Summer BBQ or Picnic Desserts are the perfect sweet finish to any outdoor gathering. These tasty treats are designed to withstand higher temperatures, although a few might need a little extra care to keep them looking their best.
Whether you’re hosting a big cookout or planning a relaxed picnic, there’s a dessert here for every mood and palate. Some of these delights can be left out on the table for hours, while others are best kept in a cooler for maximum freshness. Get ready to explore a lineup of delicious goodies that will make your summer celebrations even sweeter.
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Chickpea Brownies
They’re surprisingly fudgy and nutritious, making them a smart choice for anyone craving a guilt-free indulgence. Kids love them, and they won’t melt away in the summer sun.
Chickpea Brownies
This Chickpea Brownie recipe is a delicious, guilt-free treat that fits just about any occasion. Try it out and see for yourself—you’ll love how easy and tasty it is to make these healthier brownies! Perfect for dessert, snack time, or whenever you need a chocolatey pick-me-up.
These muffins are a versatile staple that can handle a bit of warmth if kept shaded. They’re also wonderfully moist and perfect for a quick snack between BBQ rounds.
Banana Bread Muffins
These Banana Bread Muffins are a delicious and healthy option for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. They’re quick to make, naturally sweetened, and full of flavor. Try them out the next time you need a quick and tasty treat!
Warm notes of cinnamon and sweet apple slices make this cake feel like comfort in every bite. It’s delicious at room temperature, so you can leave it out on the picnic table and still enjoy its soft texture.
Quick and Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Enjoy this Quick and Easy Apple Cinnamon Cake as a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering. It’s perfect for those who love a touch of fruit and spice in their desserts!
Flaky pastry topped with juicy peaches brings a pop of sweetness without much fuss. They’re best eaten freshly baked, but a short time in the summer heat won’t harm their crisp edges.
Mini Peach Puff Pastry Tarts
These Mini Peach Puff Pastry Tarts are the perfect mix of crispy, flaky pastry and sweet, juicy peaches. They’re quick to make and perfect for any occasion when you want a simple yet delicious dessert. Trust me—give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new go-to treat!
The zing of lemon and burst of blueberries create a bright, refreshing flavor that holds up well outdoors. Serve them with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
Enjoy these lovely Blueberry Yogurt Muffins with Lemon as a delightful treat that brings a bit of joy into your day!
Rich cocoa flavor and a tender crumb make these muffins irresistible. They maintain their moisture under most picnic conditions, so no worries about dryness in the sun.
Easy Moist Chocolate Muffin Recipe
These easy moist chocolate muffins are a must-try if you're looking for a quick, chocolatey treat that’s simple to make and full of flavor. They’re soft, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try—you won't be disappointed!
Layered pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup create a dessert that’s sticky in the best way possible. Keep it away from direct heat to ensure the syrup doesn’t liquefy too much.
Easy Greek Walnut Baklava
This the best easy Greek Walnut Baklava is a joy to make and ev traditional Greek baklava and more delightful to eat. Its rich layers and satisfying crunch make it perfect for any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Give this authentic Greek dessert recipe a try for your next festive occasion or when you simply want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying. Your taste buds will thank you!
A crunchy topping over a fluffy cupcake base provides a playful mix of textures. Be mindful of any frosting in direct sunlight—if it’s super hot, a shady spot will preserve their sweet crunch.
Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
These cupcakes are super moist and juicy with a crunchy finish. Sliced strawberries add bursts of fruity flavor throughout the whole bite. The batter is not too sweet at all, so they are perfect for drizzling white chocolate on top. That comes in handy as strawberry crunch sticks well on it. I'm sharing with you this simple recipe for Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes to make on a sunny spring day!
Bright citrus and juicy blueberries create a summery burst of flavor. Since the cream cheese frosting can soften quickly, keep the cake cool until serving time.
Lemon Blueberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This lemon-flavored cake base infused with fresh blueberries has my heart. It is super moist, zingy, and refreshing. It is not too sweet at all, so you can eat it for breakfast with a cup of tea. I topped it with cream cheese frosting but made it violet for rustic vibes. I'm sharing my fabulous Lemon Blueberry Cake recipe with you to make this spring!
These no-bake treats are packed with natural sweetness and won’t melt in hot weather. Tuck them into your cooler or picnic basket for a quick energy boost anytime.
Blueberry Coconut Bliss Balls
Bursting with natural sweetness from blueberries and coconut, these raw energy balls provide a nourishing boost for busy days and outdoor adventures. Try them any time you need a quick, delicious pick-me-up—perfect for early mornings on the go, post-workout refueling, or snacking during road trips and hikes!
A satisfying blend of cocoa and coconut that stays firm in warm conditions. Pop them in your bag for a day out—they’re as convenient as they are tasty.
Healthy Chocolate Coconut Bites
These Easy Healthy Chocolate Coconut Bites are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, no-bake snack. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any time of day. Give these chocolate coconut balls a try—you’ll love how easy they are!
Rolled dough loaded with apple goodness is a sweet twist on a breakfast classic. If it’s a scorcher, keep them lightly covered to avoid overly sticky rolls.
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Since I tried these apple-filled cinnamon rolls, I never returned to the regular ones. Hope you will enjoy them, too! 🙂
Berries bubbling under a golden topping evoke all the best summer vibes. It holds its form well, but a quick chill can help keep those berries fresh on sweltering days.
Fresh Berry Cobbler
Summer berries transcend into a triple melody, amped by a golden biscuit topping, and raised to heavenly realms with your favorite dollop of dairy.
A tangy filling and light crust make these bars a refreshing pick for a hot afternoon. They taste fantastic chilled, so consider storing them in a cooler if the temperature soars.
Sugary cinnamon on top of creamy cheesecake delivers a dessert that’s both crunchy and smooth. Keep them cool when not being devoured to maintain the cheesecake’s firmness.
Churro Cheesecake Bars
Churro cheesecake bars are a crowd favorite, and such an easy make ahead dessert bar recipe. We love these for an easy last minute dessert!
Buttery crumble over a tangy raspberry layer offers a delightful mix of textures. They’re easy to cut and serve and won’t lose their shape quickly in warm weather.
Raspberry Crumble Bars
Raspberry crumble bars are buttery, jammy, and completely delicious! You’ll love these quick and easy dessert bars for any occasion.
All the nostalgia of traditional campfire s’mores in a tidy bite-sized package. Just remember, the chocolate may get gooey if left in direct heat for too long.
S’mores Bites
An easy S’mores recipe and one of our favorite desserts to make all year round. Smores Bites are a twist on the classic s’mores dessert, make these mini s’mores in the oven!
Layers of smooth cheesecake and fresh berries make an elegant treat that’s picnic-friendly. Keep them chilled until the last moment so each spoonful stays velvety.
Mini Blueberry Cheesecake Parfaits
These Mini Blueberry Cheesecake Parfaits are the perfect party treat. An easy no-bake dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and quick!
Colorful slices of fruit atop a sweet, cookie-like crust create a showstopper dessert. Because of the creamy layer, it’s wise to serve this one chilled on a sunny day.
Fruit Pizza
The BEST fruit pizza recipe — made with any kind of fruit, a yummy sugar cookie crust, and the dreamiest cream cheese frosting!
Tropical flair meets convenience in this caramelized pineapple delight. It stays tasty at room temperature, but try to keep it covered to preserve its moistness.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake (With Cake Mix)
Pineapple upside-down cake with cake mix takes less than ten minutes, giving you a gorgeous, fruity cake big enough for the whole family!
4-Ingredient Coconut Fudge You Can Make in Minutes
Dense, rich, and surprisingly resistant to melting, this fudge is a snap to prepare. Cut into bite-sized squares for an effortless sweet addition to your picnic spread.
4-Ingredient Coconut Fudge You Can Make in Minutes
Make this 4-ingredient coconut fudge in minutes with simple pantry staples. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with coconut flavor—no baking required! Perfect for holidays, gifts, or a quick treat.
A bright, tangy pie that offers a refreshing treat on a hot day. Make sure to keep it in the fridge or cooler until serving time so it stays perfectly set.
Key Lime Pie
This homemade key lime pie is an amazing treat! It’s a perfect combination of tart and sweet from key limes, and creaminess from sour cream.
Fresh berries in a silky glaze make this pie simply irresistible. If it’s blazing outside, a quick stay in the cooler will help the crust and filling hold their shape.
Strawberry Pie
Made with fresh sweetened vanilla hinted strawberries and a buttery and tender flaky crust, this Strawberry Pie is the summer dessert you must make!
Sweet peaches under a crisp crumble topping make this a summer classic. It remains flavorful in the heat, but a cooler spot helps keep the topping crunchy.
Brown Sugar Peach Crumble Pie
Homemade peach crumble pie is made with sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon spice. Top each slice of brown sugar peach crumble pie with vanilla ice cream!
Nutty pudding meets a layer of whipped cream in this dreamy pie. It prefers cooler conditions, so keep it chilled until your guests are ready for a slice.
Pistachio Cream Pie
Made without any packaged mix, this from-scratch Pistachio Cream Pie starts with a smooth nutty pudding, topped with silky whipped cream and chopped pistachios tucked inside of a sweet pie pastry.
Thank you to all the wonderful recipe creators who shared these mouthwatering ideas with us. Their creativity and passion for dessert-making inspire us to try new flavors, enjoy old favorites, and explore the sweetest parts of summer.
Laura Bais is the owner of Julie's Cafe Bakery food blog. From a young age, she had a passion for cooking, and at the age of 13, she made her first meal. After finishing high school, she undergraduates in Cultural Studies at the University of Rijeka, and graduates in Journalism at the University of Zagreb. At that time she honed her cooking skills, but also worked in marketing. Since her love for cooking never faded, in 2021 she finally decided to share her recipes with the world. Laura turned her hobby into a career and loves every moment of it. Now she writes about common mistakes in the kitchen and how to avoid them, about adding twists to traditional meals, etc. Her love for trying new foods often leads her to visit restaurants and attempt to recreate the meals at home. She has been featured on F and B Recipes and BOXROX, to name a few.
