15 Light & Refreshing Desserts for Warm Summer Nights
15 Light & Refreshing Desserts for Warm Summer Nights
Cool desserts perfect for sunny days and sweet summer-night cravings.
treat yourself with our collection of irresistible summer desserts—perfect for warm-weather gatherings, patio dinners, or quiet evenings in the backyard. From refreshing fruit-forward treats to no-bake wonders and light, airy bakes, these recipes capture the sweetness of the season without weighing you down. Whether you’re working with peak berries, stone fruits, or looking for a frozen fix, there’s something here for every craving. Easy to make and even easier to love, these summer desserts are designed to help you make the most of sunny days and balmy nights—one delicious bite at a time.
5 Ingredient Meyer Lemon Cake
Recipe by Fran Allen
This gluten-free Meyer lemon cake is simplicity at its finest. With just five key ingredients, it delivers bright citrus flavour and a moist, tender crumb thanks to almond flour and whole lemons. Light yet satisfying, it’s ideal for spring gatherings or warm-weather desserts when you want something quick but memorable. Inspired by Nigella Lawson’s clementine cake, this version captures the sunny essence of Meyer lemons in every bite—perfect for teatime, brunch, or a sweet evening treat.
Spelt Spanish Bar Cake
Recipe by Megan Horsley
A nostalgic remake of the beloved grocery store classic, this spiced raisin cake is reimagined with wholesome ingredients like spelt flour, shredded carrots, and a dreamy cashew-based frosting. Moist, warmly spiced, and loaded with flavour, this updated Spanish Bar Cake satisfies childhood memories while packing in fibre and healthy fats. Perfect for snack time or dessert, it’s a better-for-you treat that’s big on comfort and taste.
Lemon Blueberry Bake
Recipe by Jennifer Barr
This breakfast-meets-dessert bake is bursting with juicy blueberries, bright lemon, and nourishing ingredients like oats, flax, and coconut. Naturally sweetened and dairy-free, it’s topped with a lemony coconut glaze that turns every bite into something special. Meal prep it for the week or serve it warm at your next brunch—this wholesome, gluten-free bake is a summertime staple that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Keto Berry Trifle
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Layers of vanilla cake, creamy custard, and fresh berries make this trifle a show-stopping keto dessert without the sugar crash. Topped with fluffy coconut whipped cream and brimming with summer’s best berries, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for picnics and BBQs. This low-carb treat offers all the indulgence of a classic trifle with a fraction of the carbs—sweet tooth satisfaction that fits right into your summer wellness goals.
Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This cozy, caramel-sauced classic gets a nourishing makeover with gluten-free flours, unrefined sugars, and healthy fats. Made with sweet Medjool dates and warming spices, each bite of this sticky toffee pudding is rich, moist, and deeply comforting. Serve warm with the luscious toffee-style sauce for a decadent dessert that feels indulgent yet better-for-you—perfect for late summer evenings or anytime you crave something sweet and spiced.
Almond Angel Food Cake
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Airy, sponge-like, and just the right amount of sweet, this almond-infused angel food cake is a lightened-up take on a timeless classic. Made with egg whites and gluten-free flour, it skips the sugar overload without sacrificing texture or flavour. Garnished with whipped coconut cream and fresh strawberries, it’s the perfect end to a summer meal—elegant, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes
Recipe by Megan Horsley
These naturally tinted cupcakes combine the classic cocoa flavour of red velvet with the earthy sweetness of beets. Made with almond flour and coconut sugar, they’re rich in fibre, iron, and healthy fats—especially helpful during pregnancy or for those watching blood sugar. Topped with creamy cashew frosting, these gluten-free treats are moist, vibrant, and nutrient-dense—an elevated dessert that’s perfect for celebrations and everyday indulgence alike.
Keto Creme Brulee
Recipe by Megan Horsley
All the elegance of classic crème brûlée—with none of the sugar. This keto-friendly version features a smooth vanilla custard and a golden, crackly top made with monk fruit sweetener. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and impressive to serve. Garnish with fresh berries for a light, satisfying finish to any summer gathering.
High Protein Ice Cream Sandwich
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Cool off with this high-protein twist on a nostalgic favourite. These ice cream sandwiches are made with gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and a creamy cottage cheese–based filling, delivering about 20g of protein per serving. Perfect for hot summer days, post-workout snacks, or healthier indulgences that don’t skimp on flavour. Keep them in your freezer for anytime cravings.
GF Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This show-stopping dessert pairs tangy rhubarb with a moist almond flour cake in a beautiful upside-down presentation. Naturally sweetened with honey and maple syrup, this gluten-free recipe delivers a perfect balance of tart and sweet in every forkful. The rhubarb creates its own syrupy topping, making this a no-fuss yet elegant dessert for summer get-togethers or afternoon tea.
Ricotta Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Creamy ricotta and Greek yogurt bring a lighter, higher-protein spin to these summery cheesecake bars. Swirled with sweet strawberries and baked on a gluten-free graham cracker crust, each bite delivers creamy texture with a fruity burst. Perfect for summer gatherings, these bars feel indulgent but are secretly nourishing—a refreshing, no-fuss dessert for strawberry season.
GF High-Protein Tiramisu
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This better-for-you tiramisu is gluten-free, high-protein, and still full of rich espresso and cocoa flavour. A fluffy almond flour cake layer is soaked in coffee and layered with a whipped ricotta-yogurt cream for a lighter take on the classic. With just a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for hot evenings and dinner parties—decadent without being heavy.
Orange Olive Oil Cake
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Bright, moist, and fragrant, this gluten-free olive oil cake brings together the richness of almond flour with the bold citrus of oranges. Sweetened naturally and topped with a dusting of icing sugar, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Blood oranges make it especially striking, but any variety will do. Serve it with whipped cream or fruit for a perfect light dessert or holiday centrepiece.
BBQ Peach, Apricot & Raspberry Crisp
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Take your crisp to the grill with this bubbling blend of peaches, apricots, and raspberries. The topping is golden and crumbly, while the fruit becomes warm and jammy beneath. Served with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, this one-pan dessert is a summer BBQ hero—easy, rustic, and bursting with seasonal fruit. A must-make for patio dinners and casual celebrations.
Strawberry Shortcakes
Recipe by Julia Gibson
These impressive yet easy shortcakes start with Stellar Eats biscuit mix and finish with layers of lemony strawberries and fluffy coconut cream. Slightly sweet with a tender crumb, they’re a dreamy gluten-free version of a beloved summer dessert. Perfect for entertaining or casual backyard gatherings, these shortcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious—and you won’t believe how fast they come together.
[Get the recipe.(https://www.rily.co/recipes/rily-x-stellareats-strawberry-shortcakes-349)
