
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It takes 10 minutes, tops, to prepare this cool ice cream sandwich cake, but it tastes as though you spent a lot of time creating it. —Cathie Valentine, Graniteville, South Carolina

Got a box of the best ice cream sandwiches in your freezer? Need a summer dessert that takes those treats to the next level? This is your recipe. Layer the sammies with whipped topping, caramel, candy bars and, yes, maraschino cherries.

2/30

Strawberry Lemon Trifle

Total Time:20 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This refreshingly fruity dessert is one of our favorites. It looks so beautiful layered in a glass bowl that people will think it took ages to make. The secret is starting with a purchased angel food cake. —Lynn Marie Frucci, Pullman, Washington

You can skip the baking by snagging an angel food cake from the grocery store. Be sure to layer plenty of fresh strawberries into this trifle to really make it feel like summertime.

3/30

Icebox Cake

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious. —Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York

Icebox cakes are some of the best-ever summer desserts. They require no baking and just a handful of ingredients. Top this one with plenty of chocolate curls for an elegant finish.

4/30

Cherry Delight Dessert

Total Time:20 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This smooth and creamy cheesecake-like treat is light, sweet and pretty too. Convenience products make it quick and easy to prepare. My husband also likes this dessert when I substitute blueberry pie filling. —Lanae Powell, McPherson, Kansas

No time to bake a cheesecake? No problem! This recipe uses cream cheese, whipped topping and cherry pie filling to make a treat that tastes like cheesecake but without all the work.

5/30

Pina Colada Lush

Total Time:3 hours 20 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Pina colada lush is such a fantastic warm weather dessert—it's so light and refreshing, and a breeze to make! I love how the tart pineapple pairs with the sweet coconut. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

Transform a pina colada, almost everyone’s favorite tropical cocktail, into a summer dessert for all to enjoy. This recipe starts with a crumb crust, and then layers of creamy whipped topping, pudding and coconut get piled on top.

6/30

No-Bake Blueberry Pie

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you like the taste of fresh blueberries, you'll love this pie. Since it's a breeze to whip up, I make it often, especially in summer. —Milda Anderson, Osceola, Wisconsin

Have five minutes? Then you have time for this recipe, one of the swiftest summer desserts in our library. Use plenty of fresh blueberries and prepare for folks to ask for seconds.

7/30

Mixed Berry Tiramisu

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Classic tiramisu gets a summery update thanks to heaps of fresh berries and an orange-infused cream.

8/30

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Warm weather coming your way? It’s time for a strawberry pretzel dessert! This pie takes all the favorite flavors from the classic fluff salad and turns them into a stunning no-bake pie.

9/30

Chocolate Scotcheroos

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was given to me by a student at my school. It has become one of my family's favorites and is so easy to make. —Lois Mays, Covington, Pennsylvania

These scotcheroos are a must-try midwestern dessert. They are a next-level rice cereal treat and are just the right dessert to take to a family reunion or picnic.

10/30

Banana Cream Pie with Pudding

Total Time:10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, the no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

Got spare bananas on your counter? Skip the banana bread and make one of the most beloved summer desserts. This pie comes together lightning-quick courtesy of instant pudding mix and whipped topping.

11/30

Triple Berry No-Bake Cheesecake

Total Time:20 min
Servings:12 (3-1/3 cups topping)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I've made many cheesecakes and enjoy them all, but they're usually time-consuming. When I first tried this recipe, my husband said it was better than the baked ones, and that was a big plus for me! —Joyce Mummau, Baltimore, Maryland

A baked cheesecake can take a lot of time—time you want to spend enjoying the best of summer. This no-bake version is equally as delicious as its baked counterparts but takes just 20 minutes to prep. Let it chill in the fridge while you play a few yard games.

12/30

Fresas con Crema

Total Time:10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This refreshing dessert is wonderful when berries are in season. Media crema is a rich, unsweetened cream found in the baking aisle or ethnic food section of the grocery store. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

This fresas con crema recipe is made with media crema. It’s similar to crème fraîche, so feel free to use that as a substitute!

13/30

Million-Dollar Pie

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2 pies (6 pieces each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This classic pie has become an instant family favorite. I like to replace some of the ingredients with low-sugar versions. Add blueberries for a beautiful Fourth of July pie! —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

Need an easy summer dessert that tastes like a million bucks? This million-dollar pie is it! The no-bake recipe is layered with pineapple, pecans and coconut flavors. For even more decadence, check out more million-dollar recipes.

14/30

Root Beer Float Pie

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don't even need to use an oven! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

A root beer float on a hot day is always a hit, but you can turn it into a sharable sweet treat when you transform it into an easy no-bake pie.

15/30

Strawberry Icebox Cake

Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Filled to the brim with cream for a smooth texture, this strawberry icebox cake has soft graham crackers and sweet strawberries layered inside. Top the cake with more sliced strawberries for a beautiful finish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Quick and easy, this refreshing make-ahead freezer dessert is perfect for using up those fresh summer berries.

16/30

Fried Ice Cream Dessert Bars

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Fried ice cream is such a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to make individual servings. This recipe gives you the same fabulous flavor in an easy and convenient bar form. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin

Fried ice cream has never been easier. Now everyone can enjoy the bar version of this wonderful treat.

17/30

No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Total Time:30 min
Servings:1 cheesecake
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This no-bake lemon cheesecake comes together in just 30 minutes. The tangy and creamy dessert is the perfect complement to a rich and filling dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

End a summer dinner with this light and refreshing no-bake lemon cheesecake. Garnish it with a few lemon slices and a handful of blueberries for a minimalist yet elegant presentation.

18/30

Pineapple Cheesecake

Total Time:15 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A co-worker shared the recipe for this easy yet elegant dessert years ago, and our family has enjoyed it many times since. —Phoebe Carre, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

No, ladyfingers aren’t just for tiramisu! They can also form a tasty “crust” for summer desserts. Use them to contain a tangy pineapple cheesecake filling.

19/30

Strawberry Rhubarb Cream

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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

When strawberries and rhubarb are both in season, it’s a magical time of year. Combine them with fresh whipped cream for a simple seasonal dessert.

20/30

Oreo Mousse Cake

Total Time:35 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Oreo mousse cake is so simple to put together, but it tastes as decadent as a fancy restaurant dessert. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Have fun garnishing this cake as you like. Use crushed or whole Oreos, additional whipped cream rosettes or chocolate shavings.

21/30

Cheesecake Cups

Total Time:30 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These bite-sized cheesecakes don't require baking, making them easy to whip up. With a graham cracker crust and a topping of whipped cream and fresh berries, they're the perfect little treat to serve at any party. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Who said cheesecake needs to be baked in a crust? This summertime recipe has a graham cracker base beneath layers of creamy filling with fresh fruit to create a treat that tastes just like your favorite cheesecake, all with a fraction of the work.

22/30

Strawberry Banana Pudding

Total Time:20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I add in additional fruit to get a little closer to all those servings we need every day. You can also try using different flavored puddings and fruit to switch up the recipe. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia

So many delicious summer desserts, including this one, start with a box of pudding mix. Try this strawberry banana pudding with any flavor of pudding you like. We used cheesecake but think it also would be delicious with pistachio or French vanilla.

23/30

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Total Time:25 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You'll love this dessert from top to bottom, with its crust made of vanilla wafers, filling of freeze-dried strawberries and cream cheese, and crumbled topping of the wafers and berries together. —Megan Taylor, Greenfield, Wisconsin

This cheesecake packs the flavors of sweet strawberries into every bite. Strawberry lovers, rejoice!

24/30

Fluffy Key Lime Pie

Total Time:20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan

Key lime pie got even easier. This five-ingredient dessert is light, fluffy and perfect for a summer day.

25/30

3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake

Total Time:15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you’re craving a luscious treat but don't have the time to make something elaborate, this easy cheesecake recipe will truly change how you make dessert! With only three ingredients and no baking required, it's a handy recipe that tastes just like the real thing. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon

Craving a slice of New York cheesecake but don’t have the energy to make it? Try this no-bake cheesecake instead. It requires just three ingredients!

26/30

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies bring back fond memories of my mom. They were her favorite, and she always made a batch when she knew company was coming. —Jacquie McTaggart, Independence, Iowa

When you’re in a hurry, you want summer desserts that come together in a flash. These treats—a combination of oats, peanut butter and chocolate—take only a few minutes to prep!

27/30

Lemon Blueberry Trifle

Total Time:15 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas

Lemon and blueberry are such a punchy and delicious flavor combination. Try them together in this trifle, which uses plenty of fresh blueberries along with a zesty lemon filling. Start with a store-bought angel food cake to save time.

28/30

Rocky Road Rice Krispies Treats

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Piled high with chocolate chunks, gooey marshmallows and crushed graham crackers, this rocky road Rice Krispies treats recipe is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

If you love the ice cream, you’ll adore the flavors in these Rice Krispies treats. We dare you to eat just one!

29/30

Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8 pops
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick

Early summer is prime time for rhubarb. Make use of your pick with these sweet and tart ice pops.

30/30

Raspberry Cream Pie

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is delicious with either fresh picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter into summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee

In the summer, you can make this simple pie with fresh berries. When you’re craving a bit of summer in cool months, feel free to swap in frozen berries.

Summer Dessert FAQs

What are the best no-bake summer desserts for hot days?

The best no-bake summer desserts for hot days are ones that are super cold and refreshing, like popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, icebox cakes and frozen cheesecakes.

Can I make no-bake summer desserts ahead of time for parties?

Yes, in fact you should make no-bake summer desserts ahead of time for parties. Most no-bake desserts need hours to set up before serving, so it’s best to make them the day before. Bonus: That means less work on the day of the party, so there’s more time to set up and get ready!

How do I store no-bake summer desserts?

Store no-bake desserts in the fridge or freezer, depending on the recipe. I also recommend covering your desserts with storage wrap, as most no-bake desserts are cream-based, which can easily absorb lingering smells in the fridge or freezer if left uncovered.