7 No-Bake Dessert Recipes to Make Before the Summer Ends 

As summer begins to wind down, there’s still plenty of time to savor one of Southern food’s best seasons. From cakes to ice cream to trifles, these no-bake desserts capture everything there is to love about late summer. Featuring juicy berries, cooling mint, and vibrant citrus, each recipe withstands Southern heat waves.

Preserved Lemon Ice Cream

For an elevated take on a citrusy favorite, this preserved lemon ice cream is a balm to the summer heat. With only six ingredients, this simple summer dessert from Palm&Pine perfectly balances bright citrus and sugar with preserved lemon and honey, without being overly sweet. It’s simple and delightful, and can be made for a crowd or kept in your freezer as a late-summer staple.

Elvis Éclair Cake

For a summer treat that isn’t frozen, this no-bake “cake” falls somewhere between banana pudding, tiramisu, and an èclair. Country music artist Hannah Dasher takes this no-bake èclair cake and introduces Elvis Presley’s favorite flavors for a playful twist on a classic. Perfectly chaotic, it features a crunchy graham cracker base, sweet vanilla pudding and whipped cream “cake”, whisky-dipped peanut butter cookies, fresh banana slices, and a velvety chocolate icing. 

Strawberry Fool

Birmingham chef Frank Stitt of Chez Fonfon and Bottega shares his Strawberry Fool recipe. This classic British dessert can be brought together in less than 15 minutes. Soft whipped cream meets a sweet strawberry coulis, while a garnish of fresh mint and bright lemon zest creates a refreshing contrast. Perfect for a group, or simply enoying yourself, it’s an easy and satisfying treat.

Blackberry Jam Icebox Cake

This blackberry jam icebox cake combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors for a well-rounded dessert. Vibrant layers of blackberry jam, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet whipped cream are topped with salty pistachios for an added crunch. Gaining popularity in the 50’s, icebox cakes were known for creating a fancy layered treat without turning on the stove.

Mint Julep Trifles

Inspired by the iconic cocktail, these mint julep trifles are the ideal personal-sized desserts for a group. The trifle pairs mint mouse with a full-bodied bourbon gelée, finishing with crumbled almond meal on top. The whipped mousse adds silky smoothness, while the sweet almond layer adds the crave-able crunch.

Blackberry Dumplings

In this summertime treat shared by Gullah Geechee chef BJ Dennis, juicy, bubbling blackberries simmer with soft, dumpling-like dough. It’s sweet and tangy, with fresh fruit, creating a delicious and comforting bite. Serve with a scoop or two of creamy vanilla ice cream. 

Blueberry and Juniper Ice Cream

For a match made in frozen dessert heaven, this refreshing juniper berry ice cream is swirled with jammy blueberries to make a perfect summer treat. Heavy cream and condensed milk get whisked together to create a delectable creamy base, then blueberries balance the deep sweetness with a natural tartness, while the essence of juniper berries adds a botanical twist, keeping this treat from being too sweet.

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