It’s summertime!
It’s time for picnics, backyard barbecues, and get-togethers. It’s the season to dine al fresco- to enjoy the lovely, warm weather and share a meal with family or friends. ☀️
Last summer, I wrote a series on hospitality and included an easy plan for entertaining, summer drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and dinner ideas. Today, I’m adding the best summertime desserts to complete the series.
The desserts I’m sharing below are mostly classics, reasonably straightforward, and delicious. All twelve desserts can be made gluten-free and dairy-free using your preferred substitutes. Some of them don’t require any baking, which is a plus on those hot summer days.
These tasty treats are perfect for bringing to a potluck, backyard barbecue, or dinner party. Over the years, I’ve made each recipe at one time or another, so I can vouch for how delicious each one is.
The Best Summertime Desserts
1. Pavlova
This is one of my favorites! You only need five ingredients and a little patience.
2. One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
You can top this off with hot fudge, peanuts, berries, or sprinkles. Try mixing in chocolate chips, cocoa, or peanut butter. (NYT gift link.)
3. Grilled Peaches with Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Grilled peaches are sweet, juicy, and delectable, and the caramel sauce takes them to the next level.
4. Blueberry Crisp
Assembling this crisp takes no time at all, and you can substitute any fruit for the berries.
5. Raspberry Fool
This is a very easy dessert with no cooking involved! You can make it in minutes and serve immediately, or make it a few hours ahead of time.
6. Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Who doesn’t love a lemon dessert? This cake is light and lemony.
7. Key Lime Pie
Here is an easy, quick pie recipe that is tangy and refreshing.
8. Strawberry Shortcake
The quintessential summer dessert!
These next four desserts are what I call handhelds- no fork required!
9. Simple, Fudgy Brownies
These brownies are a one-pot, decadent dessert and taste ten times better than a boxed mix.
10. Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are crisp and chewy, and perfect for any season.
11. Best S’mores Bars
A favorite campfire treat made into a bar. Yum!
12. Raspberry Crumble Bars
These bars combine the tartness of raspberries with a crumbly streusel.
I hope you’ll try one of these recipes next time you’re asked to bring a dessert or have friends over. These summer desserts will satisfy any sweet tooth, and each is perfect for long days and warm nights.
Enjoy!
With love, Natalie xx
What is your favorite summertime dessert? Please share!
“Desserts are a sweet way to end the day!” - Everyday Natalie
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Printing all the recipes! I need to get back to my baking era. :)
Thank you Natalie!
Oooo all those desserts caught my attention!! I love your photos to go with them, makes them all the more enticing! I love pavlova, blueberry crisp, chocolate chip cookies and I love the look of those raspberry crisp bars!! Thanks Natalie!! Xx