7 Cool Dessert Ideas for Summer

When it's summer and there's hot air blasting from all directions, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven... right?

But that doesn't mean your summer parties or get-togethers should miss out on some sweet, tasty desserts! That's why we've compiled a list of 7 no-bake, cold dessert ideas that — you guessed it — are best served chilled.

1. Fruity Sorbet

Starting from the very obvious answer, it's not summer without some colourful sorbet! Many people don't realise how easy it is to make at home, using a simple blender – or better yet, the Cuisinart Cordless Mini Processor.

All you need are some frozen fruits of your choice (think mango, blueberry, strawberry, dragonfruit and more), and blend them until smooth. Keep a dash of water and a spatula handy in case you need to fold them in. You can always add some dollops of cream or dashes of sugar, depending how light or thick you want your sorbet.

So the next time a super heated day rolls around, you know you can always count on a homemade sorbet recipe to add to your summer dessert ideas.

Read also: Five 10-Minute Food Processor Recipes

2. No Bake Cheesecake

It's rare that you come across a no-bake dessert that still tastes just as heavenly as the ones you do pop into the oven. Cheesecakes are a popular option during summer time for that refreshing coolness to the tongue, yet with the right amount of sweet/salty flavour.

There are also a variety of toppings you can make for this cheesecake – such as cherries, strawberries and more. Finally, complete the cake with an irresistible Graham cracker base and you're good to go! You can check out this sweet non-bake cheesecake recipe by Natasha's Kitchen here.

3. Mars Bar Mousse

If you're looking for a treat you can save for later, it's hard to say no to this light, fluffy dessert. This Mars-bar-infused mousse serves a decadent pairing of chocolate and caramel to give you a cold, creamy, sticky-sweet sensation.

You can also keep this family-favourite dessert in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to consume. Find the easy mousse recipe here! 

4. Pavlova with Raspberry Coulis

Aussies know this all too well – but there's no better way to top your summer get-togethers than with a heavenly pavlova. Especially during Christmas time! A quick and easy dessert topped with a yummy berry coulis and layers of whipped cream, giving you a sugary and fruity blend. Perfect for any season or occasion, you can find our go-to pavlova recipe here.

Read also: 5 Delicious Mother's Day Cakes

5. Flake Ice Cream Cake

Okay, this ice cream cake might not be no-bake like the others, but it still gives that indulgent chocolate-ice cream taste in a chilled dessert. And chances are, everyone has a Cadbury in their home. So why not give this recipe a try?

With a nice chocolate cake base and a whole tub of vanilla ice cream, you can make this cold cake recipe come to life. Give it a try today with this Flake Ice Cream Cake recipe!

6. Eton Mess Cocktail

This next one's a cocktail. But not just any cocktail — it's an Eton Mess inspired cocktail! Yep, imagine gooey sugary meringue combined with fresh summer berries. Add a little extra Baileys or strawberry liqueur, and you have this exquisite fruity drink that will surely win your guests over.

If you're planning a more family-friendly gathering, simply swap out the Baileys with more ice or even cool coconut water, and you're good to go. It's all about experimenting! Have a go at this tangy sweet cocktail via this recipe.

7. Berry Panna Cotta

Bring on the gelatin, because puddings, jellies, and panna cottas are dessert ideas for summer that are impossible to resist! 

We love this panna cotta recipe by Natasha's Kitchen, which combines a fresh berry sauce and a creamy panna cotta mix, paying tribute to the Italian dessert we all know and adore. Why not give this crowd-winning pudding a try? Try the panna cotta recipe here.

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