[Photographs: Nila Jones, Alexandra Penfold, Lauren Weisenthal]
In the midst of a summer heat wave, the last thing I want to do is turn on my oven to bake. But a sweet tooth knows no season, and all those picnics and barbecues you're bound to attend this summer call for shareable treats. If you're looking for something that goes beyond a melty tub of Breyer's, try putting together one of these no-bake desserts—all of them delicious, simple, and sweat-free.
No-Bake Chocolate-Nutella 'Cheesecake' Verrines
[Photograph: Nila Jones]
These cute no-bake cheesecakes are a chocoholic's dream come true: an intense dark-chocolate filling, spooned on top of a crumbly Oreo crust and finished with a rich Nutella topping and whipped cream. They don't really look like traditional cheesecake, but when they taste this good, who cares?
Get the recipe for No-Bake Chocolate-Nutella 'Cheesecake' Verrines »
Easy Icebox Strawberry Shortcake
[Photograph: Alexandra Penfold]
Quite possibly the easiest strawberry shortcake ever: all you need are the freshest strawberries you can find, a bit of orange juice, graham crackers, and homemade whipped cream for this subtly sweet treat.
Get the recipe for Easy Icebox Strawberry Shortcake »
Easy Indoor No-Bake S'more Bars
[Photograph: Yvonne Ruperti]
Bring the campfire inside with these toasty marshmallow bars that are almost as easy as the real thing. A graham cracker crust is topped with a bittersweet ganache for a slightly more sophisticated flavor, and finished off with mini marshmallows. If you have one, a handheld blowtorch will turn the marshmallows into a melty-gooey topping.
Get the recipe for Easy Indoor No-Bake S'more Bars »
No-Bake Blood Orange Pie
[Photograph: Lauren Weisenthal]
This creamy, rich pie is screaming for some acidic fruit to balance it, and here blood oranges are the perfect topping. Tangy orange wedges set off the cream cheese filling just right, and make for a pretty presentation.
Get the recipe for No-Bake Blood Orange Pie »
Mango Icebox Cake
[Photograph: María del Mar Sacasa]
This airy dessert brings a burst of tropical freshness to a hot summer day. Start with an Italian meringue, mixed with pureed and diced mango, and add mascarpone cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Cardamom gives it an unexpected twist, and lime juice lends a bit of acidity.
Get the recipe for Mango Icebox Cake »
Grasshopper Squares
[Photograph: Alexandra Penfold]
A portable version of an old-fashioned favorite, these squares are chocolatey, minty, and don't require a ton of time in the kitchen. Chocolate graham crackers are layered with a fluffy mint pudding and topped with a dark-chocolate frosting for a refreshing warm-weather dessert.
Get the recipe for Grasshopper Squares »
Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
[Photograph: Lauren Weisenthal]
The salty-and-sweet craze may have already hit its peak, but the pretzel-crumb crust on this pie—combined with the vanilla ice cream and peanut butter of the filling—makes it the ultimate in sweet-salty contrast.
Get the recipe for Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie »
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
[Photograph: Yvonne Ruperti]
This classic cheesecake requires a decidedly un-classic amount of work—just 20 minutes of active prep time—and the bright red berries on top and tangy hint of lemon within make it taste like a celebration of summer.
Get the recipe for No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake »
Creamy Chocolate Raspberry Summer Pudding
[Photograph: Yvonne Ruperti]
If you're hankering for bread pudding but can't bring yourself to turn on the oven, get your fix with this luscious chocolate raspberry pudding. Soft white bread is layered in individual cups with a homemade chocolate sauce and crushed raspberries. Let them sit overnight, and you'll be rewarded with the texture of a super-moist layer cake.
Get the recipe for Creamy Chocolate Raspberry Summer Pudding »
Light and Easy 5-Minute Fruit Mousse
[Photograph: Nila Jones]
Yes, with just three ingredients and a food processor, you can pull together this light, tasty, and pretty dessert in literally five minutes. The egg white is what transforms frozen fruit and sugar into a lovely, airy mousse that looks like a lot more work than it is.
Get the recipe for Light and Easy 5-Minute Fruit Mousse »
Crunchy Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
[Photograph: Yvonne Ruperti]
Captain Crunch is an obvious (some would say superior) alternative to Rice Krispies in homemade cereal bars. Following the same format as for Rice Krispie treats, simply melt the butter and marshmallows, stir in the cereal, and press the mixture into the pan. A few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, a sprinkle of salt, and honey-roasted peanuts give the bars a peanut-y pop of flavor.
Get the recipe for Crunchy Peanut Butter Cereal Bars »
No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
[Photograph: Yvonne Ruperti]
Compared to their baked counterparts, no-bake cheesecakes require a modest investment of time: whip together cream cheese and confectioners' sugar, spoon it into an unbaked cookie crumb crust, and chill it for an hour or so to firm it up. The addition of chocolate pushes an already rich dessert completely over the top. And, because it's no-bake, there's no stressing about when it's done or whether it'll sink in the middle.
Get the recipe for No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake »
No-Bake Chewy Cranberry Chocolate Treats
[Photograph: Carrie Vasios Mullins]
A surprising number of contrasts—rich dark chocolate and bright cranberry, sweet honey tempered with salt, and crispy cereal paired with creamy nut butter—are contained within these ridiculously easy-to-make treats. They're also healthier than a typical cookie or bar, but no one would guess that.
Get the recipe for No-Bake Chewy Cranberry Chocolate Treats »
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