What makes a dessert feel like summer? For me, it’s something sweet that skips the oven. Maybe it uses a premade crust or just a quick stovetop step—but it definitely doesn’t heat up the whole house. This collection has just what you need: cool, easy recipes like the potluck nostalgia of Hawaiian Fruit Salad, make-ahead Cherry Cheesecake Cups, and fun Oreo Rice Krispie Treats. So take it easy—you deserve a break and a bite of something sweet.
13 Summer No-Bake Desserts
1. No Bake Cookies Without Peanut Butter
Craving classic no-bake cookies but need a peanut-free option? These chocolatey oat clusters deliver all the nostalgic goodness without the peanut butter. Ready in just about 12 minutes, they are quick to whip up, quite sweet, and satisfyingly chewy.
2. No-Bake Very Berry Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust
Elevate your summer dessert game with this stunning No-Bake Very Berry Cheesecake Pie in a store-bought pretzel crust. It features a creamy no-bake cheesecake filling swirled with tangy cranberry puree and piled high with a vibrant mix of fresh berries and a sweet strawberry compote.
3. Ambrosia Salad Recipe with Cool Whip
Bring a taste of nostalgia to your summer gatherings with this classic Ambrosia Salad featuring Cool Whip. This recipe combines cans of drained tropical fruit salad, mini marshmallows, coconut, maraschino cherries, and pecans with a creamy Cool Whip and vanilla yogurt base. It’s light, airy, and comes together in minutes without any cooking required.
4. No Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Sometimes, simple is best, and this Plain No-Bake Cheesecake proves it. Don’t let the name fool you; this dessert is rich, creamy, and decadent, featuring a full-fat cream cheese filling and a buttery, no-bake graham cracker crust (though you can easily swap for other cookies!). It sets up beautifully in the fridge, making it a fantastic oven-free option for summer. Enjoy it as is, or use it as a blank canvas for your favorite fresh fruit, compotes, or other delicious cheesecake toppings.
5. Hawaiian Fruit Salad
This Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a quintessential potluck pleaser that comes together quickly using mostly pantry staples. Combining canned fruit cocktail, pineapple, and mandarin oranges with mini marshmallows in a creamy, tangy dressing made from sour cream and orange Jello powder, it’s a refreshing treat. Requiring only chilling time, it’s an effortless dessert perfect for summer picnics and family get-togethers when you need something easy and crowd-friendly.
6. Tropical Fruit Potluck No Bake Pie
Escape to the tropics without leaving your kitchen with this incredibly easy No-Bake Tropical Pie. Ready in just 13 minutes plus chilling time, it features a creamy filling of crushed pineapple, vanilla pudding, and tangy sour cream, all nestled in a convenient graham cracker crust.
7. Lavender No-Bake Cheesecake
Add a touch of elegance and unique floral flavor to your summer brunch with this pretty Lavender No-Bake Cheesecake. This stunning dessert features a creamy cheesecake filling subtly infused with lavender `syrup, resting on a simple graham cracker crust (or your favorite cookie crust!). Garnish with dried culinary lavender flowers for a beautiful finish that hints at the delicate flavor within.
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8. Rice Krispie Treats
A timeless classic that needs no introduction, Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate easy, no-bake dessert. This version focuses on achieving that chewy, soft texture that stays delightful even after cooling. Made simply on the stovetop with butter, marshmallows, and crisp rice cereal, these treats come together quickly and are budget-friendly. They are perfect for summer gatherings, bake sales (without the baking!), or just a nostalgic treat anytime.
9. Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe
This recipe combines a medley of fresh fruits like berries, apples, and pineapple (canned works great too!) with a smooth and tangy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s easy to whip up, requiring just chopping and mixing – no cooking involved! Be sure to dry your fruit well for the best texture. Serve it chilled as a delightful side dish or a light dessert that everyone will love.
10. Oreo Rice Krispy Treats
Take this classic dessert to the next level with this irresistible Oreo version! These no-bake bars are gooey, chewy, and packed with chunks of everyone’s favorite chocolate sandwich cookie. They come together in minutes on the stovetop and get an extra touch of sweetness from a white chocolate drizzle.
11. Cherry Cheesecake Cups
Each cup starts with buttery graham cracker crumbs, then adds a layer of smooth, tangy cream cheese sweetened with condensed milk. A generous spoonful of cherry pie filling tops it all off. These cute, individual desserts skip the oven entirely and store well in advance. Want variety? Swap the cherry topping with blueberry, lemon, or peach.
12. Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Beat the heat with this simple and delicious Strawberry Ice Cream Cake! It uses just four main ingredients—store-bought ice cream sandwiches, strawberry sundae topping, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries. Layer everything in a pan, then freeze. This no-bake dessert adds a homemade touch to summer parties or birthdays without the hassle or the oven. Kids love to help with this one too!
13. Banana Pudding Cups
Enjoy the classic comfort of banana pudding in convenient, individual cups! These no-bake delights layer creamy vanilla pudding (made richer with homemade whipped cream), fresh banana slices, and crunchy Nilla Wafers for a dreamy, decadent dessert. They are perfectly portioned, easy to assemble, and ideal for parties or potlucks.
The bottom line
What do summer refreshments mean to you? Maybe summer desserts that don’t use an oven. Or picnic dessert ideas that have just a few steps or ingredients, or cool summer treats that are easy to eat poolside or at a backyard cookout. Even more likely that it’s just the one you really love and it just happens to be summertime? Which one sounds good to you? Let us know in the comments or tell us at hello@cookingchew.com
