When summer rolls around, I always find myself reaching for a few Grandma's Favorite Summer Desserts that I know everyone at the table will enjoy. This roundup brings together classic summer dessert recipes that are simple to make and perfect for everyday meals, holidays, and relaxed gatherings.
Old fashioned summer desserts have long been a favorite in my kitchen, especially during backyard cookouts, family reunions, and warm weather weekends. They’re the kind of desserts that feel right for Sunday suppers, potlucks, and special moments shared with family.
I’ve gathered some of the best classic summer dessert recipes here, including familiar favorites that home cooks return to year after year. These are dependable desserts that feel comforting, traditional, easy to serve, and perfect for the summer season.
1
Ambrosia salad with marshmallows
Channel vintage charm and bright flavors in one bowl—whipped cream, marshmallows, and tropical fruit deliver that wow factor guests will love.
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2
Strawberry Shortcake with Angel Food Cake
Strawberry Shortcake Angel Food Cake is a fun twist on classic strawberry shortcakes. Lovely and delicious, it is the perfect summer dessert!
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3
Banana pudding with vanilla wafers
No-bake Banana Pudding recipe with layers of pudding, vanilla wafers, bananas, and cream. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks and parties.
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4
Blackberry Cobbler
This easy Blackberry Cobbler recipe from The Pioneer Woman takes just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to prepare. It’s got a sweet, juicy filling and a crisp golden crust!
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5
Blueberry Buckle
Blueberry Buckle is a deliciously tender lemon kissed cake studded with fresh blueberries and topped with a sweet buttery streusel topping.
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6
Brownies
Best Brownie Recipe-you only need ONE bowl to make these fudgy, chewy, gooey, chocolaty brownies with shiny crackly tops!
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7
Coconut cream pie
This coconut cream pie is made with a homemade coconut custard filling that’s set in a pie shell and covered with whipped topping and toasted coconut.
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8
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
This soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe is just like your favorite chocolate chip cookies - but baked in one pan, with no mixer and no chilling. Quick & easy, always a hit!
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9
Chocolate pudding pie
If you like chocolate cream pie, but want a chocolate pie that’s creamier and less like eating a chocolate bar, this is for you!
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10
Frozen banana pops
These healthy and easy chocolate covered frozen banana pops are the best summer treat – gluten-free and dairy-free and only 4 ingredients! Simple & refreshing. Kid-friendly and adult-approved!
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11
Icebox Cake
Icebox cake was originally created in the 1920s, and it has stood the test of time. It’s such a magical-looking dessert that’s almost too easy to pull off!
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12
Ice cream sundaes with hot fudge
5-minutes, 3 ingredients in this easy Hot Fudge Sauce!! It’s the perfect easy chocolate sauce recipe!
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13
Lemon Bars
You’ll love these bright and zingy lemon bars with a crisp shortbread crust and luscious lemon filling. Beyond easy to make and oh so delicious!
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14
Lemon icebox pie
Old fashioned lemon icebox pie is my idea of heaven on a summer night.
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15
No bake cheesecake (Classic Graham Crust)
Our no-bake cheesecake comes together in less than 30 minutes and chills in the fridge to set. It’s the perfect easy dessert for any occasion.
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16
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies with a soft, chewy center and crispy edges. The whole family will love this old standby!
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17
Pound cake with berries
This pound cake recipe has the secret to a moist, buttery, and rich texture that comes together quickly and easily in a few simple steps.
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18
Orange creamsicle Jell-O salad
1 hr 50 mins · 6 ingredients · Serves 8 People · Recipe from The Recipe Critic
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19
Peach cobbler with biscuit topping
Featuring juicy sweet peaches and a buttermilk biscuit-like topping, peach cobbler is the ultimate comforting homestyle summer dessert.
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20
Pineapple upside down cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with caramelized, gooey pineapple topping and moist, buttery cake. Easy recipe, perfect for any occasion.
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21
Rice Krispie treats (classic marshmallow)
These homemade Rice Krispies treats are extra-gooey and far superior to store-bought versions thanks to a perfected marshmallow-to-cereal ratio.
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22
Root beer floats
Here’s a quick and easy root beer float recipe made with bubbly root beer, creamy vanilla ice cream then topped with maraschino cherries!
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23
Strawberry Jell-O with fruit cocktail
This old-fashioned Jello with fruit cocktail is the easy, 3-ingredient Jello salad that keeps fruit evenly distributed instead of sinking.
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24
Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream
Classic Strawberry Shortcake with whipped cream is a mouthwatering dessert that showcases fresh strawberries! It’s easier than it looks!
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25
Watergate Salad
The BEST Watergate Salad is ready to go in just 5 minutes!! This yummy dump-and-go dessert salad is as easy as it is delicious and is great for parties!
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