Trying to figure out a dessert course for your next backyard barbecue, or just looking for easy after-dinner treats to give your kids? Look no further. This list of ultimate summer desserts has something for every sweet tooth, whether you prefer a chocolatey treat, scoop of ice cream, tropical ice pop, or a fresh fruit cobbler.

If you're looking for a grand finale to serve at the big family gathering or a sweet treat to celebrate the everyday, you'll find it on our list of best summer dessert recipes. And if you're interested in some savory recipe inspiration, too, we have the ultimate guide to simple summer meal ideas here.

These sweet recipes are fast and easy, so you'll be able to actually enjoy your own patio party for once!
This refreshing granita recipe is practically perfect for a hot summer day spent by the pool. It's made with watermelon, white rum, and mint jelly, as well as a generous dose of acidic lime juice. Even if you're not into the typically gritty texture of granita, we urge you to give this recipe a try. The mint jelly gives it an irresistibly silky texture that's hard to say no to.

White chocolate and macadamia nut is a proven winning combo in cookies, so it's no surprise that the duo is right at home between the flaky layers of a scone. Each scone is blanketed in a buttery caramel glaze, a few more macadamia nuts for crunch, and some flakes of sea salt for an elegant finish.

Stone fruits—think apricots, peaches, plums, mangoes, and cherries—have their peak season from June to September, which means you can totally make them the stars of your summer desserts. Here, apricots are paired with almonds (another stone fruit) via almond flour, almond milk, and almond extract, which accentuates the apricots' floral notes. This plant-based treat will be a hit with vegans and omnivores alike.

If you're hosting a backyard party and need a make-ahead dessert, this trifle is it. It's made with only five ingredients—fresh and frozen strawberries, sugar, cream, ladyfingers, and ice cream—and is refreshingly cool since your freezer will do most of the work. While you can serve this dessert at any point, it's especially tasty in the summer when you can top it with freshly harvested strawberries.

What is there to say about no-churn papaya ice cream? So much. First of all, it's way easier to make than regular ice cream, since all you have to do is whip up heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk and fold in some papaya. No special equipment needed! Not to mention, it's delicious, too. Scoop right out of the freezer or turn into decadent sundaes with roasted pineapple, toasted coconut flakes, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

For an easy dessert that will wow any summertime guests, give this refreshing icebox cake a whirl. It calls for vanilla sandwich cookies, pillowy whipped cream, jammy blueberries, which peak in the summer, and tart lemon sorbet. Translation: There's a little something for everyone in this colorful confection.

Peaches and cream? Yes. please! Here, juicy peaches, which are at their peak during the summer months, are bathed in sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon before being paired with heavy whipping cream and a store-bought pound cake. Pop this baby in the freezer so it gets a nice, refreshing chill.

The beauty of making doughnuts at home is that you don't have to wait in line or feel bad about eating seconds, or…thirds. And these are so delicious, you'll probably want the whole batch. The batter has coconut cream and nutmeg for a delicious tropical vibe, and after frying 'em you'll toss the doughnuts in a cinnamon-spiked coconut-sugar mixture. For a brunch treat, serve with coffee, or if you're serving as dessert, a rum-spiked cocktail would pair perfectly.
Sneak some protein into dessert time with sunflower seed butter or any other creamy nut butter. When mixed with silky melted dark chocolate, it's the filling for an insanely easy coconut tartlets dessert recipe.