25 Easy Summer Treats Everyone Loves

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By Marcy Hoover

Summer’s here. And let’s be real, your dessert game is probably stuck in a sad loop of freezer-burned ice cream tubs and that one box of popsicles you always buy.

It’s a tragedy, but it’s not your fault. You’ve been led to believe that amazing treats require time, effort, and turning on your oven in 90-degree heat.

That lie ends today.

This isn’t just a list of recipes. This is your official upgrade. Your cheat code to becoming a low-key legend. These are the 25 ridiculously easy, no-fuss summer treats that will make your friends stop and say, “Wait, you MADE this?”

Get ready to enter your main character era. The season of boring desserts is officially over.

1. The Easiest 2-Ingredient Mango Sorbet

A ridiculously easy, dairy-free treat that tastes like pure tropical sunshine. All you need is a blender to make this vibrant and refreshing dessert./

  • Ingredients:
    • 3 cups frozen mango chunks
    • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (or to taste)
    • Splash of lime juice (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
    2. Blend on high, using the tamper if needed, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
    3. Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer scoop.

2. No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Creamy, classic homemade vanilla ice cream without an ice cream maker. It’s a simple, magical base for all your favorite toppings./

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
    • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
    2. In a separate bowl, stir the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract together.
    3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until just combined. Pour into a loaf pan, cover, and freeze for at least 6 hours.

3. Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

The perfect combination of sweet and tart in a classic frozen treat. These are incredibly refreshing and easy to make with just a few ingredients./

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
    • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 1/3 cup sugar or honey (or to taste)
  • Instructions:
    1. Blend the strawberries, lemon juice, water, and sugar in a blender until smooth.
    2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
    3. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid.

4. S’mores Dip

All the gooey, chocolatey, toasted marshmallow flavor of a campfire s’more, made easily in the oven. Perfect for sharing and dipping./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 bag (10 oz) of large marshmallows
    • 1 cup of chocolate chips
    • Graham crackers (for dipping)
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
    2. Spread the chocolate chips in an even layer in a small cast-iron or oven-safe skillet.
    3. Arrange the marshmallows in a single, tight layer on top of the chocolate chips.
    4. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately with graham crackers.

5. Frozen Yogurt Bark

A healthy-ish, beautiful, and customizable treat. It’s like a frozen yogurt bar, but you can break it into pieces for easy snacking./

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
    • 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
    • 1 cup of toppings (like berries, granola, mini chocolate chips)
  • Instructions:
    1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In a bowl, mix the yogurt and honey/maple syrup until combined.
    3. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly over the parchment paper.
    4. Sprinkle your desired toppings over the yogurt and freeze for at least 3 hours, until solid. Break into pieces to serve.

6. Classic Rice Krispie Treats

The ultimate nostalgic, no-bake treat that everyone loves. They are gooey, crunchy, and come together in minutes on the stovetop./

  • Ingredients:
    • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
    • 1 bag (10 oz) of marshmallows
    • 3 tbsp butter
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
    2. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
    3. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until well coated.
    4. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

7. Chocolate-Covered Frozen Bananas

A healthier alternative to an ice cream bar, these frozen bananas are creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside./

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 ripe but firm bananas
    • 1 cup melting chocolate wafers
    • 2 tbsp coconut oil
    • Optional toppings (sprinkles, chopped nuts)
  • Instructions:
    1. Peel the bananas, cut them in half, and insert a popsicle stick. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (1-2 hours).
    2. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth.
    3. Dip each frozen banana in the chocolate, add toppings immediately, and place back on the baking sheet. Freeze until the chocolate is solid.

8. Whipped Strawberry Milk

A viral trend for a reason, this simple drink transforms milk into a frothy, strawberry-flavored cloud./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 2 tbsp strawberry syrup or jam
    • Milk (for serving)
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, combine the heavy cream and strawberry syrup.
    2. Use a hand mixer or frother to whip the mixture until it’s light and fluffy.
    3. Fill a glass with ice and milk, then spoon the whipped strawberry cream over the top.

9. No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake

A rich and creamy cheesecake packed with Oreo flavor, with a crunchy Oreo crust. No oven required./

  • Ingredients:
    • 24 Oreo cookies (for crust)
    • 4 tbsp melted butter
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 10 chopped Oreos (for filling)
  • Instructions:
    1. Crush 24 Oreos, mix with melted butter, and press into a pie plate. Chill.
    2. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
    3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold it into the cream cheese mixture along with the chopped Oreos.
    4. Spread the filling into the crust and chill for at least 4 hours.

10. Watermelon Slushies

The most refreshing way to enjoy summer’s favorite fruit. It’s a simple, healthy slushy that tastes like pure sunshine./

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 cups cubed and frozen seedless watermelon
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • 1-2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Place the frozen watermelon, lime juice, and optional sweetener in a blender.
    2. Blend on high until a smooth, slushy consistency is reached.
    3. Serve immediately.

11. Easy Creamy Fruit Dip

A sweet and creamy dip that makes any fruit platter feel like a special occasion. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser./

  • Ingredients:
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • Assorted fresh fruit (for dipping)
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
    2. Add the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
    3. Serve chilled with your favorite fruits.

12. Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

An irresistibly crunchy and sweet snack mix of cereal coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar./

  • Ingredients:
    • 9 cups Chex cereal
    • 1 cup chocolate chips
    • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
    • 1/4 cup butter
    • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • Instructions:
    1. Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
    2. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir gently to coat.
    3. Transfer to a large zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well coated. Spread on wax paper to cool.

13. Layered Pudding Parfaits

A visually stunning and easy dessert made by layering pudding, crushed cookies, and whipped cream./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
    • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
    • Milk (as required by pudding mix)
    • 1 package of Oreos, crushed
    • Whipped cream
  • Instructions:
    1. Prepare both pudding mixes according to package directions.
    2. In clear glasses, create layers: crushed Oreos, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream.
    3. Repeat layers as desired and chill before serving.

14. Angel Food Cake with Berries & Cream

The lightest, most effortless summer dessert. Using a store-bought angel food cake means it’s ready in minutes./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 store-bought angel food cake
    • 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
    • Whipped cream or cool whip
  • Instructions:
    1. Slice the angel food cake into individual servings.
    2. Top each slice generously with mixed berries.
    3. Finish with a large dollop of whipped cream.

15. Chocolate Covered Strawberries

A timeless, elegant treat that feels incredibly special but is very simple to make at home./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
    • 1 cup melting chocolate wafers
  • Instructions:
    1. Melt the chocolate according to package directions.
    2. Holding a strawberry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate.
    3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely.

16. Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Grilling peaches caramelizes their natural sugars, making them tender, warm, and intensely flavorful. It’s a simple and sublime dessert./

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 ripe but firm peaches
    • 2 tbsp melted butter
    • Pinch of cinnamon
    • Vanilla ice cream
  • Instructions:
    1. Slice peaches in half and remove the pit.
    2. Brush the cut sides with a mixture of melted butter and cinnamon.
    3. Grill cut-side down over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

17. Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

The quintessential summer drink. It’s perfectly balanced between tart and sweet and is infinitely better than store-bought./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 4 cups cold water
  • Instructions:
    1. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and 1 cup of water to make a simple syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
    2. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water.
    3. Stir well and serve over ice.

18. Classic Root Beer Floats

A nostalgic two-ingredient treat that combines creamy vanilla ice cream with fizzy root beer./

  • Ingredients:
    • Root beer, chilled
    • Vanilla ice cream
  • Instructions:
    1. Place 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a tall, frosted glass.
    2. Slowly pour the chilled root beer over the ice cream.
    3. Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.

19. No-Bake Energy Bites

A healthy, poppable snack made with pantry staples to refuel after a long day of summer fun./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
    • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
    • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
    • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Instructions:
    1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
    2. Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes.
    3. Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch bite-sized balls. Store in the fridge.

20. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

A secretly healthy dessert that uses avocado to create a rich, incredibly creamy, and dairy-free chocolate mousse./

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 ripe avocados
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1/2 cup maple syrup or other sweetener
    • 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Instructions:
    1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.
    2. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no avocado chunks remaining.
    3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

21. Fresh Fruit Tartlets

Miniature tarts with a buttery crust, creamy vanilla filling, and a beautiful arrangement of fresh summer fruit./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 package of mini pre-baked tartlet shells
    • 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
    • Milk (as required by pudding mix)
    • Assorted fresh fruit (like berries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
  • Instructions:
    1. Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package directions and let it set.
    2. Fill each pre-baked tartlet shell with the prepared vanilla pudding.
    3. Artfully arrange slices of fresh fruit on top of the pudding.
    4. Chill until ready to serve.

22. Frozen Key Lime Pie Bites

The tangy, creamy taste of key lime pie in a bite-sized, frozen treat perfect for hot days./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 graham cracker pie crust
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    • 1/2 cup key lime juice
  • Instructions:
    1. Crumble the graham cracker crust into coarse crumbs.
    2. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the condensed milk, followed by the key lime juice.
    3. Press a small amount of graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of mini muffin tin liners.
    4. Top with the key lime filling and freeze for at least 4 hours until solid.

23. Homemade Fudgesicles

Rich, chocolatey, and creamy homemade popsicles that are far better than the store-bought version./

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups milk
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • Pinch of salt
  • Instructions:
    1. In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
    2. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
    3. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Do not boil.
    4. Let cool, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

24. Peach Cobbler in a Mug

A single-serving portion of warm, gooey peach cobbler that you can make in the microwave in just a few minutes./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
    • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 1/4 tsp baking powder
    • 3 tbsp milk
    • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • Instructions:
    1. Place the sliced peaches in the bottom of a large, microwave-safe mug.
    2. In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in the milk and melted butter to form a batter.
    3. Pour the batter over the peaches.
    4. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, until the batter is cooked through. Serve warm.

25. Edible Cookie Dough

Safe-to-eat, no-bake cookie dough that satisfies your craving for the real thing without any risk./

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour, heat-treated*
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 tbsp milk
    • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Instructions:
    1. *To heat-treat flour, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.
    2. In a bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
    3. Mix in the vanilla extract, milk, and the cooled, heat-treated flour.
    4. Stir in the mini chocolate chips. Serve immediately or chill.

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