The warm weather is here so we’re breaking out the grill for a summer full of backyard barbecues and weekend get-togethers. And, that means it’s time to treat ourselves to all the delicious sweets that come after the burgers, hot dogs and ribs!
We’re talking homemade ice creams and fun frozen desserts, no-fuss icebox cakes, seasonal fruit crisps, gooey s’mores-inspired bites—and so much more. Whether you’re hosting a small group of family and friends or inviting the whole neighborhood, you’ll find that these desserts fit right in.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser? Lemon meringue pie bars.
You can skip rolling out pie dough with this easy-to-make, press-in version (win!) and the perfectly toasted topping is a breeze with a little help from your broiler.
Blueberry and Nectarine Cobbler
When adding juicy summer fruit (like blueberries) to pies and cobblers, you generally need something to help the fruit coalesce into a sauce. Food Network Kitchen chefs love instant tapioca, as it thickens while fading into the background, letting the fruit shine.
Ice Cream Cone Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake
There are cupcakes under that cone! Cleverly frosted with buttercream and dressed up to look like ice cream, this dessert is perfect for a summer picnic or cookout.
Grilled Crispy Treat S’Mores
Take the favorite fireside treat to the next level — instead of sandwiching your s’mores between graham crackers, use gooey marshmallow cereal treats. These are on the larger side for easier grilling. The best part is you can make them ahead and unpack them at your campsite when your fire is ready to go. And if the weather isn’t cooperating, these can also be made indoors, with a grill pan.
Strawberry Kiwi “Watermelon” Cookie Wedges
This giant cookie is topped with fresh strawberries and sliced kiwi so that it looks like a cross-section of watermelon—complete with chocolate chip “seeds.” Instead of rolling out the dough into a round, it is simply spread with damp hands—a great way for kids to help. Ice pop sticks are baked into the sides of the extra-thick cookie so that it can be sliced into an on-the-go treat.
Strawberry Margarita Bites
Each berry is like a delicious shot of a strawberry margarita—no blender required! The stem-on strawberries are infused with a generous amount of tequila and orange-flavored liqueur and are a fresh and unexpected treat for cocktail hour or parties. Try them as an hors d’oeuvre with chips and salsa or as a boozy eye-opener at brunch. Be warned that the longer the strawberries sit in the margarita mixture, the stronger they get, so we recommend not letting them soak for more than 12 hours.
Boozy Piña Colada Bundt Cake
When a pineapple upside-down cake meets a piña colada, the drunken cake of your dreams becomes a reality. (You’re welcome.)
Upside-Down S’mores Tarts
Inspired by the upside-down puff pastry TikTok trend credited to @lilyghodrati, these tarts are an easy way to turn your favorite campfire dessert into a tasty treat for any gathering. Creamy milk chocolate is sandwiched between a crunchy graham cracker and fluffy crescent dough and baked until golden brown, then finished with toasty marshmallows that will make your house smell like heaven.
Angel Food Cake and Berry Trifle
Chunks of angel food cake absorb the juices of fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries plus creamy Greek yogurt.
Peanut S’mores Magic Bars
These gooey treats bring the campfire indoors. Toasted marshmallows are the perfect pillowy topper for the ultimate bar packed with chocolate and peanuts.
