19 Easy No-Bake Desserts That Are Perfect for Summer
Chill out when it comes to dessert time. These easy no-bake dessert recipes free up the oven and keep the house cool when it's scorching outside. Our recipes—including ice cream floats, no-bake dessert bars, chocolate bark, and more—make for a sweet ending to any meal.
Dessert Pizza with Banana Ice Cream
You only need a food processor and a freezer to make this dessert magic, which also happens to be one of the best no-bake recipes to make ahead. Prepare the three-ingredient banana ice cream the night before, so it can set overnight. The next day, stir together the crust and ask the kids to help decorate with their favorite fruit and nut combos.
Copycat Musketeer Bars
If you consider yourself a true chocolate fiend, you must make this candy-aisle copycat dessert. With chocolate cookies, malted milk powder, and fluffy marshmallow crème, these easy no-bake dessert bars taste almost exactly the same as the candy bar the kid in you remembers devouring on Halloween night. Good thing they're freezer-friendly for up to a month, because otherwise your entire pan might disappear in a single day.
Sparkling Rosé Blueberry Floats
Icy blueberry granita, creamy coconut gelato, and fresh fruit are topped off with a splash of sparkling rosé (or club soda for a spirit-free drink). The bubbly helps cut a bit of the sweetness—and makes this easy no-bake dessert festive.
Test Kitchen Tip: We call for a splash of rosé in the granita recipe, but when you're seeking an alcohol-free option, perk it up with sparkling cider instead.
Safe-to-Eat Monster Cookie Dough
No-bake desserts can't get much easier than this cookie dough. Since this stir-and-serve treat is egg-free, and calls for oat flour rather than white, you have full permission from our Test Kitchen staff to eat it in raw form. Our base recipe can act as a canvas for you to get creative with additions. Might we recommend chocolate chips, shredded coconut, candy pieces, toasted nuts, and sprinkles?
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bites
Each of these no-bake mini desserts delivers a bit of fiber, protein, and healthy fat. With that in mind, we give you full permission to enjoy one—either for dessert, or alongside breakfast. Whether you grab a bite to refuel after a workout or to wrap up a meal, you'll find yourself craving another, thanks to the salty-sweet combination of peanut butter and honey, along with the textural boosts from oats and coconut.
Sweet Cream Ice Cream
Little is cooler on a warm summer day than a scoop (or two) of ice cream. Start with the classic sweet cream base, then try our no-bake dessert variations with fudge swirls, wine-infused fruit, caramelized pineapple, and more. In a bowl or in a cone, you can't go wrong.
Berry Trifle
Fresh berries give this spectacular dessert its color and flavor. And the best part? It's ready in a flash—just put it in the fridge until serving time. The secret to this no-bake "baking" idea: A store-bought frozen pound cake.
Fruity Waffle Bowls
If you're looking for a light no-bake dessert, try these waffle bowls. They're sweet, fresh, and easy to prepare. Simply sprinkle your favorite fresh fruits on a serving of creamy pudding.
Tiramisu Bites
Tiramisu translates from Italian to English as "pick me up." And this makeover of the coffee-infused treat is one you can pick up with your hands and enjoy in one bite. It's one of the best choices for those who enjoy wrapping up a meal with a cup of coffee or espresso alongside dessert.
Whipped Key Lime Pie
It's a classic you can't resist—and shouldn't have to. "On a very hot day, I served this no-bake dessert for company. It was perfect, delicious, cool, and refreshing." And even better: This zingy and creamy lime pie calls for just 25 minutes of prep time.
Blackberry Icebox Cake
Make this no-bake dessert recipe the day before you plan to serve it. To make, it's as easy as layering graham crackers with a whipped cream cheese layer, blackberry jam, and fresh berries.
Lemon Icebox Pie
This 5-star review speaks for itself, "I absolutely love this pie! So smooth and lemony. I love anything lemon, so this just hit the spot. I served it to guests, and they wanted more. Next time I'll have to make two pies. This is a big treat in our house!"
No-Bake Cookie Butter Sandwich Cookies
You may have seen the classic peanut butter sandwiches at Christmas cookie exchanges or in the grocery store. Here, we're using cookie butter instead and finishing the no-bake cookie recipe with semisweet or white chocolate.
Classic No-Bake Cookies
This no-bake cookie recipe has been a fan-favorite since we published it. You'll cook the ingredients on the stovetop and drop onto cookie sheets to cool. Our recipe testers loved the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and vanilla flavors.
No-Bake Coconut Date Cracker Bars with Browned Butter Glaze
Stuff crackers with a homemade date and nut filling and top with a quick glaze. Make these ahead and freeze for up to one month. As one reviewer shared, "Delicious and easy to make and bake, good family recipe to do with the kids."
Dark Chocolate Pudding
Skip the boxed pudding mix and make our rich dark chocolate pudding. It's the perfect balance of rich chocolate and whipped cream. If you're in the mood, try our recipe variation that's spiked with raspberry liqueur.
Sour Cherry Sorbet
You'll need just three ingredients to pull together this no-bake dessert. Simply blend frozen tart red cherries with sugar and water. Freeze until firm and scoop. That's it!
Eton Mess with Strawberries & Whipped Ricotta
Eton mess is a classic dessert made with meringue, whipped cream, and berries. Buy the meringue cookies at the store and all that's left to do is assemble. It's a great dessert idea for summer parties!
Strawberry Delight
This easy no bake dessert stars layers of cheesecake cream, strawberries, and whipped cream. A homemade graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of texture.