15 Last Minute Desserts That Are Quick And Easy For Summer

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Whether you are craving something sweet despite not having planned dessert or you’re having unexpected guests over for dinner, a last-minute dessert recipe is always good to have. You’ve got nothing to worry about with these delicious last-minute desserts. All you need are some simple ingredients and a few minutes and you will have dessert on the table in no time. These are perfect for summer.

1. Strawberry Fool

A white bowl holds a serving of strawberry fool.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

You can have the strawberry fool on the table for dessert in just fifteen minutes. Fresh strawberries, coconut cream, and your sweetener of choice are all that you need for a fantastic dessert that everyone will love. No strawberries at home? Not to worry, you can make this with lots of different types of fruit. 

2. Easy Brownie Batter Dip

A close up view of a white bowl filled with brownie batter dip and surrounded by fresh strawberries.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This easy brownie batter dip whips up quickly and tastes amazing. It pairs well with just about any fruit or pretzels and everyone will ask you for the recipe. Make this in minutes to make everyone happy when it’s time for dessert.

3. Chocolate Popcorn

A side view of a gray bowl filled with Chocolate Popcorn.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

You can easily multiply this chocolate popcorn recipe for as many people as you need to serve. It’s an easy finger-food-style dessert that you can serve in disposable containers for easy cleanup or serve in a bowl with a scoop for easy buffet table access.

4. Berry Trifle

A Berry Trifle in a clear glass serving bowl with layers of berries, Greek yogurt, and whole-grain granola.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

A berry trifle is perfect for any holiday or special occasion. It comes together quickly last minute when you just need to get something tasty on the table. It’s made with simple ingredients that everyone loves and won’t leave a brick in your belly after a large meal.

5. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples

A slow cooker half full with Crockpot Cinnamon Apples.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Slow cooker cinnamon apples are one of those desserts that are great any time of year and for any occasion. Set them to cook and fill your home with a delightful aroma, all without the need for constant supervision. Guests will love them, especially served over vanilla ice cream.

6. Breakfast Cookies

A stack of three Blueberry Breakfast Cookies on a cutting board.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Breakfast cookies are a great addition to your breakfast table. They can be enjoyed as a main course or as dessert after breakfast. What makes these easy is that they are so simple to make ahead of time. Bake them on the weekend and enjoy them for most of the week.

7. Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

An apple crisp in a white casserole dish with a portion removed. A serving spoon rests in the dish.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

An apple crisp is one of the simplest, most delicious desserts you can serve after dinner. It’s fast to put together and makes your entire house smell great while it bakes. Bake it while you’re eating your main meal and serve warm for a light and flavorful dessert.

8. Peanut Butter Cups

Three stacked peanut butter cups with a forth resting on the side, all sit on a wood surface.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Peanut butter cups are a fun addition to any dessert menu. They are finger-food-friendly which means you can put a bunch in a bowl and let everyone enjoy them with ease, or you can pack them up, three to a serving, and serve them in small bowls or cupcake papers. Their mini size makes them easy to serve any way you like.

9. Chocolate Bark

Chocolate Bark stacked up on a piece of parchment paper with a red ribbon on top.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

If you need a dessert that is super easy and super tasty while still being an easy-to-make finger food dessert, this chocolate bark is a great option. It’s made with simple, all-natural ingredients and gives you a strong enough chocolate flavor to satisfy even the biggest of sweet tooths.

10. Homemade Chocolate Turtles

A stack of three chocolate turtles on a white background.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Much like chocolate bark, these homemade chocolate turtles are a beautiful and tasty addition to your dessert table. Everyone can help themselves as they like, and this dessert is in small enough portions for everyone to enjoy them without overfilling themselves. They pack up easily for a take-along treat, too.

11. Stuffed Dates

An overhead view of stuffed dates lined up on a piece of parchment paper.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This simple stuffed date recipe is an easy, healthier way to get a quick dessert on the table. You can make them as simple or as fancy as you want, but no matter what you do, they are fast, and guests love them.

12. Banana Pops

Two banana pops laying on a wooden sufrace.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This simple concept is so easy that it’s almost not a recipe at all. Make these banana pops in minutes and pop them in the freezer for a fun dessert for the kiddos. Kids love these, and it won’t amp them up on processed sugars.

13. Almond Blueberry Salad

A closeup of almond blueberry salad with fresh lemon zest grated over the top.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

If you want something refreshing on a hot summer day that won’t heat up the kitchen, try this fresh almond blueberry salad. It’s light and juicy and pairs perfectly with any main dish as a side dish or with whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert.

14. Blueberry Crisp

An overhead view of a gluten-free blueberry crisp in a white casserole.
Photo Credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

Whip up this blueberry crisp in no time at all and serve your guests something truly impressive. You can serve it as is, with whipped cream, or over vanilla ice cream. It’s simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients. You may even have some in your kitchen already.

15. Milk Pie

An overhead view of a slice of milk pie on a white plate with two strawberries.
Photo Credit: So Yummy Recipes.

If you only have thirty minutes to make dessert, this milk pie is what you want to try. It’s a soft, creamy pie that is fantastic with fresh berries. This delicate dessert will impress guests and look great on a brunch table.

More From The Gracious Pantry

A small white bowl sits filled with strawberry n'ice cream. A used wooden spoon sits in front of the bowl.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Need more dessert ideas? The Gracious Pantry has you covered. These recipes allow you to enjoy your dessert without guilt because they are made with healthy, whole-food ingredients. These are healthy comfort foods at their best.

Author: Tiffany McCauley

Title: Food and Travel Journalist

Expertise: Food, cooking, travel

Bio:

Tiffany McCauley is a nationally syndicated journalist and an award-winning cookbook author and food blogger. She has been featured on MSN, Huffington Post, Country Living Magazine, HealthLine, Redbook, and many more. Her food specialty is healthy comfort food recipes.

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