Cool, Creamy, Fruity, and Fun—these No-Bake Desserts are Perfect for Summer’s Hottest Days
Photos By: Ashlee Glen
When the summer sun is in full force and you’re itching to spend the day outside, you want easy desserts that you can pop into the freezer in the morning so they’ll be ready and waiting after your day of adventures in the sun. That’s where these refreshing, no-bake sweets come in. From creamy frozen banana bites to fruit-packed popsicles and chilled tiramisu in a jar, these easy recipes are bursting with flavor and perfect for making memories on porches, patios, or poolside. Even better? Most come together in minutes and require just a few ingredients—letting you spend more time enjoying summer and less time in the kitchen.
No-Churn Strawberry Basil Ice Cream (Photo Above)
This surprisingly simple recipe brings together fresh strawberries and basil for a flavor that’s both creamy and herbaceous. No ice cream maker required.
Ingredients:
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the condensed milk, vanilla, chopped strawberries, and basil.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until fully combined.
4. Pour into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container and smooth the top.
5. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. Scoop and enjoy!
Strawberry Shortcake Yogurt Bark
Think of this as a frozen twist on your favorite summertime dessert, with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a sweet crunch.
Ingredients:
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1 graham cracker sheet, crumbled
2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries (optional, for added crunch)
Directions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Stir honey or maple syrup into the yogurt and spread the mixture evenly across the pan.
3. Top with chopped strawberries, crumbled graham crackers,
and freeze-dried strawberries if using.
4. Freeze for 3–4 hours, or until firm.
5. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These frozen banana bites are sweet, salty, and satisfying. Keep a batch in your freezer for an easy treat anytime.
Ingredients:
2 bananas, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
(natural peanut butter may be too oily for this)
2 cups chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Directions:
1. Place peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt for 30 seconds so the
peanut butter is pourable.
2. In the bottom of a silicone mini-muffin sheet, or in a mini-muffin sheet sprayed
with non-stick spray, spoon the melted peanut butter evenly into each cup.
3. Place a slice of banana in each muffin cup, on top of the peanut butter.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in a bowl for one minute, stirring halfway through
(you may need longer depending on your microwave).
5. Spoon the melted chocolate on top of the banana slices.
6. Place the pan in the freezer to chill for an hour or two.
7. Garnish with flaky sea salt before eating, if desired.
Frozen Tiramisu Jars
Repurpose your old jam jars into portable desserts with these no-bake tiramisu cups—a great make-ahead option for entertaining.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
3 tsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
1/3 cup Kahlúa
20 vanilla wafer cookies (or chocolate, if you prefer)
2 oz semi sweet chocolate, for grating
Directions:
1. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue whipping until it is firm.
2. Mix together the espresso or coffee with the Kahlúa, set aside.
3. In the bottom of a jar or small dessert bowl, layer one wafer cookie. Spoon 2 tsp of the espresso mixture on top. Grate a layer of chocolate over the cookie and then top with whipped cream. Add another cookie and continue layering until you have five layers, ending with whipped cream and a final sprinkling of chocolate.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours before serving chilled.
Homemade Fruit Popsicles – 3 Ways
Bursting with natural flavor and no added dyes, these popsicles are made
with just a few ingredients. Perfect for little ones—or your inner child.
Strawberry Popsicles
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup water
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 6 hours.
Orange Cream Popsicles
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze overnight.
Zesty Lime Popsicles
Ingredients:
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
1 tbsp lime zest
Directions:
Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until honey is dissolved. Pour into molds and freeze until solid.
