16 No-Bake Dessert Recipes for Hot Summer Nights

The best summer desserts are those that require no baking at all. Even if you’re a fan of The Great British Bake Off and have perfected your chocolate chip cookie recipe, no one wants to turn on the oven when it’s sweltering outside. Instead, consider whipping up a cheesecake or even a fresh fruit tart. Here are 16 easy, no-bake options for a satisfying summer-night treat.

Cucumber-Lime and Gold Paletas

Nothing says summer quite like refreshing paletas, and Add 1 Tbsp’s recipe packs a major punch. If you’re hoping for a tangy treat, try the cucumber-lime option, or if you’re dreaming of something special, the gold version is made from combining apple, beet, turmeric, and ginger juices. 

Chocolate Tahini Cookies

These cookies from A Couple Cooks get their creamy texture from tahini and are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut oil, making them perfect for refreshing, guilt-free snacking. 

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Pie

If there were ever a way to combine all our favorite dessert keywords into one delicious bite, this would be it. Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s recipe only requires two ingredients for the ice cream filling and can be completed in less than 15 minutes. 

Dark Chocolate–Dipped Figs

Crowded Kitchen’s chic chocolate-dipped figs are just the unexpected moment your next pool party needs. Extra-juicy figs are recommended to offset the bittersweet dark chocolate.

Mango Cardamom Ice Cream 

Believe it or not, all this swoon-worthy ice cream requires is four ingredients, a blender, and a whisk. Playful Cooking recommends topping with fresh mango for extra flavor. 

Fudge-y Chocolate Cake Bites

If you’re craving cake but not all that time in the kitchen, Minimalist Baker’s fudge-y (vegan!) cake bites will satisfy your hankering. Sweetened mostly by dates, they’re quick, easy, and healthy(ish). 

Avocado Chocolate Mousse With Summer Fruit

Avocados are a summer staple, but not many people know they can be used for dessert as well as your usual toasts and guac. How Sweet Eats’s chocolate mousse is the perfect example. 

Orange Cranberry Sorbet Cubes

Normal ice cubes just got an upgrade with this recipe from Eat Healthy, Eat Happy. Make the sorbet, then plop the cubes in a drink—or eat as is for a refreshing burst of flavor to combat the heat. 

Ice Box Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Whip up the cheesecake filling ahead of time, and then make an activity out of assembling The Merchant Baker’s mini icebox cheesecakes. The more layers, the better. 

Peanut Butter Pie With Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

Don’t blame us if this crust by Food With Feeling inspires a chocolate graham cracker renaissance in your home. Spoiler alert: They taste even better when paired with a simple pie filling made of whipped cream mixed with peanut butter. 

Chocolate Mocha Fudge and Coconut Tarts

With a roasted cashew-and-coconut crust and a cocoa powder–and–date filling, this tart by Half Baked Harvest is decadent in the best way. Coconut milk makes the filling extra creamy. 

Snickers Icebox Cake

With layers of ice cream bars, Snickers, and sweet pudding, this no-bake creation isn’t for the faint of heart. Sugar Dish Me proves that ice cream bars are even better when they’re assembled into one giant cake.

Funfetti Cheesecake

Featuring a Birthday Cake Oreo crumb crust, this colorful cheesecake from Life, Love and Sugar is pretty much the ultimate summer snack. 

Tropical Papaya Boats

Follow Minimalist Baker’s lead: Carve out the seeds from a papaya and use the tropical fruit as an edible dessert vessel. Ice cream sundaes will never be the same. 

Raw Double Chocolate Macarons

Featuring a sweet coconut filling, these chocolate-covered treats by Minimalist Baker are decadent and conveniently bite-size. The best part? They don’t contain any processed sugar. 

Plum Ice Cream

As the weather gets warmer, we can’t help but scream for ice cream. This satsuma plum recipe by Brooklyn Supper is a step above your typical store-bought pint.