Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • Cooking 101
  • Healthy Living
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More Next
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More Next
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More Next
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    • New Year, New You
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentines
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

CookingLight diet CookingLight diet
  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Recipes Chevron Right
  3. A Month of Summer Dessert Recipes

A Month of Summer Dessert Recipes

July 01, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Oxmoor House
Find a summer dessert recipe everyday throughout the month of July.
Start Slideshow

1 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

The perfect summer cookout treat, grilling brings out the sweetness in peaches. If you can't find them, feel free to use apricots or nectarines instead of peaches. Garnish with mint to serve.

1 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rich Chocolate Pudding Pie

Credit: Photo: Anna Williams
View Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pudding Pie

Melted chocolate binds cookie crumbs for the crust—and makes it extra delicious. Substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the rum.

2 of 31

3 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Green Tomato and Fig Cupcakes

Credit: Photo: Johnny Miller
View Recipe: Green Tomato and Fig Cupcakes

Tomatoes and fig come together to create an unusual, yet oh-so-decadent dessert that everyone in the family will love.

3 of 31

Advertisement

4 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake with Mixed Berries

Credit: Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake with Mixed Berries

Taste the berries for tartness beforehand; and adjust with sugar or lemon if needed.

4 of 31

5 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon Curd with Berries

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Lemon Curd with Berries

In this custard, citrus juice stands in for milk as the base liquid, thickened by egg yolks. Butter gives the curd a glorious sheen. Garnish with mint leaves for a spot of green color.

5 of 31

6 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peach Cobbler Ice Cream with Bourbon-Caramel Sauce

Credit: Photo: Squire Fox
Here's a delicious ice-cream recipe that doesn't require an ice-cream maker: Just stir the ingredients together, and freeze. Fold the whipped topping in with as few strokes as possible while making sure everything is well blended.

6 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cherry-Almond Crisp

Credit: Photo: Anna Williams
View Recipe: Cherry-Almond Crisp

Fresh tart cherries can be hard to find, which is why we add some dried ones to boost the flavor of this crisp. If you have access to fresh tart cherries, use 3 pounds and omit the dried fruit. Serve with vanilla low-fat ice cream, if desired; a small (1/4-cup) scoop will add 55 calories and 0.5 grams of saturated fat to each serving.

7 of 31

8 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Raspberry-Mint Ice Pops

Credit: Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Raspberry-Mint Ice Pops

Fresh and tart, these pops are the best way to up your fruit intake in the summertime.

8 of 31

9 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mint Julep Granita

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Mint Julep Granita

The classic cocktail provides relief from the heat of a Southern summer, so why not freeze and serve it for dessert? Mint-infused simple syrup and smoky-sweet bourbon combine in a slushy delight that's definitely not for kids.

9 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Apricot-Thyme Galette

Credit: Photo: Gentl & Hyers
View Recipe: Apricot-Thyme Galette

A sprinkling of fresh, fragrant thyme leaves over ripe apricots helps bring this flat cake to staff favorite status. Food Editor Ann Taylor Pittman agrees: "The addition of thyme is an absolutely ingenious, delicious touch."

10 of 31

11 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bittersweet Chocolate-Cherry Sorbet

Credit: Photo: Gentl & Hyers
View Recipe: Bittersweet Chocolate-Cherry Sorbet

Tart-sweet cherry and strong dark chocolate flavors meld beautifully in this surprisingly rich sorbet crowned with juicy fresh cherries. Use a high-quality jam for the sorbet, and be sure to start the process a day ahead for the best flavor and texture.

11 of 31

12 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Peach Crisp

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Easy Peach Crisp

Choose peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm to the touch.

12 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Margarita Ice-Cream Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Anna Williams
View Recipe: Margarita Ice-Cream Sandwiches

Fresh lime zest and coarse sea salt mimic the flavors of a margarita in this treat that kids and adults will love.

13 of 31

14 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon-Earl Grey Squares

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Lemon-Earl Grey Squares

Lemon squares are a tried and true summer classic, but you know we've got to mix it up. Try these decidedly different sweet treats and you won't look back.

14 of 31

15 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Double-Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Credit: Photo: José Picayo
View Recipe: Double-Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Juices released from the fruit make for a moist cake. The batter comes to the top of the pan and threatens to spill over. It shouldn't, but just in case, bake on a foil-lined baking sheet.

15 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon Verbena Ice Cream

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Lemon Verbena Ice Cream

"I remember discovering lemon verbena one summer at the greenmarket in New York," says Chef Hatfield (Hatfield's, Los Angeles). "The smell is intoxicating, and it stays with you forever."

16 of 31

17 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Watermelon-Jalapeño Ice Pops

Credit: Photo: Anna Williams
View Recipe: Watermelon-Jalapeño Ice Pops

The ice pop gets a decidedly grown-up spin: It’s made from fresh melon, chile, and lime—both juice and rind. A bit of pectin helps keep all the ingredients incorporated evenly; without it, they tend to separate.

17 of 31

18 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peach and Basil Shortcake

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Peach and Basil Shortcake

This company-worthy shortcake is both beautiful and delicious. We love the unexpected flavor that basil brings to the table.

18 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cantaloupe Sherbet

Credit: Photo: Johnny Miller
View Recipe: Cantaloupe Sherbet

Cool off with this adult sherbet, made with fresh cantaloupe, heavy cream, and vodka.

19 of 31

20 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Blackberry Merlot Granita

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Blackberry Merlot Granita

"This reminds me of summer after catching lightning bugs," says Chef Myers (Comme Ça, Los Angeles). "My family would eat fresh-picked blackberries like candy after dinner as the sun was going down."

20 of 31

21 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bourbon Candied Cherries

Credit: Photo: José Picayo
The taste of a Manhattan in a fruit snack! Serve the cherries as a fun party nibble, or use in cocktails. Don't toss the soaking liquid—stir it into cocktails, or drizzle over ice cream or pound cake. The cherries taste best after soaking at least three days (we loved them after six days), and they will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

View Recipe: Bourbon Candied Cherries

21 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rustic Huckleberry-Blackberry Tart

Credit: Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Rustic Huckleberry-Blackberry Tart

If you can't find huckleberries, use blueberries.

22 of 31

23 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Limoncello-Mint Sorbet with Fresh Blackberries

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Limoncello-Mint Sorbet

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that can be mixed in a refreshing spritzer, but it truly stands out in this sorbet when paired with aromatic mint and fresh blackberries.

23 of 31

24 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Seared Figs and White Peaches with Balsamic Reduction

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Seared Figs and White Peaches with Balsamic Reduction

Ripe figs and peaches have naturally high levels of sugar, which means they'll caramelize beautifully without additional sugar or copious amounts of fat. This simple yet elegant dessert is a great way to maintain the texture and floral flavors of these delicate fruits. Toasted whole black peppercorns add an interesting savory flavor to this dish.

24 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peach, Plum, and Apricot Crisp

Credit: Photo: Gentl & Hyers
View Recipe: Peach, Plum, and Apricot Crisp

Stone fruits work their magic with this dessert. Serve warm with vanilla low-fat ice cream.

25 of 31

26 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Piña Colada Sorbet

Credit: Photo: Anna Williams
View Recipe: Piña Colada Sorbet

Three kinds of coconut products—coconut water and milk and cream of coconut—offer the best flavor and texture. Look for coconut water by the fruit juices. For an adult treat, drizzle rum over your serving.

26 of 31

27 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fresh Cherry Galette

Credit: Photo: José Picayo
View Recipe: Fresh Cherry Galette

The galette looks and sounds fancy, but with its free-form shape, it's ridiculously easy. Rainier cherries have pale, creamy flesh and are larger and sweeter than Bing cherries. If you opt for another variety, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.

27 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Minted Watermelon and Lemon Ice Pops

Credit: Photo: Gentl & Hyers
View Recipe: Minted Watermelon and Lemon Ice Pops

Juicy-tangy watermelon ice pops somehow taste more of melon than the fruit itself.

28 of 31

29 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gingered Blueberry Shortcake

Credit: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Gingered Blueberry Shortcake

Blueberries signal the arrival of summer's sweetest days, and this dessert highlights them perfectly. Crumbly shortbread and homemade whipped cream elevate a simple berry to a memorably indulgent treat. The components of this dish can be made in advance, then assembled just before serving.

29 of 31

30 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate-Mint Bars

View Recipe: Chocolate-Mint Bars

You'll love these Chocolate-Mint Bars if you're a big fan of the thin chocolate-mint Girl Scout cookies or Andes candies. Refrigerating the bars allows the mint layer and glaze to set properly. For a more grown-up taste, you can substitute dark chocolate chips for some or all of the semisweet chocolate chips in the glaze.

30 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Cookie Ice-Cream Sandwiches

Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate Cookie Ice-Cream Sandwiches

If you've ever bitten into an ice-cream sandwich only to feel cheated of cookie, these little rounds deliver what you've been missing.

31 of 31

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 31 Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream
2 of 31 Rich Chocolate Pudding Pie
3 of 31 Green Tomato and Fig Cupcakes
4 of 31 No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake with Mixed Berries
5 of 31 Lemon Curd with Berries
6 of 31 Peach Cobbler Ice Cream with Bourbon-Caramel Sauce
7 of 31 Cherry-Almond Crisp
8 of 31 Raspberry-Mint Ice Pops
9 of 31 Mint Julep Granita
10 of 31 Apricot-Thyme Galette
11 of 31 Bittersweet Chocolate-Cherry Sorbet
12 of 31 Easy Peach Crisp
13 of 31 Margarita Ice-Cream Sandwiches
14 of 31 Lemon-Earl Grey Squares
15 of 31 Double-Cherry Upside-Down Cake
16 of 31 Lemon Verbena Ice Cream
17 of 31 Watermelon-Jalapeño Ice Pops
18 of 31 Peach and Basil Shortcake
19 of 31 Cantaloupe Sherbet
20 of 31 Blackberry Merlot Granita
21 of 31 Bourbon Candied Cherries
22 of 31 Rustic Huckleberry-Blackberry Tart
23 of 31 Limoncello-Mint Sorbet with Fresh Blackberries
24 of 31 Seared Figs and White Peaches with Balsamic Reduction
25 of 31 Peach, Plum, and Apricot Crisp
26 of 31 Piña Colada Sorbet
27 of 31 Fresh Cherry Galette
28 of 31 Minted Watermelon and Lemon Ice Pops
29 of 31 Gingered Blueberry Shortcake
30 of 31 Chocolate-Mint Bars
31 of 31 Chocolate Cookie Ice-Cream Sandwiches

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Cooking Light

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Cooking Light Diet this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab