25 Easy Summer Desserts Perfect for Picnics & BBQs

Whether you’re packing up for a picnic or having some friends over for a barbecue, I’ve got you covered. This list of 25 easy summer desserts is packed with crowd-pleasers that are easy to make and full of flavour. Think fresh fruit, tangy citrus, cool creamy bars, icebox cakes, no-bake cheesecakes and cookies that scream summer vacation vibes.

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1. Key Lime Pie Cookies

Perfect for: Summer picnics, citrus lovers, and fans of soft cookies.

These copycat Crumbl key lime pie cookies are what happens when one of my favourite summer pies is crossed with a soft and chewy graham cookie. It’s a match made in citrus heaven! Each one is topped with a homemade key lime pie filling, a swirl of whipped cream, and a pretty little lime wedge. They’ve got big picnic energy and taste just like summer vacation. Best of all—you don’t have to stalk the Crumbl menu waiting for them to show up. Woot!

2. Kitchen Sink Cookies (Inspired by Storm Chips)

Perfect for: BBQs, beach days, or when a big storm is on the way.

My recipe for Kitchen Sink cookies is a Maritime twist on classic kitchen sink cookies. They’re salty, sweet, chewy, and inspired by the beloved East Coast tradition of stocking up on chips before a big storm. These cookies are loaded up with a mix of plain and BBQ chips, chocolate chunks, Skor bits, marshmallows, and a few secret ingredients (like browned butter and toasted milk powder) for maximum comfort-food flavour. It might sound like an unusual weird flavour combo, but it works. They’re crunchy, gooey, buttery, and unique enough to be perfect for your next summer BBQ or beach picnic—or whenever you’re prepping for the next big storm.

3. Raspberry Lemonade Cookies

Perfect for: Easy picnic treats and lemonade stand vibes.

If you could capture summer as a cookie flavour, it might just be these Raspberry Lemonade Cookies. Developed by Christina from Scientifically Sweet as a follow-up to her wildly popular lemon blueberry version, these beauties are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon zest and juicy raspberries. They’re super easy to make—no mixer needed—and the frozen berries give them that perfect tart-sweet pop that wouldn’t be out of place at a lemonade stand.

4. Peach Cobbler Cookies

Perfect for: Rustic summer desserts and casual outdoor gatherings.

These Peach Cobbler Cookies from Teak & Thyme are soft, spiced, and stacked with everything you love about the classic dessert—juicy peach compote, buttery crumble, and an optional (but highly encouraged) swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting. They’re both cozy and summery in the best possible way, and while there are a few parts to assemble, none of it’s fussy. They’re like a bite-sized peach cobbler you can casually eat with your hands at a picnic, no plates or forks required.

5. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Perfect for: Whenever you need a no-oven summer dessert.

These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars should be your go-to dessert when it’s way too hot to turn on the oven. They have a buttery graham cracker crust, an irresistible creamy cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry jam topping for a treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

6. No-Bake S’mores Bars

Perfect for: Kids’ parties and summer hangouts.

These No-Bake S’mores Bars are perfect for anyone who loves s’mores. Made with Golden Grahams, chocolate chips, and packed with mini marshmallows. Bonus—they come together in only five minutes, no campfire required.

7. Scotcharoo Blondie Bars

Perfect for: Picnics and afternoon sugar fies.

These Scotcharoo Blondie Bars from Sarah Kieffer’s 100 Afternoon Sweets (and also available on her blog) are the kind of dangerously delicious treat that’ll have you sneaking back for “just one more.” It’s a mash-up of the classic scotcharoo—crispy, peanut buttery, and topped with chocolate—with the gooey richness of a brown sugar blondie layered right on top. I’ve been a longtime fan of Sarah’s recipes (seriously, I own almost all her books), and this one totally lives up to her usual genius recipe magic.

8. Lemon Basil Shortbread Cookies

Perfect for: Elegant summer teas and picnic cookie trays.

Whenever you’re feeling fancy garden party vibes, these Lemon Basil Shortbread Cookies are the answer. A sunshiney twist on a nostalgic classic, they’re made with homemade lemon basil sugar that just smells like summer. This recipe from A Beautiful Plate perks up a traditional shortbread recipe with citrus and herbs for a simple, buttery, and unexpectedly fresh cookie.

9. Sand Dollar Cookies

Perfect for: Beach-themed parties.

Everyone needs a recipe for a delicious low-effort but high-impact treat in their back pocket, and these sand dollar Cookies from Sugar Spun Run are exactly that. They’re kind of like if snickerdoodles went on vacation, without any complicated decorating techniques. Your next summer party needs these delicious and cute cookies that look like you tried really hard (even though you didn’t).

10. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Perfect for: Garden parties.

These strawberry cheesecake cookies from In Bloom Bakery are an indulgent sweet treat, boasting a rich, creamy cheesecake filling and swirled with homemade strawberry jam.

11. S’mores Icebox Cake

Perfect for: Pool parties and hot days.

Is there a flavour that represents summer better than s’mores? I think not. This s’mores ice box cake from Broma Bakery is an easy, frozen treat that layers graham crackers, chocolate ganache, and marshmallow fluff whipped cream, all topped with torched Swiss meringue that looks like perfectly toasted marshmallows. Chill it in the freezer to keep the graham crackers just the right level of crunch—because soggy crackers are nobody’s idea of a summer win.

12. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Bars

Perfect for: Whenever you need a secretly-healthy summer treat.

These no-bake chocolate peanut butter coconut bars from Joy Food Sunshine are the ultimate easy snack hack that tastes way more indulgent than it really is — just seven simple ingredients, a handful of oats, and about 10 minutes to whip up a batch of wholesome, chewy bars packed with peanut butter, honey, and a hit of chocolate. They’re perfect for when you want something that feels like dessert but sneaks in some good stuff, and honestly, the hardest part is letting them chill enough to slice.

13. No-Bake Mango Cheesecake

Perfect for: Summer birthdays and fancy picnics.

This no-bake mango cheesecake from Lime Thyme is a delectable tropical treat that looks like a million bucks. So creamy, light, and packed with fresh mango goodness, so it’s perfect for those hot summer days when you want something cool and refreshing without turning on the oven.

14. Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits

Perfect for: No-fuss picnics that still feel fancy.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free fruity, boozy, and easy summer dessert these strawberry shortcake parfaits from Danilicious Dishes are the answer! Made with fluffy gluten-free yellow cake layered with light and creamy cheesecake mousse and juicy rosé-soaked strawberries. The wine adds some subtle boozy sweetness that pairs perfectly with fresh strawberries and balances the tangy cream cheese. These parfaits are ridiculously easy to whip up and look so cute served in mini jars!

15. Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars

Perfect for: No-stress summer get-togethers.

Strawberries & rhubarb are a classic flavour combo for a reason! Try this strawberry and rhubarb cheesecake bar recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary the next time you need a light and fruity dessert you can mke ahead. A buttery biscuit base holds a smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, all topped with a homemade strawberry-rhubarb jelly. The perfect thing when you’re hosting a summer party and don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen.

16. No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake

Perfect for: Afternoon snack for matcha lovers.

These mini no-bake matcha cheesecakes from Teak and Thyme are a perfect frozen treat that pairs a creamy matcha filling with an Oreo cookie crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream. They set up easily in the freezer, so there’s no need to worry about your cheesecake cracking in the oven. As a bonus, they’re made in a muffin pan with liners so cleanup is super easy!

17. Impossibly Creamy Lemon Mousse

Perfect for: Pool parties and picnics.

If you love lemon desserts, you should give this no-bake lemon mousse from The Kitchn a try. It takes only 20 minutes to layer some crunchy toasted graham crackers, the silky, tangy lemon mousse, lemon curd, and fluffy whipped cream to make this impressive-looking dessert.

18. Mango Creamsicle Ice Cream Sandwiches

Perfect for: Cooling down on a hot day.

These mango creamsicle ice cream sandwiches are a unique riff on the ice cream sandwich. Creamy mango sorbet and vanilla ice cream get swirled together and sandwiched between chewy brown butter cookies. And like all ice cream sandwiches, they’re easy to make ahead and freeze.

P.S. If you need a primer on how to brown butter, I’ve got your covered!

19. No-Bake Lemon Fluff Bars

Perfect for: Elegant picnics and garden parties.

If you could capture sunshine in a mousse, these lemon fluff bars from The Kitchn would be it. No oven needed, these bars come together easily with just a bit of stirring and chilling. If you’re a fan of love lemon bars but want something a little lighter, give these a try.

20. No-Bake Mojito Cheesecake

Perfect for: Fancy summer parties.

This no-bake mojito cheesecake from The Baking Explorer captures the classic cocktail without the hangover. Lime juice and zest, fresh mint, and a splash of rum (if you want) combine to make a creamy filling that gives mojito vibes. No oven required, so keep this one in your back pocket for the next heat wave.

21. Sweet & Spicy Mango Tajin Popsicles

Perfect for: A summer barbecue on a hot day.

These Mango Tajín Popsicles by Lindsay Pleskot combine mango, honey, lime juice, and a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning for a delicious sweet and spicy flavour combo. Made with just four simple ingredients, they’re easy to make ahead and freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat.

22. Easy Berry Icebox Cake

Perfect for: Indulging in an easy and satisfying dessert during a heatwave.

This no-bake Berry Icebox Cake from Sally’s Baking is a breeze to make and perfect for summer. It only takes about 15 minutes to layer some fresh berries, graham crackers, and whipped cream. The hardest part is waiting for it to set up in the fridge. Make this ahead of a summer get together, and you’ll have a delicious dessert to share with your friends and family, without being stuck in the kitchen.

23. Hibiscus Peach Sorbet

Perfect for: Enjoying a refreshing palate cleanser after a big barbecue.

This hibiscus peach sorbet from Beyond Sweet and Savory is a refreshing way to cool down after a hot day. Hibiscus pairs wonderfully with peach, adding an almost citrusy flavour and a gorgeous pink colour to this tasty summer sorbet.

24. Pineapple Coconut Bars

Perfect for: A sweet bite after a lovely picnic.

These pineapple coconut bars from Barefeet in the Kitchen are basically a piña colada in bar form (and you know I love piña colada-flavoured desserts). A fruity and gooey pineapple spread is layered over a buttery shortbread crust and topped with shredded coconut, for a delicious tropical treat.

25. Coconut Mango Cookies

Perfect for: Taking with you on a summer picnic.

These chewy mango cookies are topped with fresh mango puree and coconut are soft, chewy, and bursting with tropical fruit flavour in every bite.

Your Go-To List for Easy Summer Desserts

These 25 easy summer desserts perfect for relaxing summer picnics to lively BBQs and everything in between. You don’t need fancy tools, complicated techniques, or a hot oven to enjoy delicious and refreshing desserts all summer long. So grab your mixing bowls, fire up the fridge, and get ready to enjoy easy desserts all summer!

If you’re looking for even more no-fuss summer desserts that are easy to make outdoors, you should check out my 12 Campfire Desserts You Can Make Without Fancy Tools. These recipes are made especially for camping trips and backyard bonfires, with zero fancy gear required so you don’t need to lug that ridiculously heavy Dutch oven with you.

Don’t forget to bookmark this post so you’re all set for dessert before your next picnic or BBQ. If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear how they turn out!