Summers call for refreshing and easy-to-make desserts that don’t weigh you down. Simple, light, and refreshing desserts are just the answer to beating the heat.

When it’s hot outside, you want treats that are easy to make and not too heavy.

There are many options for summer desserts, like fresh fruit dishes, frozen treats, no-bake delights, iced teas, mocktails, and more.

If you are health-conscious, fruit desserts are your go-to. Fruit kebobs and fruit salads are perfect for a crowd and are healthy too.

Frozen fruit desserts are popular among kids and adults alike. With an abundance of fresh fruits available in summer, you can make popsicles from watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, and many more.

For baked desserts, try light and airy chiffon cakes with a hint of fruit like lemon or peach.

I have shared a collection of my top favorite summer dessert recipes that are perfect for enjoying alone or at summer parties and gatherings.

These treats are designed to keep you cool, refreshed, and satisfied in the summer heat.

Healthy Fruit Desserts For Summer

1- Fruit Skewers

Fruit skewers are a great option for a refreshing and healthy summer dessert. Simply cut up your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers.

Some great options include pineapple, watermelon, strawberries, and kiwi.

For added flavor, you can brush the skewers with a mixture of honey and lime juice.

2- Grilled Fruit Kabobs With Key Lime Yogurt Dip

These skewers are my go-to dessert if you’re hosting a BBQ party. After grilling your BBQ, grill the fruit skewers for a few minutes, and you’ll have a healthy, quick, and delicious dessert.

The heat from the grill will caramelize the honey and give the fruit a delicious smoky flavor.

3- Frozen Fruit Salad

This is quick and easy to make summer Desserts to Bring to a BBQ. Toss various frozen berries and mangoes with a touch of lime juice and serve in chilled bowls.

4- Grilled Banana Splits

Banana splits are a classic dessert that is always a hit at BBQs. To give this dessert a unique twist, try grilling the bananas before assembling the split.

Simply cut the bananas in half lengthwise and grill them for a few minutes on each side until they are caramelized and slightly charred.

Then, assemble the banana split with your favorite ice cream flavors, whipped cream, and toppings like chocolate syrup and chopped nuts.

Frozen Treats For Summer

When it comes to summer desserts, frozen treats are a must-have. They are refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for hot summer days.

5-  Homemade Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream is a classic summer Dessert to Bring to a BBQ that everyone loves. It’s creamy, rich, and can be customized to your liking.

There are countless ice cream flavors to choose from, so you can get creative and make something unique.

Making homemade ice cream requires an ice cream maker, but it’s worth the investment. You can find affordable ice cream makers online or at your local home goods store.

I like the Cuisinart ice maker it is affordable and compact.

Once you have an ice cream maker, you can start experimenting with different flavors and mix-ins.

Some popular ice cream flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip. You can also add mix-ins like cookie dough, brownie chunks, or fresh fruit.

6- Frozen Yogurt Barks

If you’re looking for a healthier light dessert for BBQ, frozen yogurt bars are a great choice.

They are low in calories and fat but still taste delicious. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

To make frozen yogurt bars, you’ll need a silicone ice cube tray or popsicle mold. Fill each compartment with your favorite flavor of yogurt, then add fresh fruit, granola, or nuts.

Freeze the bars for a few hours until they are solid, then pop them out of the mold and serve.

Some popular frozen yogurt flavors include strawberry, blueberry, and peach. You can also add honey, agave, or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

7- Strawberry Watermelon Popsicles

Baked Desserts For Summer

When it comes to summer desserts, baked goods are always a crowd-pleaser. They are easy to transport and serve, and they are perfect for sharing. Here are my top two picks for baked goods to bring to a BBQ:

8- Cherry Clafoutis

9- Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic dessert that is perfect for a summer BBQ. It’s sweet, fruity, and has a crispy topping that everyone loves.

To make a delicious peach cobbler, you’ll need fresh peaches, sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat.

10- Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert that everyone loves. They are easy to make and transport, and they are perfect for sharing.

To make delicious smoked chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and chocolate chips. You can also add nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor.

11- S’mores Brownies

Just layer brownies with marshmallows and chocolate, then pop them on the grill for a gooey, irresistible s’mores experience.

12- Lemon Chiffon Cake

Add a touch of citrusy delight to your BBQ party with Lemon Chiffon Cake. This feather-light and moist cake is infused with the zesty essence of fresh lemons, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

The airy texture of chiffon cake makes it an ideal dessert to enjoy after a hearty BBQ food.

13- Fruit Pizza

Use cookie dough or puff pastry as the base, top with ricotta cheese, fruit slices, and a drizzle of honey.

14- Strawberry Cake Roll 

15- Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

No-Bake Desserts For Summer

When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. That’s why no-bake desserts are the perfect solution for a summer BBQ. Here are two no-bake delights that are sure to impress your guests.

16- Peach Melba Sherry Trifle

17- Lemon Berry Parfaits

This is a simple, light dessert for BBQ that is easy to put together. Layer mixed berries with yogurt or whipped cream in individual cups for a refreshing and colorful dessert.

18- No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser, but it can be difficult to transport. That’s where these cheesecake jars come in. They’re easy to make, easy to transport, and easy to eat.

Start by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In small jars, layer the graham cracker crumbs, cheesecake mixture, and berries. Top with whipped cream and more berries.

These cheesecake jars are not only delicious but they’re also Instagram-worthy. Your guests will love them.

19- Rice Krispies Treats

Rice Krispie treats are a classic dessert that everyone loves. They’re also incredibly easy to make and transport. Plus, you can customize them with different mix-ins to make them your own.

Melt the marshmallows and butter together in a large pot. Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and mix-ins. Press the mixture into a greased baking dish and let it cool.

Once it’s cooled, cut it into squares and serve.

Rice Krispie treats are a nostalgic dessert that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they’re easy to make and transport, making them the perfect dessert for a summer BBQ.

20- Lemon Blueberry Trifle

21- Raspberry Fool (Quick Raspberries and Cream) 

22- Mixed Berry Trifle

Refreshing Beverages

When it comes to BBQs, you can’t go wrong with some refreshing beverages to wash down all that delicious food. Here are a couple of my favorite picks:

23- Lemonade Slushies

Lemonade slushies are the perfect drink to cool down on a hot summer day. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients.

Simply blend some ice, lemonade, and a splash of your favorite spirit (optional). Serve in a tall glass with a straw and garnish with a slice of lemon.

24- Iced Tea Infusions

Iced tea infusions are a great way to add some flavor to your regular iced tea. You can use any tea you like and add some fresh fruit or herbs to create a unique flavor.

Simply brew your tea as normal, add some fresh fruit or herbs, and let it steep for a few hours in the fridge. Serve over ice and enjoy!