As the season of sun-soaked days and warm rays of sunshine makes its grand arrival, it is time to talk about an essential part of the summer experience: delicious desserts. Summertime makes our palate crave something refreshing, light, and exciting. Whether you are planning a sunny beach picnic, a backyard BBQ party, or simply desiring a sweet capstone to a warm day, the right dessert can take your summer memories to new heights.
In this guide, we will take you on a journey through a selection of our wonderful summer desserts. From fruity tarts bursting with seasonal berries, to no-bake delights perfect for a hot day, we have got the scoop on the tastiest ways to stay cool this season. We will also explore the classic, beloved treats and introduce some new and creative ones that you might not have tried yet. Get ready to delight your taste buds with refreshing and easy summer dessert recipes that embody the vibrant spirit of the season.
Enjoy light and refreshing summer desserts
Imagine sitting on your patio on a warm evening, savouring the sweet endnote to a family BBQ, or out on a lush green meadow, enjoying a picnic treat under the blue sky. Summer, a season synonymous with bountiful fresh fruits and invitingly warm weather, naturally calls for the indulgence in light summer desserts.
The range of summer desserts is as diverse as the season itself. From fresh fruity tarts to the decadence of mousses and trifles, our summer dessert recipes sing with fresh, bright flavours that echo the warm, radiant vibes of sunshine. So, as you anticipate the joy of the season, consider exploring these light and refreshing dessert recipes for summer.
The best summer dessert recipes for any occasion
As the summer season approaches, it is the perfect time to start considering what desserts to prepare for your upcoming events, whether that be a lively cookout or a quiet picnic. Choosing the right summer dessert can really boost these outdoor experiences, providing the ideal sweet ending to your delicious meals.
The essence of the season can truly be captured in the array of refreshing desserts available. Whether you are looking for a delightful summer dessert for a cookout or BBQ that will have your guests asking for seconds or you are in need of an easily portable summer dessert for a picnic, we have plenty of ideas for you to try.
So, be it a cookout, a picnic, or a simple celebration, remember to savour these moments – and the desserts – that make summer truly special.
For more summer recipes, check out our summer dinner ideas, a selection of pasta recipes for summer, or our guide to the best summer foods in season that are sure to spark your creativity for the next summer party.
Summer dessert with strawberries
Strawberries are the embodiment of summer's bounty. They are characterised by their juicy sweetness and rich flavour, which makes them ideal for an array of delicious desserts. The inimitable sweet and tangy profile especially stands out when combined with the luxurious taste of chocolate or the creamy richness of cream. Moreover, the vibrant crimson hue of strawberries introduces an aesthetic appeal to any dessert and effortlessly enhances its visual allure. Every bite of the strawberry-infused desserts below is a delightful reminder of the essence of the season and offers a tantalising taste of sunshine and happiness.
Strawberry tart
As a classic French dessert, the strawberry tart is a cherished must for summer. The mouth-watering treat consists of a crisp, buttery pastry crust holding a tantalising almond-flavoured filling. A luxuriously smooth layer of pastry cream rests atop the almond filling, setting the stage for fresh, ripe strawberries. The harmonious interplay of different textures truly distinguishes the strawberry dessert – the satisfying crunch of the crust perfectly contrasts the softness of the cream and the succulent juiciness of the strawberries. Light, elegant, and bursting with freshness, this strawberry summer dessert not only tantalises the palate but also makes for an impressive centrepiece on any summer table.
Strawberry tartlets
Like their bigger cousin, strawberry tartlets are simply delightful summer desserts. What makes them even more appealing is their easy preparation. The homemade marzipan tart base adds a distinctive nutty flavour, which is complemented beautifully by the cream and ripe strawberries. A touch of chocolate flakes and coarsely chopped pistachios adds a hint of luxury and a contrasting crunch. Despite their sophistication, the strawberry tartlets are incredibly easy to make and perfect for impressing your guests at the next summer gathering.
Fruity summer dessert recipes
Summer is the season of fruit. From the zingy citrus to the sweet bananas, summer is the time to enjoy nature's bounty in its ripest state. The many fruits can be transformed into refreshing summer desserts that will leave you and your loved ones craving more. Whether it is a tangy lemon tart or a sweet banana delight, fruity summer desserts are a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
Lemon tart
A lemon tart is a classic dessert that is fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious. And it all starts with a crispy shortcrust pastry base, which provides a lovely contrast to the baked lemon-flavoured custard filling. The tartness of the lemon flavour is tempered by the sweetness of the custard, creating a perfect balance that is incredibly satisfying. Served with a dollop of whipped cream, this lemon summer dessert is sure to delight with vibrant citrusy flavours.
Fried bananas
Fried bananas are a quick and easy summer dessert that is sure to please. The bananas are coated in a delightful blend of sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon, and then fried until they reach a golden-brown hue. The result is a dessert that is wonderfully crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft, warm, and sweet sensation on the inside. Paired with the cool and creamy texture of yoghurt and vanilla ice cream and finished off with a crunchy garnish of toasted almonds, fried bananas are not only a satisfying end to a summer meal, but also a mouth-watering passport to a tropical taste adventure.
Make a no bake summer dessert – quick and easy
No-bake desserts are a summer favourite for many reasons, but most importantly, they are quick and easy. In the heat of summer, the last thing you want to do is to turn on your oven if you can avoid it. No-bake desserts, like a decadent chocolate mousse or a refreshing fruit trifle, offer a delicious solution. Plus, they are easy to make in advance and great for serving at parties or gatherings. This means spending less time in the kitchen so you can spend more time with your guests.
White chocolate mousse
A white chocolate mousse is the perfect chocolate summer dessert for those warm sunny days. The creamy white chocolate mousse is infused with vibrant lemon zest. But the crowning touch is the raspberries and almond flakes, which are a delight to the senses and act as a counterpoint to the smooth texture of the mousse. The ingredients come together rather quickly, so the hardest part will be waiting for the mousse to set so you can enjoy this sweet delight. It is a great make ahead summer dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Cherry trifle
This cherry trifle is the epitome of a simple and easy dessert. It consists of sherry-infused macaroons that lend a subtle sweet and aromatic note to the trifle. Next, a layer of pickled cherries is added, providing a pleasing tartness that complements the sweetness of the macaroons. Finally, a light and airy mousse is spread on top, offering a contrast in texture as well as flavour. The dessert is finished off with a dollop of whipped cream, which makes for a perfect creamy counterpart to the layers beneath. Each spoonful of this summer dessert trifle embodies the very essence of a perfect summer dessert.
Rhubarb cheesecake
This rhubarb cheesecake combines the flavours of a traditional cheesecake with a fresh twist. At the base of the cake you have a crunchy crust made from dark chocolate and biscuits that is topped with a classic vanilla-flavoured filling. But what truly sets it apart is the garnish of crisp rhubarb chips on top and a sweet, tangy rhubarb compote on the side. The tartness of the rhubarb pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake, creating a dessert that is both familiar and novel.
Summer desserts for a crowd – perfect for a BBQ party or a picnic
Choosing the perfect summer dessert for a BBQ or a picnic can be a bit of a challenge to some, especially if you are serving a whole crowd. You will want something that is easy to serve, but also delicious and able to withstand outdoor temperatures. Luckily, we have a few light summer dessert ideas to help you on your way. Grilled fruit, for example, nectarines are an excellent choice for a BBQ, while handheld treats like muffins are great for a picnic.
Grilled nectarines
Grilled nectarines are a quick summer dessert that is perfect for a big crowd. It is also a very easy dessert that you can make in less than 15 minutes. All you have to do is cut the nectarines in halves, remove the stones, and grill them for a few minutes. This will intensify their naturally sweet flavour as it caramelises the sugars within the fruit, creating a slightly smoky and sweet aroma. Served with a dollop of raspberry cream, grilled nectarines are a refreshing and simple dessert that should not be missing from your BBQ party.
Rhubarb crumble
Rhubarb crumble is indeed a charming treat, especially suited for those leisurely, sun-drenched afternoons of summer. It consists of a base of tangy rhubarb compote, sweet yet tart, and it is crowned with a crisp, butter-kissed topping. It is the interplay of these contrasting flavours that makes this dessert so enticing. Finally, a generous spoonful of vanilla cream is nestled atop the crumble, adding a soothing and luscious smoothness. It is an astonishingly cheerful summer dessert, just the kind of light-hearted delight to round off a meal on a warm summer day.
Blueberry muffins
If you are a fan of a delicious summer dessert with blueberries, you simply cannot miss out on these blueberry muffins. Bursting with juicy freshness, they offer a symphony of flavours that are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The secret behind it is a combination of warm vanilla sugar and a hint of aromatic cardamom that perfectly complements the tang of the blueberries. The muffins have a slightly crispy surface while the inside remains soft and juicy.
