21 Summer Desserts – Cookie and Kate

What’s better than a cold or fruity sweet treat on a hot summer day? Not much! Here’s a collection of my most popular summer dessert recipes, including classics like French clafoutis and fun surprise treats like pineapple mint popsicles.

These desserts are all fresh and simple to make, and sure to please a crowd or delight your dinner table. Most feature fresh berries and peaches, including fruity crisps, simple cakes, and frozen yogurt. Some of the recipes benefit from a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

The days are long and the weather is warm. Pick a favorite below and we’ll celebrate the season. Enjoy!

Clafoutis

This clafoutis recipe is simply the best! You can make it with berries (my favorite), cherries (my daughter’s favorite), or any of the fruity variations provided in the post. Recipe yields one 10-inch clafoutis, enough for 8 slices. 

Lemon Posset

Lemon posset is a creamy, citrusy dessert—the perfect small treat. It offers a rich texture and balanced lemon flavor that teeters irresistibly between tangy and sweet. Posset is so easy to make! Allow 3 hours for chilling. Recipe yields 8 to 9 small (2-ounce) servings.

Gluten-Free Almond Cake with Berries on Top

This delicious gluten-free almond cake recipe is easy to make and naturally sweetened. Top with yogurt and fresh berries for a party-worthy cake! Recipe yields one 9-inch cake, enough for 8 slices.

Peach Crisp (Gluten-Free)

This healthier peach crisp features juicy summer peaches and a delicious oat and almond topping, which happens to be gluten free. See recipe notes for special diet adjustments. Recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies offer classic shortbread flavor with dazzling jam centers. Almond flour makes them gluten free and extra delicious! Recipe yields 22 to 24 small cookies.

Simple Blueberry Cake

Make this simple blueberry cake recipe! This blueberry cake is tender and delicious, loaded with blueberries, and not too sweet. It’s naturally sweetened and whole grain as written, too (check recipe notes for more flour options). Recipe yields one 9-inch round cake, enough for 8 slices.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

This simple crisp recipe is bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries and tart rhubarb. Made with honey, oats and yogurt, this crisp is more healthy than most. That said, please serve it with vanilla ice cream for dessert (or yogurt for breakfast)!

Easy Pineapple Mint Popsicles

Craving a refreshing summer treat? Make these simple pineapple-mint popsicles! You’ll need only two ingredients to make these all-natural ice pops. Popsicle molds vary in volume; this recipe yields 16 ounces total, so multiply if necessary.

Mixed Berry Crisp (Gluten Free)

Make this delightful berry crisp with any mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. It’s the perfect simple and fruity summertime dessert. Recipe yields one 9-inch crisp, about 8 servings.

Pots de Crème

This foolproof pots de crème recipe comes together quickly in the blender and tastes amazing. Make it for dessert, and freeze the extra! Yields 36 ounces, enough for anywhere between 36 tiny 1-ounce servings and 9 generous 4-ounce servings.

Lemony Cheesecake Tart with Pistachio Crust

This cheesecake tart recipe is the best! It’s easy to make and tastes gourmet. The homemade pistachio-oat crust happens to be gluten free. Recipe yields one 9-inch tart, enough for 8 medium slices.

Easy Fruit Compote

Learn how to make fruit compote with this easy recipe! You can make compote with fresh or frozen fruit. It’s delicious on ice cream, yogurt, toast, pancakes, waffles and more! Recipe yields about 2 cups compote.

No-Bake Greek Yogurt Tart

This no-bake Greek yogurt tart recipe looks impressive, but it’s very easy to make and nutritious, too! I topped mine with raspberries and strawberries, but use any fresh fruit you’d like. Recipe yields one 9-inch tart (6 slices).

Blueberry Almond Crisp

This amazing blueberry crisp recipe is the perfect summertime dessert! It’s easy to make with blueberries, maple syrup, lemon, oats and almonds. It’s gluten free, too! Recipe yields 6 to 8 servings (a lot!).

Creamy Peach & Honey Popsicles

Honey-sweetened peach popsicles made with yogurt and roasted peaches! These cold, creamy treats are perfect for summertime. They’re healthy, too. Recipe yields eight 3-ounce popsicles.

Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Cake

This delicious, lemony yogurt cake is studded with blueberries. It’s made with healthy whole wheat flour, olive oil and yogurt and tastes amazing, I promise! This cake takes cues from traditional French yogurt cake and tastes like a lightened-up pound cake. Recipe yields one loaf.

Almond Cake with Roasted Strawberries & Rhubarb on Top

This maple-sweetened, gluten-free almond cake topped with roasted strawberries and rhubarb is a simple springtime dessert! Recipe yields one 9-inch cake, enough for 8 slices.

Plum Crisp with Pistachio, Oat and Almond Meal Topping

This simple plum crisp recipe features honey-sweetened summer plums and a gluten-free oat and almond meal topping! Ginger and pistachios send it over the top (but feel free to substitute another nut for the pistachios).

Blueberry Frozen Yogurt

This tangy, honey-sweetened lemon blueberry frozen yogurt is a delightful summer treat. Use full fat yogurt for the best texture, and buy organic berries and lemon if you can.

Honey Almond Cake with Raspberries, Orange and Pistachios

This almond flour and honey cake it super simple, moist and delicious! This cake is gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Feel free to change up the flavors (see notes on how to do so). I think a lemon blueberry version would be delicious.

Roasted Berry and Yogurt Popsicles

These super creamy Greek yogurt popsicles are swirled with jammy, roasted raspberries and blueberries. Sweetened with honey, these are all-natural, delicious summer treats. Recipe yields eight 3-ounce popsicles (24 ounces in total).