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No Cook Dessert Recipes

Sweet and Cool Recipes

By Linda Larsen, About.com

Chocolate Orange Freeze

Chocolate Orange Freeze

Linda Larsen
It seems that hot summer weather doesn't diminish anyone's sweet tooth! These easy and cool recipes use ice cream, frozen yogurt, fresh fruits, prepared cakes and cookies, and purchased pie crusts for easy preparation and no heat at all. Try some of these summer dessert recipes for lots of flavor, satisfying texture - and sweet taste.

Tips for Making No Cook Desserts

  • Use the best fruits you can find; perfectly ripe and fresh.
  • If using frozen fruits, do not thaw before adding to the recipe, unless the recipe tells you to.
  • If a dessert is frozen, remove it from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to make slicing easier. You don't want these desserts rock hard; they are best slightly softened, so you can really taste all of the flavors and so they are easier to eat.
  • Be sure to tightly cover these recipes in the refrigerator and freezer so they don't pick up undesirable flavors as they are chilling.
  • Think about changing the recipe to suit your tastes by adding or subtracting ingredients.

Feel free to substitute whatever fruits look wonderful from your backyard garden, farmer's market or grocery store in any of these recipes. Just use your intuition and favorite flavor combinations because these recipes are foolproof, and fun!

No Cook Summer Desserts

  • Coffee Almond Tart
    This dessert tastes like a Jamocha Freeze drink - but better!
  • Fruit Fool
    With just three ingredients, this recipe should be a summer staple! Use any flavor of pie filling and you never need serve the same dessert twice.
  • Frozen Strawberry Margarita Dessert
    This pretty dessert has such a wonderful flavor combination. I love the pretzel crust - the crunch and salt really enhance the fruit flavors.
  • Cantaloupe Popsicles
    Make these delicoius little pops for your kids and sneak a bit of nutrition into their summer snacking.
  • Lemonade Pie
    Once again, just three ingredients! This pretty pie can be made with other flavors of fruit juice concentrate too. Let your imagination soar!
  • Pineapple Orange Pops
    These nutritious and delicious little popsicles can (say it with me!) be made with any combination of fruit and juice concentrate.
  • Peanut Chocolate Parfait Bars
    If you love peanut butter and chocolate, this is the summer dessert for you. It's luscious.
  • Rocky Road Frozen Sandwiches
    Your kids will adore this recipe - and they'll love making it too! About 15 minutes of preparation (depending on how much eating of the ingredients goes on) and these little sandwiches are ready for the freezer.
  • Graham Cracker Icebox Cake
    This old fashioned dessert must be refrigerated at least four hours to let the graham crackers soften, so plan ahead!
  • Marble Pops
    These popsicles look like the expensive upscale ice cream treats you get from the Ice Cream Truck - but they're better!
  • Sherbet Fruit Pie
    This is such a great recipe to serve when cantaloupes and melons are at their peak; and it's beautiful too.
  • Rocky Road Pie
    What's not to like? Keep a supply of ready made graham cracker pie crusts on hand so you can make this pie anytime.
  • Blueberry Shortbread Parfaits
    This dessert is so versatile; use any combination of fresh fruit you'd like.
  • Old Fashioned Chocolate Dessert
    Another three ingredient recipe! This one tastes like it took hours to make, but it doesn't!
  • Easy Tartufo
    I love this simple recipe. Pile a few into sherbet glasses and top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce for a very fancy sundae.
  • Fruit in a Cloud
    Cream cheese. Marshmallows. Fresh fruit. 'Nuff said.
  • Peach Sorbet with Marinated Strawberries
    This sophisticated dessert can be made with any flavor sorbet and any fresh fruit. Substitute orange juice for the vodka if you like.
  • Ribbon Angel Food Sherbet Cake
    This pretty cake is very easy to make. Serve with butterscotch or chocolate sauce.
  • Sorbet Parfait
    Four ingredients, ten minutes preparation time, and a great dessert!
  • Ice Cream Pie
    Make this pie with any flavor combination. When you hit upon a winner, write it down!
  • Chocolate Orange Freeze
    This is my favorite summer dessert. I also make it with strawberry sorbet for a fabulous flavor combination.
  • Crispy Ice Cream Pie
    The fabulous crisp and chewy crust is the highlight of this pie. Use it for any frozen filling.
  • Creamy Raspberry Dessert
    This beautiful dessert is very easy to make and would be a fabulous end to a Mexican dinner party.
  • Frozen Cookie Yogurt Pie
    Crushed pecan shortbread cookies are a perfect crust for any frozen pie. Top this one with whipped cream and some sliced fresh peaches.
  • Italian Frosted Dessert
    This easy recipe is really delicious and beautiful. Make sure it stands at room temperature for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

One more tip: since these recipes use no heat, they are ideal for your kids to make. Children love to be in the kitchen, and it's good for them to see how easy it is to whip up something wonderful. And it's something fun to do on a rainy summer day!

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