The summer heat poses a familiar dilemma. You crave a sweet treat after a day in the sun, but the thought of turning on the oven and heating the entire kitchen feels like a punishment. For years, my solution was simply a bowl of ice cream, but that gets old. This summer, I decided to focus more on desserts that are easy to make and genuinely delicious on hot days.

My mission got a huge boost from my friendly neighbor, Christine. She’s one of those people who always has a pitcher of iced tea and a simple, perfect solution for everything. When I mentioned my dessert problem, she smiled and handed me a small stack of recipe cards. I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, but I am amazed by how good these recipes are. They are simple, require minimal (if any) baking, and deliver that refreshing, sweet taste of summer we all crave.

Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists. These are the recipes you’ll make again and again until the leaves start to turn.

1. No-Bake Key Lime Pie Parfaits

This is the ultimate refreshing dessert when you want the taste of a classic pie without any of the work. The tart lime cuts through the heat, and the creamy texture is just divine. Christine calls these her “emergency fancy dessert.”

What You’ll Need:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Whipped cream and lime zest for garnish

How to Make Them:

1. Combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a small bowl.
2. Press a spoonful of the mixture into the bottom of four small glasses or jars.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture.
5. Spoon the key lime filling over the crust in each glass.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Top with extra whipped cream and lime zest before serving.

2. Frozen Chocolate-Dipped Banana Pops

This is one of the most fun baking recipes to make with kids, except you don’t actually have to bake. They are part dessert, part activity, and a much healthier alternative to many store-bought frozen treats.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 ripe but firm bananas
• 8 ounces good quality chocolate (milk or dark), chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut, sea salt
• Popsicle sticks

How to Make Them:

1. Peel the bananas and cut them in half. Carefully insert a popsicle stick into the cut end of each banana half.
2. Place the bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour.
3. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
4. Dip each frozen banana pop into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to coat it completely.
5. Immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings before the chocolate sets.
6. Place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until ready to serve.

3. The Easiest Berry Icebox Cake

Icebox cakes are a vintage classic for a reason. They rely on the magic of time in the fridge to transform simple ingredients into a creamy, sliceable cake. This is a perfect easy summer dessert recipe for a backyard BBQ.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (9-ounce) package of chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers
• 3 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

How to Make It:

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread a thin layer of the whipped cream on the bottom of a loaf pan or a small rectangular dish.
3. Arrange a single layer of cookies over the cream.
4. Spread a third of the remaining whipped cream over the cookies, then top with a third of the mixed berries.
5. Repeat the layers two more times: cookies, cream, berries.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the cookies to soften into a cake-like texture. Slice and serve cold.

4. 3-Ingredient Watermelon Mint Sorbet

It does not get more refreshing than this. This sorbet tastes like the pure essence of summer. You don’t need a fancy ice cream maker, just a blender or food processor.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups cubed, seedless watermelon, frozen
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice

How to Make It:

1. Ensure your watermelon cubes are frozen solid.
2. Place the frozen watermelon, mint leaves, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice into a high-powered blender or food processor.
3. Blend until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If it’s too thick, add the second tablespoon of lime juice.
4. You can serve it immediately for a soft-serve consistency or transfer it to a loaf pan and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer, scoopable sorbet.

5. Grilled Peach Sundaes

If you already have the grill fired up for dinner, why not use it for dessert? Grilling peaches caramelizes their natural sugars and makes them incredibly tender and juicy. This is a surprisingly elegant dessert that takes minutes to prepare.

What You’ll Need:

• 3 ripe peaches, halved with pits removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Vanilla ice cream
• For the drizzle: 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Them:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the cut side of the peaches lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill for about 3-4 minutes, until you see nice grill marks and they begin to soften.
4. While the peaches grill, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Place two warm grilled peach halves in each bowl. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and pour the cinnamon drizzle over everything. Serve immediately.