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    Home » Dessert

    Easy No Bake Dessert Recipes

    Published: Jul 21, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.

    When the oven breaks or the temps heat up, you can’t or don’t want to bake. That’s when you can rely on easy no bake dessert recipes. These are them!

    From Strawberry Icebox Cakes to ice cream pie, Triple Chocolate Sundaes to Salted Caramel Affogatos, I’ve got you covered for sweet treats you can enjoy without baking.

    lemon icebox on platter next to two plates with slices of cake and forks on them. this …
    This Lemon Icebox Cake requires only 5 ingredients and takes just 30 minutes to prepare!
    Jump to:
    • Why It Matters
    • Ingredients to Keep on Hand
    • Types
    • Recommended Recipes
    • What do you think?

    Ready for fun summer nights? I know that our house, the evening is not complete without a bite of something sweet. We are, admittedly, dessert people.

    And I don’t really see anything wrong with that.

    It’s important to consider hot weather meal planning, and that includes planning some cool and easy desserts!

    Why It Matters

    It’s a great way to entertain. Who doesn’t love ending a fun evening with a sweet treat? Send your guests home with smiles thanks to these easy no bake dessert recipes.

    You can stay cool. Whether you’re trying to avoid Summer Baking or just avoid the hassle of the kitchen, prepping sweet treats without baking is a great way to go.

    Save money! Making your own desserts is a great way to save money over more expensive restaurant or bakery options.

    Ingredients to Keep on Hand

    close up view of strawberries in open plastic clamshell box.

    When you think of no bake dessert ideas, you want to be able to just assemble it, cook it on the stovetop, or buy it already prepared. Think simple and easy!

    Keep these ingredients in mind as you plan your special occasions as well as shop for impromptu events:

    • fresh fruit – think about what’s seasonal (therefore affordable) as well as easy to serve
    • assorted cookies and sweeter crackers, like graham or Digestives
    • candies and chocolates, including chocolate chips
    • cereals like rice krispies or millet for Coconut-Millet Snack Bars
    • popcorn or kettle corn
    • marshmallows
    • nuts, granola, and other fun toppings like Maple Spiced Pepitas
    • whipped cream – either in the can or for making homemade whipped cream
    • half and half/whipping cream – for making homemade ice cream
    • chocolate syrup or ingredients to make Homemade Mocha Chocolate Syrup
    • caramel sauce and other ice cream toppings – remember you can make your own Chocolate Magic Shell or Caramel Sauce.
    • jam and nut butters
    • frozen fruit for smoothies and for making your own sauces, like Raspberry Sauce
    • ice cream and sorbet, remember some dairy-free or plant-based options for guests
    • sodas, juices, and ciders as well as hot and cold coffee

    Types

    There are some general categories of no bake desserts that are super easy to serve. Consider the following ideas. Many require no recipe; you can just throw them together!

    • icebox cakes – Layered whipped cream and cookies or crackers with a fruit, sauce, or pudding to add flavor and texture.
    • ice cream pies – Make a graham cracker crust or buy one at the store and layer softened ice creams and sorbets with your favorite sauces.
    • parfaits and trifles – Layer crumbled cake, cookies, or granola with pudding, whipped cream, or yogurt. Add in fresh fruit if you like!
    • sundaes – Take ice cream over the top with special sauces, whipped cream, chopped cookies, candies, nuts, or fruit.
    • popsicles – Freeze your favorite fruits, juices, yogurts, and ice creams in molds for homemade popsicles.
    • floats or Italian sodas – Float scoops of ice cream, sorbet, or gelato in your favorite flat or soft drinks. Think outside the box and include coffee (hot or cold!) and cider or juice as well as the typical root beer and other sodas.
    • cereal bars and no bake cookies – You can stir up a pot of Scotcharoo Bars or Rice Krispie Treats or even make no-bake cookies.
    • dessert boards – Assemble a variety of fruits, nuts, popcorn, and chocolates for an elegant and incredibly easy dessert.

    Recommended Recipes

    Check out these 30 easy dessert recipes that require no-baking. You’re bound to find a winner — or five — to dish up this season.

    Lemon Icebox Cake
    No need to bake with this easy lemon icebox cake. Instead layer pizelle cookies, whipped cream, and lemon curd for a deliciously cool, five-ingredient, no-bake dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    lemon ice box cake on white platter with lemon slices and a slice of cake on a dish.
    Strawberry and Chocolate Icebox Cakes
    Want a most delicious summer dessert without heating the oven? Make these Strawberry and Chocolate Icebox Cakes for one of the easiest treats under the sun.
    Check out this recipe
    A little girl sitting on a table
    Salted Caramel Mocha Icebox Cake
    This icebox cake mimics the flavors of the Salted Caramel Mocha Frap, making it a must-do for any season. It’s super easy to prepare, so there’s no reason not to!
    a pyrex pan with icebox cake
    Marshmallow Pie
    This Easy Marshmallow Pie is a no-bake dream with a crunchy nut crust and a marshmallow creme, whipped cream, and toffee candy filling. This dessert is a delicious freezer pie, perfect for the holidays!
    Check out this recipe
    overhead shot of two plates of marshmallow pie next to the full pie.
    Coconut Crunch Pie
    Mix up this quick and easy coconut crunch pie. It only takes about fifteen minutes. You will wow your guests!
    Coconut Crunch Pie - Mix up these quick and easy coconut pie. It only takes about fifteen minutes. You will wow your guests!
    Sorbet & Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache
    Blood orange sorbet, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate ganache come together so nicely in this easy and delicious ice cream pie.
    Check out this recipe
    A piece of sorbet pie on plate with fork
    Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
    Homemade chocolate pudding comes together in just a few minutes. Rich in chocolatey flavor, it makes a deliciously elegant dessert to serve to friends and family.
    Check out this recipe
    glass pot of chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream on white sauce with spoon.
    Chocolate Parfaits
    Chocolate Cream Pie gets morphed into a dessert in a jar, a Chocolate Parfait, to be exact. Perfect for your next game day dessert or holiday get-together.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead shot of four chocolate parfaits in an array on white napkin.
    Yogurt-Berry Parfait
    A Yogurt Berry Parfait makes for a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. It feels indulgent, but can actually be quite good for you.
    Check out this recipe
    two cups of yogurt with berries and granola
    Lemon Meringue Sundae
    An easy lemon meringue sundae you can easily whip up for your family!
    Check out this recipe
    lemon meringue sundae in martini glass
    Triple Chocolate Sundaes
    Three forms of chocolate: brownie, ice cream, and syrup, come together for a delicious Valentine’s treat: Triple Chocolate Sundaes.
    Check out this recipe
    triple chocolate sundae
    Homemade Chocolate Magic Shell Recipe
    Cool off with a sundae party. Check out these recipes for homemade ice cream and toppings as well as this easy, two-minute Homemade Chocolate Magic Shell Recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Bowls of ice cream with magic shells and Sprinkles
    How to Make Frozen Chocolate Bananas
    Creamy, frozen banana coated in chocolate and rolled in your favorite toppings? What's not to love. Learn how to make frozen chocolate bananas for a fun treat.
    Check out this recipe
    array of frozen chocolate bananas on a parchment lined tray.
    Peach Yogurt Popsicles
    Cool off this summer with homemade layered fruit and yogurt popsicles. Layer yogurt and peach puree in these tasty ice pops.
    Check out this recipe
    peach yogurt popsicles in their molds in a large white bowl of peaches.
    Homemade Plum Ice Pops
    Don’t pay the price for commercial popsicles. Turn fresh fruit and honey into easy homemade ice pops. 
    Check out this recipe
    plum popsicles on a plate
    Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
    Enjoy the ice cream shop experience with this homemade Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream made with just a few whole ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    hand holding ice cream cone
    Apricot Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
    Want to make an easy and delicious frozen dessert? Try out this apricot ice cream studded with chocolate.
    Check out this recipe
    A dish of Apricot and Chocolate ice cream
    Simple Vanilla Ice Cream
    Simple Vanilla Ice Cream is a delight. Made with only four ingredients, it tastes so much better than store-bought.
    Check out this recipe
    a dish of vanilla ice cream
    Salted Caramel Affogato Recipe
    Affogato is just a fancy word for coffee float. This one is made with strong coffee, vanilla ice cream, and topped with caramel sauce and coarse salt for a delicious treat.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of an affogato in a glass cappucino cup.
    Sparkling Apple Cider Floats
    Looking for a fun dessert that you can make in just a matter of minutes? These Sparkling Apple Cider Floats are just the thing!
    Check out this recipe
    close up of sparkling apple cider float with caramel drizzle on top of the foam.
    Mamabars (DIY Larabar Recipe)
    Make your own dried fruit and nut bars as an inexpensive alternative to Larabars. They are a delicious gluten-free dessert or snack.
    Check out this recipe
    fruit bars sliced on parchment
    Scotcharoo Bars
    Scotcharoo Bars are crunchy and sweet and chocolatey, perfect for dessert or afterschool snacks. They are a delicious, gluten-free dessert that is practically addicting.
    Check out this recipe
    scotcharoo bars on plate
    Crockpot Chocolate Fondue with Fruit and Poundcake
    Crockpot Chocolate Fondue couldn't be easier when it's made in the slow cooker with just two ingredients! Evaporated milk and chocolate chips make a great sauce for fruit and poundcake.
    Check out this recipe
    slow cooker crock full of chocolate fondue with plates of fruit and cake
    Dessert Charcuterie Board
    One of the easiest desserts you can serve is a dessert charcuterie board. Set out an array of chocolates, fruits, nuts, and popcorn for an elegant and simple sweet touch to your evening.
    Check out this recipe
    dessert board made with several bowls and platters.
    Cherries Jubilee
    A classic dessert from the last century, Cherries Jubilee is a delicious dish of flaming cherries served over vanilla ice cream. The combo of temperatures is just amazingly delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    bowls of cherries jubilee with spoons
    Mocha Chocolate Syrup
    Just 4 ingredients to make this homemade chocolate syrup to serve over ice-cream!
    Check out this recipe
    mocha syrup in a glass bottle next to an ice cream sundae.
    Apple Slices with Caramel
    Apple slices with caramel are a fun and healthier alternative to traditional caramel apples. Serve them for a fun, no-bake dessert for the whole family.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead shot of apple slices and caramel with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on a white plate.
    Berry Salad Recipe
    Enjoy in-season berries in this deliciously simple Berry Salad topped with nuts and coconut flakes. Made in just minutes, it's the perfect no-bake dessert to serve all spring and summer.
    Check out this recipe
    floral teacup loaded high with berry salad with spoon on saucer.
    Raspberry Sauce Recipe
    Enjoy this quick and easy raspberry sauce with pancakes, waffles, and a number of desserts. It comes together in a flash, making it a great last-minute dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    pitcher of Raspberry sauce
    Winter Fruit Tray
    Dessert will be fresh and easy when you serve a Winter Fruit Tray, laden with seasonal fruit. Follow these serving tips to make it simple for your guests.
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of fruit sitting on a table

    What do you think?

    What are your favorites? I can’t wait to hear what you serve!

    This post was originally published on June 3, 2015. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    « Lemon Icebox Cake (98 cents/serving)
    30-Minute No Bean Chili Recipe (92 cents/serving) »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maria Stefanova

      June 08, 2015 at 11:15 am

      These look delicious. I will be trying a couple this summer.
      Thank you for sharing,
      Maria

      Reply
    2. Melissa

      June 05, 2015 at 6:51 pm

      Any of the no churn ice cream recipes that are on Pinterest right now!

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 22, 2015 at 8:05 am

        Have you tried any of them?

        Reply
        • Melissa

          July 22, 2015 at 11:24 am

          YES! I not a huge ice cream person, I’d much prefer a cheesecake or brownie. These recipes are amazing. My first and favorite is Nigella Lawson’s coffe recipe. We add crushed Oreos to it and it’s amazing. We’ve made chocolate peanut butter cup as well. Our family lives them all!

    3. Stephanie M.

      June 04, 2015 at 3:28 am

      My favorite no bake dessert in the summer is Raspberry Trifle.

      1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
      1 3.75 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix
      2 cups heavy cream
      5 TBS. orange juice
      1 10-oz. prepared angel food cake (found in the bakery section on your supermarket) cut into bite size pieces
      1 can (29 oz.)peach halves
      1/2 cup seedless raspberry preserves
      1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

      In a large bowl, combine evaporated milk and 1 1/2 cups water. Add pudding mix; beat until blended. Chill 5 minutes.

      Whip cream to stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream and 1 TBS. orange juice into pudding mixture.

      Place 4 cups cake cubes into a 16 cup trifle bowl. Sprinkle with 2 TBS. of orange juice. Drain and slice peaches; place half over cake. Top with 1/4 cup of the preserves (see note) and half of the pudding mixture. Sprinkle with a few almonds. Repeat layering. Garnish top with remaining nuts. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

      NOTE: For easier drizzling, place preserves in a squeeze bottle or pastry bag and squeeze into trifle.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 22, 2015 at 8:05 am

        This sounds great. I’m wondering what would be a good substitute for the pudding. Any ideas? Could you just make whipped cream?

        Reply
        • Stephanie M.

          July 22, 2015 at 1:20 pm

          Hi Jessica! 🙂

          All trifles are a combination of either sponge cake or pound cake or lady finger cookies, pudding or custard and whipped cream and some kind of fruit. Without the custard or pudding, I’m not sure it could be called a trifle and I believe it would be missed in this dessert. I don’t know what a good substitute for that would be. If no one in your family is allergic to anything in pudding and one day you just feel like eating something really cool and refreshing as a summer dessert, perhaps when you have company because it makes a lot, I would go for it, forget about how sinful it is and enjoy!

    4. Joshua Hampton

      June 03, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      I’m positively drooling over this rundown of dessert recipes. They all look fabulous.

      Reply

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