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Summer has arrived and with it, you might have a constant, nagging hankering for dessert — two scoops, anyone? But you don’t always have to give into the temptation of every tantalizing ice cream parlor you pass. There are plenty of lighter dessert options that are easy to throw together on those hot days where all you want to do is relax — and indulge a little, too.
Peaches might just be the quintessential fruit of summer and you’d be hard pressed to find a lighter, more refreshing peach dessert than this one. The texture of mousse is all things light and frothy and this no-frills recipe allows the flavor of the peaches to stand front and center.
Recipe: Food.com
When it comes to summer drinks, strawberry lemonade is definitely one of the most prominent. So why not transform it into a deliciously refreshing frozen pie? This recipe is perfect for the hottest summer nights.
Recipe: The Food Network
As a summertime staple, strawberry lemonade deserves a second spot on this list — this time in Jell-O form. This five-ingredient recipe embraces simplicity and includes an always beloved dessert addition: mini marshmallows.
Recipe: Allrecipes
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Think banana cream pie meets coconut macaroon and you come up with this deliciously creamy dessert. It’s got a vanilla wafer crust, a cream cheese and coconut pudding filling, and it’s all topped off with toasted coconut flakes — yum.
Recipe: BellyFull
Berries are like refreshing little jewels of summer and this recipe doesn’t rely on much of anything to enhance their naturally delicious flavor. It’s definitely a good go-to for a quick and easy dessert.
Recipe: Food.com
Related: Ridiculously Easy Dump-and-Bake Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
If you’ve never had mint with fruit and you think it sounds unusual, don’t knock it until you try it. It’s the perfect invigorating combination and this dish is the very definition of a light summer dessert.
Recipe: Allrecipes
You can’t think about summer delicacies without lemon popping up in the conversation. The tart lemon flavor combined with the mild tang of the cream cheese is the ultimate pairing.
Recipe: Cooking Classy
There are two surefire ways to concoct a top-of-the-line summertime dessert: use a frozen ingredient and include Cool Whip. Raspberry Summer Sensation does both — and we are here for it.
Recipe: Food.com
Related: Eat Seasonal and Save: When to Buy Fresh Produce Year-Round
“If you like pina coladas…” then you’ll love this. Smooth, cold, flavorful, and refreshing, this sorbet is all things light and delicious.
Recipe: Allrecipes.com
Key lime is an ever popular flavor that has become such a fan favorite that it’s veered away from being exclusive to pie and we’ve seen it translated into things like yogurt, drinks, and even Kit Kat bars at one point. This key lime pie lush dessert brings out all of those well-loved flavors in the perfect way.
Recipe: Mom on Timeout
Fruit pizza is probably the most customizable dessert option on this list. Follow the recipe for the crust and the frosting and you can add any fruits your heart desires as toppings — and you can even arrange them in fun shapes for different holidays.
Recipe: Gimme Some Oven
We love a creative take on a classic dessert and although a root beer float pie sounds a little off-the-wall, it definitely checks all of the boxes to qualify as a light and easy summer dessert.
Recipe: Together as Family
Yet another creative take on a classic, banana split fluff is so easy to throw together, plus it looks pretty and tastes just like a banana split. This one is ideal for barbecues and backyard dinners.
Recipe: I Am Baker
If you know, you know. Disney World serves up some seriously delectable treats and pineapple Dole Whip is a definite fan favorite. This replicate recipe will have you feeling like you’re among Mickey and Minnie from the comfort of your own home.
Recipe: Instrupix
Related: Official Disney Recipes for When You Crave Park Classics
Hear us out: these adorable little souffles might just be the fluffiest, most decadent summer dessert of them all — and they’re simple to make too!
Recipe: We Are Not Martha
Rounding out our list is another sorbet — this time with the perfect balance of sweet and tart provided by none other than raspberries.
Recipe: Mom on Timeout
Related: Hummus, Salad Dressing, and Other Foods That Are Cheap and Easy to Make at Home