When the temperature rises, the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven and make your kitchen even hotter. But a craving for a sweet treat doesn’t disappear with the heat!
From creamy cheesecakes and decadent chocolate bars to refreshing fruit tarts and simple, satisfying bites, these 35 recipes offer all the deliciousness without any of the baking.
Get ready to chill out with these easy, oven-free desserts perfect for any warm-weather occasion.
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Delights
This classic combination is a powerhouse of flavor, and it shines in no-bake form. These recipes are rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to whip up.
1. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
A creamy, sweet peanut butter layer is topped with a rich chocolate ganache. They taste just like your favorite peanut butter cup, but in an easy-to-make bar form.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality chocolate for the topping for the best flavor and smoothest melt.
- Press the peanut butter layer firmly into the pan to create a solid, even base.
- For a crunchy texture, use crunchy peanut butter or add crushed pretzels to the base.
2. Chocolate Lasagna
This layered dessert is a showstopper, featuring a cookie crust, a cream cheese layer, a chocolate pudding layer, and a final topping of whipped cream.
DIY Tips:
- Use an Oreo cookie crust for a classic, rich chocolate flavor.
- Ensure each layer is well-chilled and set before adding the next one for clean, beautiful lines.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for a finishing touch.
3. Classic Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
An old-fashioned favorite, these cookies are made by boiling a mixture of sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk, then stirring in oats and peanut butter. They set up into a chewy, fudgy cookie.
DIY Tips:
- Work quickly once you add the oats, as the mixture will start to set up fast.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop uniform cookies onto wax or parchment paper.
- Don’t boil the sugar mixture for too long, or the cookies can become dry and crumbly.
4. Peanut Butter Pie
A creamy, dreamy pie with a rich peanut butter filling in a cookie crust. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert that is always a crowd-pleaser.
DIY Tips:
- A pre-made graham cracker or Oreo crust makes this dessert even easier.
- Top the pie with whipped cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter.
- For a lighter texture, fold some whipped topping into the peanut butter filling.
5. Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
A highly addictive snack mix made by coating rice cereal in a mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then tossing it all in powdered sugar.
DIY Tips:
- Let the chocolate and peanut butter mixture cool slightly before tossing with the cereal to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Use a large, sealable plastic bag to toss the coated cereal in powdered sugar for an even, mess-free coating.
- Add in other treats like mini peanut butter cups, pretzels, or M&M’s.
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
The perfect blend of sweet and salty, these bars feature a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate top.
DIY Tips:
- Crush the pretzels into small pieces but not into dust, to maintain a crunchy texture.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate topping to enhance the sweet and salty flavor.
- These bars are best stored in the refrigerator to keep them firm.
7. Fudgy Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Avocado provides an incredibly creamy, rich texture for this healthy-ish chocolate mousse. When blended with cocoa powder, sweetener, and a little milk, the avocado flavor disappears, leaving only decadent chocolate.
DIY Tips:
- Use very ripe avocados for the creamiest, smoothest texture.
- A high-speed blender is best for ensuring the mousse is perfectly smooth.
- Add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Creamy, Dreamy Cheesecakes and Pies
Get that rich, tangy cheesecake flavor and luscious pie texture without ever preheating your oven. These creamy desserts are perfect for making ahead.
8. Classic No-Bake Cheesecake
A simple yet elegant dessert featuring a creamy, tangy filling made with cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, set in a classic graham cracker crust.
DIY Tips:
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent any lumps in your filling.
- For a firmer cheesecake, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight.
- Top with fresh berries, a fruit compote, or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
9. Oreo Cheesecake
A cookies-and-cream dream, this no-bake cheesecake has crushed Oreos in the crust and folded into the creamy filling.
DIY Tips:
- For the ultimate Oreo flavor, use a crust made entirely of crushed Oreo cookies.
- Don’t crush the Oreos for the filling too finely; larger pieces provide a nice texture.
- Garnish with whole Oreos and whipped cream.
10. Key Lime Pie
This tart and refreshing pie has a tangy filling made with key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk, all in a graham cracker crust. It’s a classic warm-weather dessert.
DIY Tips:
- Use bottled key lime juice for convenience, as key limes can be difficult to find and juice.
- A little bit of green food coloring can give the pie its signature pale green hue.
- Top with billowy whipped cream and thin slices of lime for a beautiful presentation.
11. Lemon Icebox Pie
Cool, creamy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, this pie is a simple mix of lemonade concentrate, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping.
DIY Tips:
- Use a store-bought shortbread or graham cracker crust to make this dessert in minutes.
- Add fresh lemon zest to the filling for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
- Let the pie freeze for at least 4 hours for a firm, sliceable texture.
12. Strawberry Cheesecake Lush
A beautiful layered dessert featuring a crust, a cream cheese layer, a strawberry Jell-O and fruit layer, and a whipped topping.
DIY Tips:
- Use a pretzel crust for a fantastic sweet and salty contrast.
- Let each layer chill and set completely before adding the next one.
- Garnish with fresh, sliced strawberries for a beautiful finish.
13. Creamsicle Pie
This nostalgic dessert tastes just like the classic orange and cream popsicle, with a bright orange filling and a creamy base.
DIY Tips:
- Use orange Jell-O and vanilla pudding to easily create the creamsicle flavor.
- A crust made from vanilla wafers perfectly complements the orange flavor.
- Fold in mandarin orange segments for a burst of fresh fruit.
14. Chocolate Silk Pie
An incredibly smooth and rich chocolate pie that melts in your mouth. The filling is often made with cream cheese and chocolate pudding for an easy, no-bake version.
DIY Tips:
- Use a pre-made chocolate cookie crust to save time.
- For an airy texture, fold whipped topping into the chocolate filling.
- Top with chocolate shavings and whipped cream rosettes.
Fruity and Fresh
Celebrate the season’s bounty with these light, refreshing, and fruit-forward desserts. They are as beautiful as they are delicious.
15. Berry Icebox Cake
A simple yet impressive dessert made by layering cookies (like graham crackers or vanilla wafers) with whipped cream and fresh berries. The cookies soften overnight into a cake-like texture.
DIY Tips:
- Use a mix of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a beautiful, colorful cake.
- Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of the dish to prevent the first layer of cookies from sticking.
- Let the cake chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the cookies to soften completely.
16. Fresh Fruit Tart with Pastry Cream
A stunning dessert that features a no-bake cookie crust filled with a simple pastry cream and topped with an artful arrangement of fresh, seasonal fruit.
DIY Tips:
- A crust made from crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers is a delicious, buttery base.
- Use an instant vanilla pudding mix as a shortcut for the pastry cream filling.
- Brush the finished fruit with a thin layer of melted apricot jam to give it a beautiful, professional shine.
17. Strawberry Jell-O Pie
A retro classic that is delightfully light and refreshing. A baked pie shell (or a no-bake cookie crust) is filled with a mixture of strawberry Jell-O and fresh strawberries.
DIY Tips:
- Use a pre-made graham cracker crust to keep this dessert entirely no-bake.
- Let the Jell-O mixture cool and thicken slightly before pouring it into the crust to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream before serving.
18. Banana Split Dessert
All the flavors of a classic banana split in a layered, shareable dessert. It features a nutty crust, a cream cheese layer, bananas, pineapple, and strawberries, all topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
DIY Tips:
- A crust made of crushed vanilla wafers and pecans is a classic choice.
- Drain the crushed pineapple very well to prevent the dessert from becoming watery.
- Garnish with all the traditional banana split toppings: chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and maraschino cherries.
19. Ambrosia Salad
A classic fruit salad that doubles as a dessert, ambrosia is a simple mix of canned fruit, miniature marshmallows, coconut, and a creamy dressing.
DIY Tips:
- A dressing made with sour cream or plain yogurt provides a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch.
- Let the salad chill for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
20. Watermelon “Cake”
The ultimate healthy and refreshing no-bake treat. A whole watermelon is cut into a cake-like shape, “frosted” with whipped cream or coconut cream, and decorated with fresh berries and nuts.
DIY Tips:
- Pat the outside of the watermelon “cake” very dry before frosting to help it stick.
- Use a sturdy, stabilized whipped cream to ensure it holds its shape.
- Decorate just before serving for the freshest look.
Cookies, Bites, and Bars
These easy, portable treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply stocking your fridge for a quick and satisfying sweet fix.
21. Classic Rice Krispie Treats
The ultimate nostalgic no-bake bar, made by melting marshmallows and butter, then stirring in crispy rice cereal. They are simple, gooey, and always a hit.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best gooey, soft texture.
- Don’t press the mixture into the pan too firmly, or the treats will become hard and dense.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the melted marshmallow mixture to enhance the flavor.
22. No-Bake Energy Bites
These healthy, customizable bites are typically made with a base of oats, a binder like peanut butter or honey, and mix-ins like flax seeds, chocolate chips, and dried fruit.
DIY Tips:
- If the mixture is too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Use a small cookie scoop to create uniform-sized bites.
- Roll the finished bites in shredded coconut or cocoa powder for a non-stick coating.
23. Scotcheroos
A Midwestern favorite, these bars have a chewy base of crispy rice cereal and a peanut butter-butterscotch mixture, all topped with a layer of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips.
DIY Tips:
- Let the cereal mixture cool slightly before pressing it into the pan.
- Create a swirl effect on top by dropping spoonfuls of melted chocolate and butterscotch and gently running a knife through them.
- Store these at room temperature to keep them chewy.
24. No-Bake Granola Bars
A healthier and more affordable alternative to store-bought granola bars. A mixture of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is bound together with honey or maple syrup and pressed into a pan.
DIY Tips:
- Press the mixture very firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together.
- Chill the bars for at least an hour before cutting them into squares.
- Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go snack.
25. Chocolate Haystack Cookies
A super simple treat made by melting chocolate or butterscotch chips and mixing them with crunchy chow mein noodles or pretzel sticks.
DIY Tips:
- Add a scoop of peanut butter to the melted chocolate for extra flavor and richness.
- Drop the mixture by the spoonful onto wax paper and let them set in the refrigerator.
- Sprinkle with festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
26. Seven-Layer Bars (Magic Bars)
The no-bake version of this classic bar is made by pressing a graham cracker crust into a pan, then layering it with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and nuts.
DIY Tips:
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crust first to help all the other layers stick.
- Press the toppings down gently into the milk to ensure they adhere.
- Chill thoroughly until firm before cutting into bars.
Puddings, Dips, and Mousses
These smooth, scoopable desserts are perfect for serving in individual cups or as a fun, shareable centerpiece for a party.
27. Cannoli Dip
All the flavors of a classic cannoli in a fun, easy-to-make dip. A sweet, creamy base of ricotta and mascarpone cheese is mixed with mini chocolate chips and served with waffle cone pieces or cookies for dipping.
DIY Tips:
- For a smoother dip, blend the ricotta cheese first until it is creamy.
- A little bit of orange zest or a dash of cinnamon in the dip adds an authentic cannoli flavor.
- Serve with broken waffle cones, pizzelle cookies, or graham crackers.
28. Dirt Pudding (Dirt Cups)
A kid-friendly favorite, this dessert features layers of chocolate pudding and crushed Oreo cookies, often decorated with gummy worms to look like “dirt.”
DIY Tips:
- Serve in individual clear plastic cups so you can see the fun layers.
- A layer of cream cheese mixed with the pudding adds a nice tangy richness.
- Top with a gummy worm poking out of the “dirt” for the classic look.
29. Banana Pudding
A timeless Southern classic, this dessert layers vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and a creamy vanilla pudding. It’s often topped with whipped cream or meringue.
DIY Tips:
- For the best flavor, make your own vanilla pudding from scratch, but instant pudding works in a pinch.
- Assemble the pudding at least a few hours before serving to allow the wafers to soften to a cake-like texture.
- Arrange the wafers and bananas in neat layers for a beautiful presentation in a glass trifle bowl.
30. Eton Mess
A traditional English dessert that is a simple, delicious “mess” of crushed meringue cookies, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
DIY Tips:
- Use store-bought meringue cookies to make this dessert in minutes.
- Gently fold the ingredients together; you want distinct pieces of meringue and fruit, not a uniform mush.
- Serve immediately after mixing to ensure the meringues stay crunchy.
31. Cherry Delight
A retro layered dessert with a graham cracker or pecan crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, and a topping of canned cherry pie filling.
DIY Tips:
- A crust made with pecans, butter, and a little flour provides a delicious, nutty base.
- Let the cream cheese layer set in the refrigerator before adding the cherry topping.
- You can easily swap the cherry pie filling for any other flavor, like blueberry or strawberry.
32. Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
A healthy and surprisingly delicious pudding where chia seeds are soaked in milk and mixed with cocoa powder and a sweetener. The seeds gel up to create a thick, tapioca-like texture.
DIY Tips:
- For a super smooth, mousse-like texture, blend all the ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Let the pudding sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for the chia seeds to fully hydrate.
- Top with fresh berries, coconut flakes, or a dollop of yogurt.
33. S’mores Bars
These bars capture the flavor of a campfire s’more with a graham cracker crust, a layer of chocolate, and a topping of mini marshmallows.
DIY Tips:
- Melt the marshmallows with a little butter to create a gooey, spreadable layer.
- For a “toasted” look, you can carefully toast the marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch.
- These are best served at room temperature to maintain their gooey texture.
34. Cream Cheese Mints
These old-fashioned, melt-in-your-mouth mints are made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. They are often colored and pressed into small molds.
DIY Tips:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar until it is easy to handle.
- Use a small candy mold or the tines of a fork to create a decorative pattern.
- Let the mints air-dry for several hours to firm up.
35. Cookie Dough Dip
A safe-to-eat, eggless cookie dough that is served as a fun, sweet dip. It’s perfect for parties with pretzels, apple slices, or graham crackers.
DIY Tips:
- Use heat-treated flour to eliminate any risk of bacteria (you can do this by microwaving it briefly).
- Mini chocolate chips work best for a dippable consistency.
- Serve with a variety of dippers for a fun and interactive dessert board.
Conclusion
With this arsenal of no-bake recipes, you can confidently face any heat wave or last-minute dessert dilemma. These treats prove that you don’t need an oven to create something truly delicious, impressive, and satisfying. So, step away from the oven, embrace the ease of a chilled dessert, and enjoy every sweet, cool, and effortless bite.