Too hot and muggy to turn on the oven, but you need dessert to keep your cool? I got you covered! Here are 70 of the best no bake desserts to choose from, and they all guarantee delicious summer decadence, all without breaking a sweat. Literally.
Contents
[hide]
As someone who bakes a lot, using the oven is second nature to me. The oven is where a lot of magic happens for me, but the oven is just one tool in my arsenal.
There’s so much amazing that you can create without an oven, and I hope you’ll find your next new favorite treat to whip up in this curated list of no bake desserts!
Whether it’s summer and it’s scorching hot outside (and inside), or your oven is currently out of commission, or you just can’t with the oven, I’ve got options for you from custards and cheesecakes to candy, fruit desserts, frozen desserts, drinks, and so much more!
Puddings, custards, and cheesecakes
Custards and puddings are such a cheat code when it comes to entertaining. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or potluck or a dinner with friends, whipping up a no-bake custard dessert is not only quick and easy, but it’s always a win with guests too!
1. Vanilla pudding
Vanilla pudding
This homemade vanilla pudding from scratch is just infinitely better than store-bought instant pudding! No artificial flavors or additives, just perfectly creamy, sweet, and simple to make. Perfect for serving with fresh summer fruits. This is a lighter version of vanilla pastry cream, but made with the same ingredients.
Vanilla pudding recipe
2. Chocolate pudding
Chocolate pudding
A classic, family favorite chocolate pudding made from scratch that is super creamy and very chocolatey! It's rich without being overly indulgent, and sweet with a slight bitterness from the deep chocolate flavor. Just like vanilla pudding, this too is a lighter variation of chocolate pastry cream.
Chocolate pudding recipe
3. Banana pudding
Homemade banana pudding
This is truly the most bananas banana pudding you'll ever have! Better than even the famous Magnolia Bakery banana pudding. Why? It's made from scratch, with an actually banana flavored, banana infused pastry cream to make the pudding (and does NOT use overly sweet instant pudding mix unlike other recipes do).
Banana pudding recipe
4. Chocolate pudding pie
No bake chocolate pudding pie
This decadent chocolate treat is made with an irresistibly creamy and smooth chocolate pudding filling and a cookie crust. I also add popping candy (pop rocks) to the no bake cookie crust for a surprising popping element, but that is optional.
Chocolate pudding pie recipe
5. Bavarian cream (crème bavarois)
Bavarian cream
A super easy, delicious, no bake dessert made with crème anglaise. If you enjoy ice cream and custard desserts, you'll LOVE this!Creamy, silky smooth, melt in your mouth texture with every spoonful. Great to pair with fruit compotes, sauces, and spreads.
Bavarian cream recipe
6. Mousseline cream (crème mousseline)
Mousseline cream
Thick, rich custard dessert made with pastry cream that is lightened with whipped butter! Related to diplomat cream and chiboust cream, this is perfect as a filling for other desserts (like paris-brest), or even on its own!
Mousseline cream recipe
7. Chocolate cremeux
Chocolate cremeux
Another rich, creamy, silky smooth dessert made with pouring custard. Melts in your mouth with an explosion of chocolate flavor!Works great as a luscious filling for other desserts or as a chocolate treat on its own.
Chocolate cremeux recipe
8. Chiboust cream
Crème chiboust
This light and airy filling is also called St. Honoré cream since it’s used to make the classic St Honore gateau dessert.This dessert reminds me of sabayon, and it's so light – like a cloud! Melts in your mouth with every spoonful.
Chiboust cream recipe
9. Chocolate mousse
Chocolate mousse
Smooth, fluffy, airy, melt-in-your-mouth creamy classic chocolate mousse! This recipe doesn’t have any raw eggs, and I show you how to pasteurize the eggs so that it's safe for consumption for anyone. For a variation with undertones of earthy, floral flavors, check out this rosemary infused French chocolate mousse.
Chocolate mousse recipe
10. Butterscotch mousse
Butterscotch mousse
I'm a sucker for anything butterscotch flavored. I also make brown butter for an additional step to introduce even more depth of flavor to this light, creamy, fluffy mousse. Not too sweet, simple to make, a guaranteed crowd-pleasing no bake dessert!
Butterscotch mousse recipe
11. Tofu chocolate mousse
Silken tofu chocolate mousse
Creamy, delicious silken tofu chocolate mousse that is vegan, gluten free, and takes less than 20 minutes to make! Plus, you can switch up the flavor in so many ways, and add protein powder for a high protein chocolate mousse too.
Tofu chocolate mousse recipe
12. Classic panna cotta
Vanilla panna cotta
Perfectly sweet, perfectly set, melt-in-your-mouth creamy classic panna cotta. So easy to make, foolproof results, and always a favorite at parties and potlucks! Panna cotta (in all its variations and flavors) is one of my absolute favorite no bake desserts to make.
Panna cotta recipe
13. Buttermilk panna cotta
Buttermilk panna cotta
Possibly my favorite panna cotta flavor variation. The sweet, tangy flavor of buttermilk contrasts so well with the gently set, super creamy texture of panna cotta! Light, refreshing, so easy to make, just the perfect no bake dessert to make for dinner guests.
Buttermilk panna cotta recipe
14. Coffee panna cotta
Coffee panna cotta
A sinfully creamy, jiggly, perfectly set panna cotta with deep, robust coffee flavor. This simple no bake dessert looks and tastes rich and impressive, and it's the perfect coffee treat for all the coffee aficionados in your life!
Coffee panna cotta recipe
15. Coconut panna cotta
Coconut panna cotta
This is my twist on panna cotta for a deliciously tropical and healthy variation! This coconut panna cotta is refined sugar free, paleo, and dairy free and vegan-friendly.I also share three different options for serving – with passion fruit syrup, macerated raspberries, and with granola.
Coconut panna cotta recipe
16. Bubble tea panna cotta
Bubble milk tea panna cotta
Perfect for all the bubble tea fans out there! A creamy panna cotta infused with tea and topped with brown sugar tapioca pearls. I use my homemade boba pearls here, but you can just as easily use store-bought. An easy, impressive, perfectly sweet, refreshing no bake dessert.
Bubble tea panna cotta recipe
17. No bake lemon cheesecake bars
Lemon cheesecake bars
Quintessential summer treat. Super creamy, tangy lemon cheesecake with graham cracker crust and a homemade lemon curd swirled on top! This is one of my favorite citrus desserts to make for summer BBQs and potlucks.
No bake lemon cheesecake bars
18. Coconut cheesecake jars
Coconut cheesecake jars
This is essential two desserts in one jar! A creamy coconut cheesecake + fresh strawberry pie filling. Just like with my fresh strawberry pie, this filling is made WITHOUT strawberry jello, just fresh strawberries cooked down to concentrate it.All topped with a naturally colored whipped cream topping for an added touch of fun and indulgence.
No bake coconut cheesecake jars recipe
Fruit curds, jams, spreads, and sauces
With summer (and autumn) comes a bounty of fruits – and I’m always thinking of ways to preserve them for longer.
While these sweet spreads, sauces, and condiments are often paired with other dishes to add more flavor and complexity, these are fantastic simple no bake recipes to have at your disposal, for whenever!
19. Lemon curd
Lemon curd
So many no bake lemon desserts start and end with lemon curd. Tangy, creamy and sweet, this homemade lemon curd (lemon butter) is a summer favorite for me. Plus, lemon, sugar, eggs, and butter are all you need to make this easy treat too.
Lemon curd recipe
20. Passion fruit curd
Passion fruit curd
If you like passion fruit and want to preserve the wonderful tropical flavor for longer, this is the perfect recipe.This is basically a passion fruit custard packed with tropical citrus flavor, and delightfully creamy and buttery! I use it to make this amazing passion fruit pie, and often use it as a topping on my pavlova.
Passion fruit curd recipe
21. Pineapple curd
Pineapple curd
Sweet, creamy, tangy, and looks and tastes like a spoonful of glorious summer! Pairs well with anything, but delicious on its own too.I make this fantastic pineapple tart (piña colada tart) with this curd as well.
Pineapple curd recipe
22. Strawberry jam
Reduced sugar strawberry jam
This homemade strawberry jam is made with less than 1/2 the amount of sugar and NO store-bought pectin. Great way to use up overripe strawberries, and the natural sweetness of those strawberries is brought to life with the tartness of apples and a touch of lemon juice.Serving this with homemade cream scones is one of my favorite ways to spend weekend brunches in summer!
Strawberry jam recipe
23. Grape jelly
Grape jelly
Perfectly tart and sweet, this concord grape jelly (jam) is delicious on everything or to just eat it straight out of the jar!If you have an abundance of grapes, this is a great way to preserve them for much longer.
Grape jelly recipe
24. Cherry pie filling
Cherry pie filling
Unlike other recipes, I use TWO cherry components to make this thick, concentrated, juicy cherry pie filling! Tastes absolutely incredible, and you can make this with frozen cherries too!
Cherry pie filling recipe
25. Apple pie filling
Apple compote
This caramel apple pie filling (apple compote) is everything that's delicious about Fall in a spoonful! Softened apple cooked in caramel and spices for a fruity, sweet, and spicy filling.I use it to make apple pie and apple pie bars every autumn.
Apple pie filling recipe
26. Ube halaya
Purple yam jam
Ube halaya is a very popular Filipino jam that is made with ube (purple yam). But you can make this with purple sweet potatoes as well.A vibrantly purple, rich, creamy dessert. I make these ube bread rolls with a delicious swirl of this jam. I do love these flavors so much, I even make ube ice cream and ube bubble tea for two more amazing no bake summer treats.
Ube halaya recipe
27. Dulce de leche
Dulce de leche
All you need is a can of condensed milk and a big pot of water. It's that easy. It's the PERFECT accompaniment for homemade churros, but it's also a great sweet dip for fruits, and you can flavor milkshakes with it or use it as a sweetener for coffee or tea as well.
Dulce de leche recipe
28. Hot fudge sauce
Chocolate hot fudge sauce
Thick, rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey, this is easily the best ice cream topping in existence! Ready in 10 minutes, you can make the BEST chocolate shake, hot chocolate, and ice chocolate milk with it too. I also make a butterscotch chocolate fudge sauce with brown butter for another indulgent flavor variation!
Hot fudge sauce recipe
29. Salted caramel sauce
Salted caramel sauce
A true caramel sauce (using white sugar, instead of brown sugar) with a deep, complex flavor profile by cooking the sugar to a very dark, amber color. So it's rich and decadent, but not sickly sweet. Perfect to drizzle over everything!
Salted caramel sauce recipe
30. Pistachio paste
Pistachio butter
Smooth, sweet, deliciously nutty, so simple to make, and vibrantly flavored! Cheaper than store-bought, and pairs well with many other types of dessert too.
Pistachio paste recipe
Frozen desserts
Frozen desserts are not just a summer aspiration for me. I love enjoying them any time of the year. Ice creams, sorbets, popsicles, slushies, frozen yogurt etc. are all welcome in my home without discrimination, regardless of what the calendar says.
These make some of my favorite no bake fruit desserts, and they are a great incentive to make extra room in your freezer, come summer.
31. French vanilla ice cream
Vanilla ice cream
This French vanilla ice cream is made with egg yolks for an incomparably rich, creamy, decadent ice cream!So many toppings, mix-ins, and serving ideas for this crowd-favorite, classic summer treat.
Vanilla ice cream recipe
32. Chocolate ice cream
Dark chocolate ice cream
Unforgettably creamy and fudgy chocolate ice cream made with egg yolks (for extra creaminess), and cocoa powder plus melted chocolate for a double dose of deep chocolate flavor!This ice cream has an incredible mouthfeel with a melt in your mouth texture and body, unlike store-bought chocolate ice cream that tastes too whipped and light.
Chocolate ice cream recipe
33. Mint chocolate chip ice cream
Mint chocolate chip ice cream
Creamy, minty ice cream base mixed with extra minty, buttery, bittersweet peppermint chocolate pieces dispersed throughout the ice cream Stracciatella-style for the BEST mint chocolate chip ice cream!
Mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe
34. Strawberry shortcake ice cream
Strawberry shortcake ice cream
Such a fun mash up of summer desserts! Creamy ice cream made with roasted strawberries and chunks of delicious vanilla sponge cake.If you like strawberry shortcake, you've GOT to try this decadent ice cream version!
Strawberry shortcake ice cream recipe
35. Lemon ice cream
Creamy lemon ice cream
Made with my homemade lemon curd for an ultra creamy, buttery, and very lemony ice cream!Tart, refreshing, a summer classic.
Lemon ice cream recipe
36. Cereal milk ice cream
Cereal milk ice cream
A uniquely delicious summer treat that both kids and adults will love! Silky smooth, creamy, milky, and tastes like the cornflakes-soaked milk at the bottom of your cereal bowl.Made with egg yolks for a richer, thicker consistency.
Cereal milk ice cream recipe
37. Butterscotch ice cream
Brown butter butterscotch ice cream
Brown butter, ice cream base infused with pecan flavor throughout, and crunchy caramelized toasted butter pecans in every scoop of ice cream. If you want to treat yourself with a no bake summer dessert, this is how you do it!
Butterscotch ice cream recipe
38. Creamy vanilla popsicles
Creamy vanilla popsicles
Sometimes all you need is a sinfully creamy, rich, decadent vanilla ice pop in summer! And I've got the perfect recipe for you to make creamy vanilla popsicles in 5 awesome flavors – blueberry & vanilla, cherry & vanilla, peaches & cream, cookies & cream, and M&M popsicles!
Vanilla popsicles recipe
39. Cookie butter and chocolate fudge pops
Cookie butter & chocolate fudge pops
Melt in your mouth creamy, smooth, sweet and salty chocolate fudge pops, topped with crushed oreos and biscoff cookies!Cookie butter pudding and chocolate pudding come together with a delicious twist to make these popsicles. Who needs an oven when you can make decadent no bake treats like these?
Cookie butter & chocolate fudge pops recipe
40. Vanilla and chocolate protein popsicles
Vanilla & chocolate protein pops
Vanilla and chocolate swirled layers, with no added sugar, vegan and gluten free, and loaded with protein!These are frozen treats with a purpose. They don’t come with an extra layer of indulgence or guilt, but they taste like it anyway!
Vanilla & chocolate protein popsicles recipe
41. Easy fruit sorbet
No churn fruit sorbet
This is simply the easiest fruit sorbet you'll ever make! No churn, just 3 ingredients, and the most refreshing fruit sorbet to enjoy all summer (or year) long!Here I share recipes for raspberry, peach, pineapple, and honeydew melon sorbet.
42. Frozen margarita pie
Frozen margarita pie slice
This creamy frozen margarita pie slice with a pretzel crust is a cocktail, a dessert, and a summer fiesta all in one delicious frozen bite!Made with a creamy lime curd, this is a boozy and refreshing no bake dessert with sweet, tart, and salty flavors.
Frozen margarita pie recipe
43. Spicy pineapple popsicles
Spicy pineapple popsicles (paletas)
Refreshing spicy pineapple popsicles layered with a spicy, salty spice mix to enhance the fruity freshness and sweetness even more!Eating fresh, ripe, sweet, juicy fruit with a spicy chili powder is a custom I grew up with, and these popsicles are a delicious reflection of that.
Spicy pineapple popsicles recipe
44. Peach melba popsicles
Peach melba popsicles
Ripe, juicy peaches, tangy raspberries, and thyme sugar syrup come together for the juiciest, fruitiest peach melba popsicles!Simple, refreshing summer treat.
Peach melba popsicles recipe
Candy
Who says candy and bite-sized sweet treats are just for the holidays? I make marshmallows all the time. These candy recipes are some of the most beloved no bake desserts I make without ever turning on the oven, and I KNOW you’ll discover some new favorites in this list too!
45. Vanilla marshmallows
Vanilla marshmallows
Sweet, soft, springy, fluffy pillows of deliciousness, these homemade marshmallows are SO MUCH better than store-bought!This foolproof recipe shows you how to make these with or without corn syrup, and with or without a sugar thermometer. And definitely without an oven.
Homemade marshmallows recipe
46. Chocolate marshmallows
Chocolate marshmallows
Most chocolate marshmallow recipes online add cocoa powder directly to the marshmallow base, which results in very dense, dry marshmallows. This recipe uses a cocoa powder paste instead. The result is soft, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and deeply chocolatey marshmallows that are just as failproof as my vanilla marshmallows.
Chocolate marshmallows recipe
47. Butterscotch marshmallows
Buttered rum marshmallows
A fancy pants marshmallow flavor! Soft, fluffy, buttery, and with a hint of salt – these marshmallows are just so decadent! You could leave out the rum if you're making this for kids, and dip them in chocolate instead for an extra touch of indulgence.
Butterscotch marshmallows recipe
48. Tahini marshmallows
Tahini marshmallows
Probably the most uniquely flavorful marshmallows you'll ever have! The tahini adds a delicious fudginess.Easy to make, soft, fluffy nutty, sweet marshmallows. Tahini ice cream is another fun treat to capitalize on this unique flavor!
Tahini marshmallows recipe
49. Chocolate truffles
Homemade chocolate truffles
These are the first confection I learned to make as a kid! They are so easy to make as you only need 2 main ingredients to make these at home.Great as edible gifts for the holidays, but they make for decadent no bake treats for any time of the year.
Chocolate truffles recipe
50. Chia bliss balls
Chocolate chia bliss balls
Fudgy, chocolatey, delicious, these healthy chia bliss balls are vegan and paleo. You only need just FOUR ingredients and a few minutes to make these. Great no bake snacks for both kids and adults alike.
Chia bliss balls recipe
51. Buckeyes (peanut butter balls)
Peanut butter balls
Chocolate and peanut butter are of course a sacred flavor combo! These peanut butter balls covered in melted chocolate are such a fun, easy, no bake treat.
Buckeyes recipe
52. Honeycomb
Honeycomb candy
These go by many names… honeycomb toffee, sponge toffee, cinder toffee, seafoam candy, hokey pokey etc. Whatever you call them, these no bake, crunchy, light, sweet toffee pieces are guaranteed to take you right back to your childhood!
Honeycomb candy recipe
53. Peanut brittle
Homemade peanut brittle
Packed with peanuts, this crunchy, caramel smothered peanut brittle is easy to make and super delicious.
Peanut brittle recipe
54. Chocolate caramels
Chocolate caramels
Chocolate and delicious caramel combined to make an easy no bake treat that everyone loves!These chocolate caramels are EASY. No tempering chocolate or dipping in chocolate involved. Yet you get the flavors of chocolate and caramel in one sweet, soft, delightfully chewy bite.
Chocolate caramels recipe
55. Rice krispie treats
Brown butter rice krispie treats
These rice krispie treats made with homemade marshmallows are infinitely better than anything you can buy from the store!Gooey, buttery, and super delicious, these have NO corn syrup or additives or preservatives.
Rice krispie treats recipe
56. Mars bar slice
Mars bar rice krispie treats
These were the rice krispie treats that I grew up with. Rice krispies mixed with melted Mars bars for a gooey caramel base, and topped with a layer of chocolate!Easy to make, no bake, crunchy, and decadent.
Mars bar slice recipe
Dessert drinks
Treating yourself while quenching your thirst? That’s a win-win in my book. If you want to shake things up with a no bake treat that also doubles up as a beverage, try any one (or all!) of these indulgent drinks.
From fresh, fruity summer deliciousness to thick, decadent milkshakes, these dessert drinks pack quite a punch!
57. Mango lassi
Mango lassi
A popular drink in the Indian subcontinent where mango trees and mangoes are aplenty. Deliciously creamy and refreshing, and you only need a few ingredients to make it.Plus, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned mangoes to make this drink.
Mango lassi recipe
58. Vanilla avocado drink
Creamy vanilla avocado drink
Long before avocado toast, this was how I enjoyed avocados growing up. This is a delicious and healthy alternative to milkshakes and a great no bake snack for kids too.
Vanilla avocado drink recipe
59. Falooda milkshake
Homemade falooda
Speaking of milkshakes, this one doesn't pretend to be healthy unlike the avocado drink. Another dessert drink popular in South Asia, this is a vanilla and rose flavored milkshake that's topped with ice cream (of course!), tukmaria seeds (sabja seeds), vermicelli (sev), and jello.Yup, this drink is habit-forming. Ask me how I know!
Falooda recipe
60. Lemon meringue pie cocktail
Lemon meringue pie cocktail
This is my lemon meringue pie in glorious cocktail form! It's a dessert and a cocktail in one glass, topped with pillowy, glossy Swiss meringue and a delicious oatmeal lace cookie! Skip the lace cookie so you don't have to turn on the oven!
Lemon meringue pie cocktail recipe
61. French hot chocolate
Parisian hot chocolate
Hot chocolate isn't just for the holidays! This Parisian hot chocolate is unlike anything else. An intensely thick and luscious hot chocolate drink, made with 3 simple ingredients. If you want a no-nonsense chocolate drink, it'll be hard to beat this one.
French hot chocolate
62. Peanut butter hot chocolate
Peanut butter hot chocolate
PB and chocolate sittin' in a tree… and this. This is what you get. A thick, luscious, super simple drinking chocolate for all the peanut butter & chocolate fans out there!
Peanut butter hot chocolate recipe
63. Lychee mocktail
Lychee mocktail
A floral, earthy, and light mocktail made with lychee and non-alcoholic gin! Refreshing summer drink, but perfect for any time of the year!I also love to make frizzy, fruity, fresh drinks with summer fruits for summer BBQs and entertaining – like these homemade soda syrups, rhubarb syrup, lemon syrup, strawberry shrub, peach shrub etc.
Lychee mocktail recipe
64. Color changing lemonade
Galaxy lemonade
A summer favorite lemonade with a twist! This color changing galaxy lemonade went viral when I first came up with it 10 years ago. All the color and splendor of the galaxy in a simple lemonade with one not so secret ingredient.
Color changing lemonade recipe
Other no bake treats
They don’t neatly fit any category, but they are treat-worthy no bake desserts nonetheless! I love to make French crepes any chance I get, and I find that they make for the most versatile and easy, yet impressive no bake desserts for a crowd, or even for individual servings.
Same with some fruit desserts that can be transformed from their unassuming ways into fancy pants treats like the poached pears below.
65. Chocolate crepes
Chocolate crepes
Soft and delicious crepes made with cocoa powder for a lovely bittersweet chocolate flavor. Serve with some whipped cream and berries for a super simple yet impressive dessert option.
Chocolate crepes recipe
66. Salted caramel chocolate crepe cake
Chocolate crepe cake
And if you want to take those chocolate crepes one step further, here's one spectacular no bake dessert!Layers of deliciously soft chocolate crepes with a creamy but light salted caramel diplomat cream in between, and then covered in chocolate ganache. And optionally topped with salted caramel sauce, because why not?
Chocolate crepe cake recipe
67. Sweet coconut stuffed crepes
Sweet coconut stuffed crepes
A Sri Lankan classic (“pani pol”) that I grew up with. Soft crepes stuffed with a sweet coconut filling (sweetened with jaggery or muscovado sugar or brown sugar).Simple idea with exceptionally delicious results!
Sweet coconut stuffed crepes recipe
68. Cinnamon toast
Cinnamon toast (crème brulée toast)
Buttery cinnamon toast with a creme brulee surface! Soft and crunchy. Sweet and salty. This should come with a warning! That's how good it is! To take this simple dessert idea one step further for a baked version, you could also try honey butter toast.
Cinnamon toast recipe
69. Red wine poached pears
Red wine poached pears
A fantastic way to enhance the natural sweetness of pears with delicious red wine and beautiful spices. Serve with some mascarpone cheese, or whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, no bake, yet elegant dessert.
Red wine poached pears recipe
70. Saffron poached pears
Saffron poached pears
A decadent, alcohol-free alternative to red wine poached pears. Spiced with cardamom, orange juice, orange peel, vanilla and sweetened with honey, these taste just as vibrantly delicious as they look!
Saffron poached pears recipe
Leave a Reply