From creamy cheesecake to bright sorbet, these low-effort, no-bake fruit desserts bring big flavor while keeping the kitchen cool.
1/55
Mixed Berry Tiramisu
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
Want a summertime twist on a classic tiramisu? This easy fruit dessert is it! With ladyfingers, mascarpone filling and fresh berries, this no-bake beauty is ready in a flash.
2/55
Key Lime Pie with Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
The classic Key lime pie gets a mile-high makeover with this easy fruit dessert. A creamy lime filling gets topped with heaps of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkling of toasted coconut.
3/55
Blackberry Daiquiri Sherbet
From the Recipe Creator:
When I decided to try making sherbet, which is one of my favorites, blackberries were in season in my mom's garden. I love the flavor of daiquiris, and lime and rum blend with the juicy blackberries! —Shelly L. Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
This recipe is a great excuse to break out your ice cream maker (or even invest in one!). A splash of rum combined with the berries gives this sherbet a bit of daiquiri flair.
4/55
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Want easy fruit desserts that yield no leftovers? These are it! No one can resist fresh berries stuffed with a cheesecake-like filling. Take these over the top with a drizzle of chocolate and even a sprinkling of nuts.
5/55
Bing Cherry-Amaretti Fool
From the Recipe Creator:
When Bing cherries are in season, I make this fruity custard-style fool. The sweet cherries and whipped cream balance perfectly with the sour cream. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Bing cherries are one of our favorite types of cherries because of their rich color and perfectly sweet flavor. In this fool, a custard British dessert, the cherries really shine.
6/55
No-Bake Lemon Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing no-bake lemon pie is mixed in minutes and chilled while dinner is being served. —Joanne Schlabach, Shreve, Ohio
Easy fruit desserts don’t get simpler than this no-bake pie. Whip together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and whipped topping to make a creamy pie filling. Spread that into a pre-made pie crust and you’ve got a treat that will have friends asking for seconds!
7/55
Strawberry Pretzel Pie
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
If you love the classic strawberry pretzel salad, you’ll certainly adore the pie version of this treat. When it comes to easy fruit desserts, this one is uniquely satisfying thanks to the sweet and salty combination.
8/55
Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
Who can resist banana pudding? This version uses Nilla Wafer cookies as the cookie component, however you could also use your favorite packaged shortbread cookies.
9/55
Frozen Fruit Whip
From the Recipe Creator:
A fast finale to any meal is as close as the freezer. Everyone has room for some of this light, refreshing dessert. —Tanya McKay, Wells, Nevada
A quick no-bake dessert is never far when you have this whipped treat in the freezer. To make, fold together berries, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping. It will store well for up to six months.
10/55
Strawberry Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I add in additional fruit to get a little closer to all those servings you need every day. You can also try using different flavored puddings and fruit to switch up the recipe. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia
Strawberry and banana is an iconic flavor combination. These two fruits get layered together in this no-bake dessert between graham crackers and whipped topping.
11/55
Watermelon Sorbet
From the Recipe Creator:
No ice cream maker is needed to make this easy, 3-ingredient watermelon sorbet recipe. We couldn't keep enough watermelon in the house to keep up with the demand! —Kory Figura, Waverly, Iowa
No ice cream maker is needed to make this easy, 4-ingredient watermelon sorbet recipe. Instead, use a blender or food processor to combine the ingredients before moving the mix to the freezer.
12/55
Fruit Kabobs with Margarita Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Your adult guests will love the flavor of this cool and creamy margarita fruit dip recipe. Serve the kabobs either as a snack or dessert. —Michelle Zapf, Kingsland, Georgia
A splash of tequila and orange juice make this fruit dip taste just like the classic summer cocktail. Pair this dip with plenty of fresh berries and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.
If you love mangoes, you should try this marvelous no-bake sweet mango delicacy- mango delight!
13/55
Fresas con Crema
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, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This refreshing fresas con crema recipe 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. It’s similar to creme fraiche and sour cream, although sour cream is a bit tangier.
14/55
Peach Crisp Parfait Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden pop sticks. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
The secret to the crisp-like texture in these fruit pops? Granola! Feel free to swap out peaches for whatever fruit crisp flavor combo you like best.
15/55
Lemon Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
As refreshing as it is easy to make, this lemon icebox cake will become a family favorite. Using grated lemon zest in addition to lemon pudding mix gives it a bright lemon flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Icebox cakes are some of the best no-bake desserts you can make. When creamy ingredients are layered with wafers or cookies, the two mesh to create a cake-like treat. This lemon version uses graham crackers, cream cheese and lemon pudding mix.
16/55
Berry Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
This Berry Trifle is a delicious salute to summer! I usually serve it during the summer when fresh berries are bountiful, but you can also prepare it with frozen cherries and light cherry pie filling during cooler months. —Brenda Paine, North Syracuse, New York
Trifles are some of the best easy fruit desserts. You can use store-bought or leftover cake as a base. Then layer in cream and whatever fruits you love best. In this recipe, our Test Kitchen used angel food cake and plenty of berries.
17/55
Lemon Ice
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious sweet-tart lemon ice is a perfectly refreshing way to end a summer meal ... or any meal, for that matter. —Concetta Maranto Skenfield, Bakersfield, California
This delicious sweet-tart lemon ice is a perfectly refreshing way to end a summer meal. The best part: You don’t need an ice cream maker or blender. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and heat; then freeze until slushy.
18/55
Raspberry Cream Pie
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 to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee
Cheesecake, meet raspberry pie. This two-fer dessert is just right when you can’t decide between a creamy no-bake cheesecake and a fruit-forward pie.
19/55
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Looking for easy fruit desserts that are also healthy? Dip bananas in yogurt (any flavor!) and then roll in cereal or nuts. Pop these on a skewer and freeze for a simple frozen fruit pop.
20/55
Cherry No-Bake Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I always loved my no-bake cookie recipe, but I was never able to place at the fair with it. So I mixed in some maraschino cherries, added almond extract and voila! I won a blue ribbon at the county fair in 2010. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
No-bake cookies are a great snack to bring on road trips and to picnics. These used chopped cherries and a splash of almond extract for a great flavor combo.
21/55
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick and easy enough for kids to help make.
22/55
Mango Almond Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was inspired by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It's easy to prepare, refreshing, light, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Strawberries can be used as well. —Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut
Ladyfingers form the base of this icebox cake. They get dressed up with a package of frozen mango, though you could also use fresh. Toast the almonds before incorporating them into this recipe for extra crunch.
23/55
Key Lime Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
When I saw a recipe for banana cream pie trifle I was inspired to invent a version than spun off my favorite pie, Key lime. My family loved it! Some friends got to try it, too, and they enjoyed immensely as well. —Rebecah Lytle, Ocala, Florida
Need a make-ahead dessert for your next backyard bash? Look no further than this no-bake trifle. It starts with a frozen Key lime pie cut into cubes and then gets accented with cream cheese, coconut and pecans.[
24/55
Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham cracker crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight—or even a few days. It’s a great dessert to have on hand for a last-minute summer get-together.
25/55
Rainbow Strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
Dip fresh strawberries in melted candy-coated discs to create a rainbow of color. Or get adventurous and make a unicorn. The creative possibilities are endless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Transform simple chocolate-covered strawberries into technicolor strawberries. Use white chocolate chips and food coloring to create these rainbow-inspired treats.
26/55
Lemon Strawberry Trifle
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
This trifle 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 to make prep so easy.
27/55
No-Bake Blueberry Pie
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 and a heap of fresh blueberries? Then you’ve got all you need to make this easy fruit dessert.
28/55
Rosemary Citrus Sorbet
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pastel dessert bursts with the fresh flavors of grapefruit, lime and rosemary. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Have an herb garden bursting with rosemary? Use it in this sorbet! Rosemary pairs so well with citrus fruits and makes for a refreshing sorbet.
29/55
Fruit Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
While the grill is still hot, pop some of your favorite fruit onto skewers with pre-made pound cake. A little char is all you need to caramelize the sugars in the fruit.
30/55
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother's cousin shared this recipe more than 50 years ago. Our family has enjoyed it ever since, especially on a hot New Mexico day! It can be made the day before. —Vickie Britton, Hobbs, New Mexico
A frozen pound cake forms the base of this simple summer dessert. Then cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and berries are spread on top. All of this gets chilled for a cool, creamy dessert that hits the spot on a hot day.
31/55
Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping into instant pudding then layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Served in a pretty glass bowl, this banana pudding with cream cheese makes for a fancy yet fuss-free dessert. —Edna Perry, Rice, Texas
Take your classic banana pudding and layer it in a trifle dish. This way, folks can see all the delicious flavors inside.
32/55
Raspberry Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
This raspberry mousse recipe guarantees a creamy, smooth finale to any summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Elegant raspberry mousse is the perfect way to end a special summertime meal. For a special touch, top with a few fresh berries and a sprig of fresh mint from the garden.
33/55
Strawberry Banana Popsicles
From the Recipe Creator:
These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You'll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ Pink Drink, you’ll love these homemade ice pops. They use similar ingredients including coconut milk and berries.
34/55
Cherry Delight Dessert
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
Get that homemade taste in a fraction of the time. Learn how to make canned cherry pie filling taste better with a handful of not-so-secret tricks.
35/55
Fresh Raspberry Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Layered icebox cakes are so fun because they look impressive but couldn't be easier. Fresh raspberries make this one really special. Use Anna's Ginger Thins to get the scalloped edges, or regular gingersnaps if those are not available. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Tart raspberries and ginger cookies are an unexpected but delicious pairing. Stack them artfully for an icebox cake that will impress guests.
36/55
Blueberry Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
The wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick
No churn? That’s right! All you need to make this homemade ice cream is a hand mixer or stand mixer. This recipe uses fresh blueberry jam but feel free to swap in your favorite fruit jam for a different take on this treat.
37/55
Luscious Lime Angel Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
Lime topping turns angel food cake into these yummy squares that are perfect for potlucks or picnics. You can eat a piece of this light and airy dessert without feeling one bit guilty. I adapted this luscious treat from another recipe. It is super-easy to make. —Beverly Marshall, Orting, Washington
We love easy fruit desserts with a unique twist. The twist with this recipe is the cube angel food cake that forms the “crust.” It looks so inviting when you see the layered lime filling and cake paired together in each slice.
38/55
Banana Split Fluff
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Making individual banana splits for a crowd can be a hassle. This fruity fluff, though, makes it easy! It has all the same flavors as the go-to sundae but can be prepped in advance and portioned out right at the buffet table.
39/55
Blueberry Graham Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
When you're short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavor as cheesecake without the effort. Instead of making individual servings, you could layer the ingredients in a glass serving bowl. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
When you’re short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavor as cheesecake without the effort. You can make individual servings in small jars or layer all the ingredients in a glass serving bowl like a trifle.
40/55
Key Lime Pie Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
The classic creamy filling, graham cracker crust and burst of lime are all mixed together in every bite of these rolled cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
These bite-sized no-bake cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Key lime pie without having to break out the pie server. Be sure to use plenty of fresh lime zest and juice.
41/55
Creamy Pina Colada Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a family favorite and super easy to make. Some like the consistency of this pina colada pie right out of the freezer and others prefer a softer pie—either way it's delicious! —Jenny Hales, Arcadia, Oklahoma
On a summer day, who doesn’t crave a pina colada? This no-bake pie is the perfect way to share this flavor combination with friends. It uses pina colada mix as a base and gets leveled up with whipped topping, coconut and even more pineapple. We don’t blame you if you serve slices with cocktail umbrellas!
42/55
Honey-Rum Grilled Bananas
From the Recipe Creator:
These grilled bananas are the perfect dessert following a cookout. My family was skeptical at first, but everyone tried the recipe and they all agreed it was delicious. I use coconut rum from the Bahamas. —Lori Wendt, Mahomet, Illinois
These grilled bananas are the perfect dessert following a cookout. You can take advantage of the grill’s lingering heat to make these tasty treats. Craving more? Serve with ice cream!
43/55
Pineapple Cheesecake
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
Ladyfingers form an elegant and delicious crust for this no-bake treat. It’s filled with plenty of fruit flavor thanks to canned pineapple, but you can add more by piling fresh berries on top.
44/55
Strawberry Sorbet
From the Recipe Creator:
I actually first made a raspberry sorbet with an abundance of raspberries I had growing, but this simple and easy strawberry sorbet is one of my go-tos. —Karen Bailey, Golden, Colorado
Can you believe that all you need to make this refreshing sorbet are strawberries, confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice? That’s right—just three! Blend these together in a blender and pop in the freezer until firm. Then use an ice cream scoop to portion out servings for guests.
45/55
Caramel Apples
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn’t love a good gooey caramel apple? Make a double batch because these treats always go fast! —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Who doesn’t love a good gooey caramel apple? Don’t stop at just caramel, though. Dip apples in nuts, crushed cookies or candies.
46/55
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits.
47/55
Pineapple Orange Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests are pleasantly surprised to see this lovely trifle on my holiday table. Coconut, pineapple and mandarin oranges lend a tropical taste to every spoonful. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Coconut, pineapple and mandarin oranges lend a tropical taste to every spoonful of this fuss-free, no-bake dessert.
48/55
Strawberry Gelato
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright strawberry flavor and just a hint of sea salt and honey. Fresh raspberries or blackberries can be substituted for the strawberries if you prefer. If your berries are tart, add a touch more sugar or honey. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
You’ll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright, fresh strawberry flavor and just a hint of honey.
49/55
Peach Bavarian
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
A Bavarian is essentially a fancy Jell-O salad. This easy fruit dessert can be made any time of year thanks to canned or frozen peaches, though we encourage you to top with a few fresh peaches when in season.
50/55
Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to believe that just five ingredients and few minutes of preparation can result in these delicate and scrumptious tarts! —Cindi Mitchell, Waring, Texas
It’s hard to believe that just five ingredients and a few minutes of preparation can result in these delicate and scrumptious tarts! But really—that is all it takes. Just be sure to stock up on mini pie crusts at the grocery store.
51/55
Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter’s friends come over for lunch, she treats them to her tropical parfaits made with brown rice and coconut milk. They’re fresh, creamy and comforting. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Leftover rice can be easily dressed up with this coconut rice pudding recipe. Once sweetened, tropical fruits adorn the top. Use your favorite combination of kiwi, pineapple, coconut and more.
52/55
No-Bake Lemon Pudding Cheesecake Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
This retro no-bake cheesecake stirs a surprising ingredient into the batter: pudding mix! Turns out, the addition is ingenious.
This easy dessert starts with a box of instant vanilla pudding. Combined with whipped topping and layered onto a graham cracker crust, you’ve got a people-pleasing dessert. For more fruity flavor, add berries or sliced stone fruit on top.
53/55
Blackberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I read that white chocolate intensifies the flavor of blackberries. It's true! The crunch of baking chips, the blackberry puree, and the sweet and salty pretzel crust make this a sensational mini dessert. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
This dessert has it all: tart blackberries, sweet white chocolate and crunchy, salty pretzels (that’s the crumb crust!). Prep individual servings in advance and take them along on your next picnic.
54/55
Cherry-Coconut Slices
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother got this recipe from a woman named Emmie Oddie, a well-known home economist in Canada who had a column in a farming newspaper. Oddie would test reader recipes in her own kitchen and write about it. These tasty sweets are so rich that you need only a small piece. —Judy Olson, Whitecourt, Alberta
These easy candy-like sweets are simple to make and make use of your trusty 8×8″ pan. Press a mixture of graham cracker crumbs, coconut, marshmallows and maraschino cherries into the pan. Once set, a creamy frosting gets spread over the top.
55/55
Lemon Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mousse is one of those desserts that always feels fancy. When you stir this one up, top with an extra lemon slice or fresh fruit for a polished look.
No-Bake Fruit Desserts FAQ
What are some easy fruit desserts without baking?
Easy no-bake fruit desserts can be frozen, layered with whipped cream and cookies like an icebox cake or mixed in a large bowl and scooped. Using prepared crusts can turn your favorite baked tart or pie into a no-bake dessert, and store-bought pound cake or angel food cake make assembling a trifle quick and easy. For something unexpected, try fruit sushi rolls made with sweetened rice or a summery strawberry soup that blends fruit and yogurt into a lightly creamy treat.
Can I make no-bake desserts ahead of time?
Yes, most no-bake desserts can be made ahead of time, and some, like icebox cakes, cheesecake bites and fruit trifles, need to be made in advance to set the layers. These easy overnight desserts rely on time to help flavors develop and firm the texture of soft custards and creams. Desserts that freeze well, such as gelato or popsicles, can be made weeks ahead of time as long as they are stored properly to prevent freezer burn.
Which fruits work best in no-cook dessert recipes?
The best fruits for no-cook desserts are ones that don’t fall apart or become watery once added to a recipe, like berries, mangoes, bananas and stone fruits. Citrus fruits can be zested and juiced to add brightness and balance to rich, creamy recipes like mousses or parfaits. When fresh fruit isn’t available, frozen or canned fruit are great stand-ins—just thaw or drain them thoroughly so excess moisture doesn’t make the dessert soggy.
