Somewhere around mid-June, I start looking sideways at my furnace like it owes me something. it’s hot The days are long. And there are about a hundred things I’d rather be doing than standing in front of a 350 degree situation waiting for a cake to cook.
That’s where no-bake desserts come in, and friends, they’re no consolation prize. A great no-bake summer dessert is one of the most filling things you can put on the table. Cold, creamy, layered, frozen. They have a certain magic that warm weather baking just can’t compete with.
These are my easy no-bake summer desserts. icebox cakes, a frozen custard dessert, and a few layers of no-oven cakes that will make you wonder why you ever turned on the oven.
Icebox Cakes
Icebox cake is the ultimate no-bake dessert, and I’ll ask no questions. Layers of cream and cookies that slowly fuse together overnight into something layered and dreamy. They look impressive. They are almost embarrassingly easy. Make them the day before and let the fridge do all the work.
Strawberry Malt Icebox Cake
This is my current obsession and the dessert I’m making this summer. Malted whipped cream, peak season strawberries and graham crackers layered in a frozen, slicable cloud. It tastes like a strawberry milkshake decided to be a cake. Get ready for the compliments you totally deserve.
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Rating: |
5/5 (2 reviews) |
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Preparation time |
20 minutes |
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Cooking time |
Night chill |
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Total time |
12-24 hours |
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Yield |
8 servings |
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Status: |
Cake, summer, birthday |
No-Bake Tres Leches Icebox Cake
An old favorite and one of the most requested recipes I’ve ever shared. All the creamy, milk-soaked magic of a classic tress-lecher without turning on the oven. If you haven’t done this yet, I need you to fix it immediately.
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Rating: |
5/5 (1 review) |
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Preparation time |
30 minutes |
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Cooking time |
Night chill |
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Total time |
8+ hours |
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Yield |
9 servings |
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Status: |
Cakes, vanilla |
Cherry and lemon ice box cake
Bright, tart cherry and lemon whipped cream layered between graham crackers until the whole thing cools down into deep refreshment. This flavor is what summer should be: light, fruity, and a little fancy without trying too hard.
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Rating: |
5/5 (5 reviews) |
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Preparation time |
25 minutes |
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Cooking time |
Night chill |
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Total time |
8+ hours |
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Yield |
9 servings |
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Status: |
Cakes, Fruits |
Frozen desserts without baking
When it’s really too hot for even the fridge to feel good enough.
Coffee ice cream without an ice cream maker
No car. No shock. No nonsense. Whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk and strong coffee folded together and frozen until brewed. This is the recipe that made me stop mourning the ice cream maker I don’t have. Rich, creamy and really better than most things you can buy.
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Rating: |
5/5 (6 reviews) |
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Preparation time |
15 minutes |
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Cooking time |
Freeze for 4-6 hours |
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Total time |
4-6 hours |
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Yield |
6-8 servings |
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Status: |
Desserts, ice cream |
No-Bake Cakes & Layer Desserts
Sometimes you want something that feels like a real dessert without the oven, thermometer, or cleaning.
No-Bake Eton Mess Sundaes
Brand new and it might be my favorite thing I’ve made all year. Layer heavy whipping cream, crumbled meringue, fresh strawberries poached until glossy and syrupy in individual glasses and serve immediately. There is no time to preheat the oven. That’s the whole point. (Hallelujah.)
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Rating: |
5/5 (1 review) |
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Preparation time |
20 minutes |
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Cooking time |
None |
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Total time |
20 minutes |
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Yield |
4 servings |
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Status: |
Desserts, sundaes |
Neapolitan No-Bake Birthday Cake
Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry in one spectacular layered cake that looks like it took a lot more effort than it actually did. Perfect for birthdays that fall in the summer, or any day you decide is worth celebrating.
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Rating: |
5/5 (2 reviews) |
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Preparation time |
20 minutes |
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Cooking time |
1 hour rest |
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Total time |
1 hour 20 minutes |
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Yield |
8-12 layers |
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Status: |
Birthday cake, chocolate |
Creamy No-Bake Carrot Cake
Yes, no-bake carrot cake. Skepticism is understandable and completely wrong. This one is cool, creamy, and really captures everything you love about carrot cake without requiring a minute of time in the oven. It is the unexpected guest who becomes everyone’s favorite.
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Rating: |
5/5 (11 reviews) |
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Preparation time |
30 minutes |
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Cooking time |
Cold 4+ hrs |
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Total time |
4+ hours |
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Yield |
One 9 inch cake |
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Status: |
Cakes, festive |
No-Bake Orange and Cream Pie
A classic from the early Joy the Baker archives that earns its place on this list every summer. A simple crust, orange filling, and nothing but the fridge standing between you and dessert. Light, citrusy and just right for a hot evening.
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Rating: |
A classic archival recipe |
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Preparation time |
20 minutes |
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Cooking time |
Cooldown 2+ hrs |
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Total time |
2+ hours |
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Yield |
1 pie, 8 layers |
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Status: |
Pie, fruit |
Frequently asked questions
What makes desserts truly no-bake?
No oven required. Some no-bake recipes use the oven briefly, but the ones on this list don’t either. Just mix, layer and leave in the fridge or freezer.
How far in advance can I make no-bake summer desserts?
Most ice box cakes are best made the night before because the rest time really transforms them. Coffee ice cream needs at least 4 to 6 hours to cool. Eton Mess Sundaes are an exception; assemble and serve immediately to keep the meringues crisp.
What is the best dessert for a party or bake-off?
No-Bake Tres Leches Icebox Cake is my top pick. It makes a full 9×13 pan, travels well when cold, and has never failed to please people. The Neapolitan No-Bake Birthday Cake is a close second for visual impact.
Do I need any special equipment for no-bake desserts?
A hand mixer or stand mixer for whipping cream, a loaf pan or 9×13 baking dish depending on the recipe, and patience while chilling. It really is.
Can I make a no-bake dessert healthier?
You can substitute full-fat dairy for low-fat options in some recipes with reasonable results, although the texture of the whipped cream may be a little less stable. Especially for icebox cakes, the fat in the cream is what gives you the dreamy, flaky result, so I’d be careful about replacing it entirely.
hey joey