From shortcake to s’mores, here are the 12 classic summer desserts you don’t want to miss out on this season!

When we think of summer seasonal eating it’s usually corn, tomatoes, and zucchini that come to mind. But don’t forget about dessert ~ juicy strawberry shortcake, warm peach cobbler, and icy watermelon sorbet are on the other end of the delicious spectrum when it comes to eating along with the seasons. Here’s my ultimate summer dessert bucket list!
SHORTCAKE
Shortcake is basically a biscuit-like base topped with macerated fruit and whipped cream. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, tender shortcake, and whipped cream has become an iconic summer dessert. But if you only stick to the familiar, you’ll miss out on so many fabulous variations.
Fresh Peach Shortcake
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
An ice cream machine is hands down the best summer investment you can possibly make. Start dreaming up your perfect flavor ~ nothing’s off limits!
Chocolate Frozen Custard
ICEBOX DESSERT
A little bit retro and so much fun to make. All you have to do is layer them up, and let the refrigerator do the rest.
Banana Pudding Icebox Cake
CRISPS and CRUMBLES
If I had to pick a favorite summer dessert, it would be fruit crisps and crumbles. They’re just so easy and the fruit flavors really shine. Armed with a bag of crumble topping in my freezer I can whip one up in no time!
Cherry Almond Crisp
WHIPPED CREAM DESSERT
Simple whipped cream is the basis for so many refreshing desserts from mousse to fool. My 3 minute miracle chocolate mousse has to be tried to be believed.
3 Minute Miracle Chocolate Mousse!
PIES and GALETTES
There are some who don’t consider dessert dessert unless it has a crust. Some of use are master pastry chefs who can knock off a gorgeous pie crust in our sleep. For those of us who aren’t…there are galettes ๐
Fresh Strawberry Galette
POPSICLES
So many of you miss out on the joys of making fresh fruit popsicles simply because you lack one inexpensive piece of equipment ~ a popsicle mold!
Rainbow Fruit Popsicles
SHEETCAKE
Sheet cakes conjure up church suppers, potlucks, graduation parties and summer birthdays. Part of their charm is that there’s always plenty for everybody!
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake
S’MORES
A summer without s’mores is a summer wasted! And even if you don’t have a campfire handy, you can make these creative s’mores inspired summer desserts.
SโMores Cookie Pie
FRUIT SALAD
Humans can be divided into 2 camps: those who consider fruit a dessert, and those who don’t. But even if you’re firmly in the latter group, there’s no denying the lusciousness of a fruit salad.
Red White and Blueberry Salad
MERINGUES
The combination of a crisp meringue with a soft marshmallowy center and lots of juicy fruit is the ultimate summer luxury.
Toasted Almond Pavlova with Summer Berries
FROZEN COCKTAILS
A frozen cocktail is the absolute best way to chill out after a long hot day. Here are a few we make on repeat…