18 Cool Summer Desserts for Hot Days

By Jenn Segal

There’s nothing like a hot day to make you crave something cool. From coconut cream pie to chocolate mousse, these delicious summer desserts will hit the spot.

Caramelized Banana Ice Cream

From David Lebovitz’s The Perfect Scoop, this banana ice cream is one of the best homemade ice creams I’ve ever made.
Coconut Cream Pie

Filled with coconut custard, whipped cream and heaps of toasted coconut, this coconut cream pie is downright dreamy.
Chocolate Mousse

This classic chocolate mousse is light yet intensely chocolate. Don’t be fooled by the French name — it’s quick and easy to make!
No-Churn Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

This no-churn key lime pie ice cream has all the bright lime flavor of the pie — even the crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust — and is a cinch to make.
Frozen Yogurt

This tart frozen yogurt is similar to the one from your favorite fro-yo shop, only fresher and better.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

This chocolate peanut butter icebox cake is entirely make-ahead, easy enough for the kids to pitch in, and doesn’t even require an oven.
Raspberry & Cream Parfaits

Piled high with fresh raspberries and boozy whipped cream, these raspberry parfaits make a light and elegant dessert.
Chocolate Cream Pie

With a cookie crust, silky chocolate pudding center and pillowy whipped cream topping, this pie is a chocolate lover’s dream.
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

This frozen yogurt tastes intensely of fresh strawberries, almost like a cross between frozen yogurt and sorbet.
Macerated Berries with Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream

These juicy macerated berries are perfect for a summer party. Adding Greek yogurt to the whipped cream not only makes it a little healthier, but also adds a nice tang that’s delicious with the berries.
Banana Pudding Parfaits

This banana pudding bucks tradition a bit but still tastes nostalgic and delicious.
Key Lime Pie

Made with ordinary limes, this “Key lime” pie tastes every bit as authentic as the real deal — plus it’s easier to make.
Lemon Ice

Refreshingly tart and sweet, lemon ice delivers a spoonful of summer in every bite.
Tiramisu

Make a restaurant-quality tiramisu at home with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone filling — the ultimate pick-me-up dessert!
Cheesecake Bars

Dense and creamy with a hint of lemon and a crisp graham cracker crust, these cheesecake bars are an easy alternative to NY cheesecake.
No-Churn Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream

This easy dessert is like Vietnamese iced coffee in ice cream form.
Rice Pudding

Creamy arborio rice combines with milk, vanilla, and crème fraîche (or sour cream) for a sweet, decadent rice pudding that’s truly the best you’ll ever taste.
No-Churn Oreo Cheesecake Ice Cream

If you like Oreo cheesecake, you’ll love this creamy, dreamy (and easy!) Oreo cheesecake ice cream.