Small batch desserts that are entirely no bake for summer.
Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean we're going to forgo desserts all summer long, right? I really hope you're not on a fitness journey or using phrases like 'bikini body' right now, because I'm about to make you drool.
These are my 15 favorite small batch desserts for summer. Most of the recipes are no bake, some require a brief stint in the oven, and many require the stove top. All are very delicious!
My top 15 small batch desserts for summer:
1. Caramel Banana Pudding
This caramel banana pudding is made the same way as regular banana pudding, but you simply toast the sugar to make caramel before making the pudding. It's an extra step, but is so simple and worth it. Are you okay with making pudding from scratch? I think it's a life skill that will serve you well.
2. No-Bake Blackberry Cheesecake Jars
I lean on no-bake cheesecake all summer long. It's one of my favorite go-to summer small batch desserts, because everyone loves it. You have to try my no-bake blackberry cheesecake version--it has a white chocolate and heavy cream base, no sweetened condensed milk here! The tangy fresh blackberry sauce on top is too pretty to miss! (hint: These are mini Weck Tullip jars)
3. Strawberry Mousse in the Blender
Mousse is elegant and fancy, but no one needs to know you made this one in the blender. My easy strawberry mousse made in the blender has a cool & creamy base with a hint of rose water and salt. Scale it up to serve a crowd at a summer dinner party--it always goes over well.
4. S'mores Tart
We couldn't get very far talking about no-bake summer desserts if we didn't talk about s'mores, could we? The classic flavor combo of graham crackers, chocolate and toasted marshmallow can't be beat! My mini s'mores tarts for two have an easy crust crust, a simple 2-ingredient chocolate filling and quick marshmallow fluff for torching.
5. Cherry Cheesecake Dip
All the flavors of a cheesecake without any of the baking! My cherry cheesecake dip is so quick to stir together; serve it with chocolate graham crackers!
6. Strawberry Champagne Trifles
Honestly, I'll look for any excuse to open a bottle of champagne. You'll have leftover champagne after making these Strawberry Champagne Trifles, and if you don't know what to do with it, call me. Use a package of vanilla pudding mix, fresh strawberries, lady fingers, and champagne to make these adorable trifles.
7. 5-Minute Chocolate Mousse
Being able to whip up chocolate mousse in just 5 minutes is my super power. My 5-minute chocolate mousse just requires a hand mixer, heavy cream, chocolate, sugar, and an egg yolk. It happens fast, which is a good thing because you'll want to eat it fast!
8. Blackberry No-Churn Ice Cream
My no-churn blackberry chip ice cream is made without sweetened condensed milk, but is just as creamy and rich! If you've never tried blackberries with chocolate, you're missing out!
9. Microwave Lemon Curd
While microwave lemon curd in and of itself is not dessert, it actually is when you dip graham crackers in it, top a bowl of fresh berries with it, or drizzle it over store-bought angel food cake.
10. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Anytime I make small batch rice krispie treats, I'm so very proud of myself. Because, normally, I could eat the whole pan by myself. Making them in a loaf pan is essential for me! When I make peanut butter rice krispie treats, I feel slightly okay giving them to my daughter because peanut butter has protein. Is my logic faulty?
11. Cookie Dough Dip for One (or Two)
Since we all need the flavors of a chocolate chip cookie but don't want to turn on the oven, chocolate chip cookie dough dip to the rescue! It makes a small ramekin of cookie dough dip, and you don't have to share.
12. Matcha Tiramisu
While I might be alone in my undying love for matcha, this matcha tiramisu just might bring you on my team. If you like, though, you can substitute espresso powder for the matcha and get a slightly more traditional version of tiramisu for two. If you love that, then make my tiramisu cupcakes next, ok? (hint: this is my favorite matcha)
13. Chai Caramel Icebox Cake
This chai caramel ice box cake is an entirely no-bake cake! It features chai caramel sauce (spiked with whiskey), a layer of gingersnaps, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. And yes, it's exactly as delicious as it sounds!
14. Baklava Sundae
If the flavors of baklava permeate your dreams the way they do mine, then you have to make this quick baklava ice cream sundae. Place a small scoop of vanilla ice cream in a crispy phyllo shell, and top it with the most magical pistachio and mixed nut sauce with orange water and cinnamon.
15. Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
If you need a small batch dessert to keep in your fridge all summer, you're looking for these homemade peanut butter cups. After you make them once, you'll never go back to store-bought because of the salt sprinkle on top! Plus, they're fun to make with kids.
If you make any of these small batch desserts for summer, let me know in the comments below! I hope you guys are having a sweet summer! :)
Susan says
Thank you for giving us 15 different kinds of yummy!
Can I ask a pudding question? I've made your vanilla, butterscotch, chocolate and coconut puddings and they are all wonderful. I almost always have milk, but only buy cream if I need it for a specific recipe. If I didn't have cream in the house and were having a pudding emergency (since you're a dessert expert I'm sure you know that there is such a thing as a pudding emergency), could I just use additional milk in place of the cream?
Janabelle says
Yaaaaassss pudding emergencies are REAL. I totally feel you on that!
If you buy half and half for your coffee (like I do) I've found that it makes a great sub for heavy cream in pudding and a lot of other things. But whole milk should work, too. Like Julie said, it just won't be quite as rich.
Julie says
Hey Susan, I make pudding with milk all the time. It just isn't quite as rich. Have a great night.
Nancy K says
Your microwave lemon curd is the best...the very best. I have made it numerous times since you posted the recipe and everytime it comes out just perfect. I have always avoided making large batch lemon curd but yours is so easy and really the perfect amount for topping a recipe or for a complement to scones or biscuits.
Thanks for your continued creativity!
jan langton says
You've outdone yourself! I'll be trying these all this week. %-)
imgrum says
Thank you for sharing! What a perfect collection for summer!!