Best 20 Cold Desserts to Eat on Hot Days

The perfect cold dessert can make any hot summer day more bearable. Whether you choose creamy ice creams or fruity sorbets, these refreshing treats are an ideal way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth. Best of all, these recipes are quick, affordable, and don’t require turning on the oven!

Fruit Jelly

Fruit jelly is a delightful and refreshing summer dessert that I usually have on hot days. It is soft, cool, and full of fruity flavor. You can add fresh fruit pieces inside to make it even more delicious. Its light and airy consistency makes it a perfect indulgence for those seeking cool, guilt-free pleasure.

Here is easy fruit jelly recipe.

Ice cream

Speaking of cold desserts to eat on hot days, ice cream is a must-try. This treat is a classic cold dessert loved all over the world. It is creamy, sweet, and full of delicious flavor. You can choose many types like chocolate, vanilla, or fruit ice cream. You can also make it at home with or without a machine. It’s the perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Try the Amaretto Ice Cream here.

Sundae

A sundae is a classic cold dessert made with scoops of ice cream, sweet sauces like chocolate or caramel, and tasty toppings such as nuts, fruits, or whipped cream. It is perfect for hot summer days and loved by kids and adults. You can mix and match flavors to create your own sundae masterpiece.

Here’s the classic hot fudge sundae recipe and brownie sundae recipe.

Cranachan

Cranachan is a delightful Scottish dessert for hot days. This cold dessert seamlessly blends together the rich flavors of whipped cream, toasted oats, honey, and fresh raspberries.

The cool, velvety texture of the whipped cream provides a blissful contrast to the warmth of the toasted oats. Cranachan is my cool dessert when the sun decides to turn up the heat.

This is how to make cranachan at home.

Popsicles

Popsicles are sweet frozen treats made from fruit juice or flavored syrup. They are easy to make at home and perfect for cooling down on a hot day. You can try many flavors like mango, berry, or lemon. Your kids will love them because they are refreshing and fun to eat.

Learn how to make popsicles.

Dole whip

Dole Whip is a popular frozen dessert that originated at Disneyland in the 1980s. It’s a non-dairy soft serve and a favorite choice for cooling off on warm days. This pineapple-flavored cold dessert is a symphony of sweetness and tanginess. On hot days, there’s nothing quite like the cool, creamy texture of Dole Whip to transport you to a Hawaiian paradise.

Here’s how to make the classic Pineapple Dole Whip.

Sorbet

Sorbet is one of my best cold desserts for hot days. Unlike ice cream, gelato, or sherbet, this frozen dessert is healthier and doesn’t contain milk or fat. This frozen dessert is made with fresh fruit, sugar, and water. You can make sorbet with fruits like mango, lemon, or berries.

Here is my easy Raspberry Sorbet recipe.

Parfait

Parfait is one of the best summer dessert ideas. This delightful and refreshing cold dessert is a layered treat made with yogurt, fruit, and crunchy granola or cookies. You can use any fresh fruits you like, such as berries, mangoes, or bananas. It’s a healthy and tasty dessert to cool you down on the hottest days.

Here’s how to make peanut butter parfait.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

If you don’t like the typical ice cream, try the ice cream sandwiches. The ice cream is put between two cookies or biscuits. They are creamy, sweet, and crunchy all in one bite. You can use different cookies and ice cream flavors to create your perfect combo.

Here’s the step-by-step guide for ice cream sandwiches.

Lassi

The next cold dessert to eat on hot days is lassi. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it one of the best desserts for summer. This is a yogurt-based drink with ice, water, and a dash of spices. The interesting thing is that you can combine fruits and herbs into the mixture, from mango to strawberry to mint.

Here is my summer sweet Mango Lassi recipe.

Granita

On scorching summer afternoons, there’s nothing I crave more than an iced dessert granita. This semi-frozen dessert is made by freezing a liquid mixture and then regularly scraping it with a fork to create a granular texture. This summertime dessert has a more intense flavor and a slightly grainy consistency compared to the fluffy, snow-like texture of shaved ice.

Here’s the simple granita recipe you may need.

Shaved ice

If granita is too time-consuming, shaved ice might be your favorite. This frozen dessert is made by shaving ice into soft, fluffy pieces and adding flavored syrup on top. You can use fruity flavors like strawberry, blue raspberry, or tropical punch. This sweet and icy treat is great for cooling down fast.

You can make this cold treat at home without special equipment. This is how I made Mango Shaved Ice in Japanese style at home.

Chocolate Soda

Chocolate soda is a fun drink that tastes like a dessert. It’s cold, fizzy, and sweet with a smooth chocolate flavor. You can make it special with whipped cream or ice cream. It’s perfect for hot weather and easy to prepare. Cool down with this summer treat!

Here’s the chocolate soda recipe.

Jello

Jello is a fun, colorful cold dessert made from flavored gelatin. It is light, fruity, and easy to make at home. Jello is popular at parties and great for kids. You can serve it in cups or cut it into fun shapes. It’s a perfect cool treat for hot days and doesn’t melt like ice cream.

Here’s my simple lemon jello recipe.

Sticky Rice Ice Cream

If you want a unique cold dessert, try the Vietnamese sticky rice ice cream. It combines creamy vanilla ice cream with sweet, chewy sticky rice. The mix of textures and flavors makes it both refreshing and satisfying.

Here’s the recipe for sticky rice ice cream.

Layered Ice Cream Cake

Layered Ice Cream Cake is a fun and colorful dessert made by stacking layers of ice cream. You can mix different ice cream flavors and toppings like chocolate chips or fruit. This cake is cool, creamy, and perfect for parties in summer.

Here’s the layered ice cream cake recipe.

Lemon frozen yogurt

If you want a cool and healthy dessert, the lemon frozen yogurt is for you. The creamy yogurt and fresh lemon juice make a perfect combination of sweet and sour flavors. It is light, refreshing, and easy to prepare at home. This dessert is perfect for people who want a healthy and tasty cold snack.

Here’s the lemon frozen yogurt recipe.

Frozen yogurt Barks

Frozen yogurt barks is a simple, no-bake dessert that everyone loves. It layers creamy yogurt with fresh fruits and crunchy granola. You freeze it into slices for a perfect grab-and-go summer treat. It is healthy, delicious, and great for kids and adults alike.

Here’s the step-by-step guide for frozen yogurt barks.

Strawberry frozen yogurt cake

Strawberry frozen yogurt cake is a beautiful and refreshing dessert. It blends creamy yogurt with juicy strawberries and a crunchy base. This cold dessert is perfect for parties, birthdays, or a family treat on hot days. It looks impressive and tastes even better.

Here’s the strawberry frozen yogurt cake recipe.

watermelon slushy

If you like a drinkable dessert, try watermelon slushy. It uses fresh watermelon, ice, and a splash of lime for extra flavor. This icy, fruity drink cools you down fast and keeps you hydrated. It is simple, quick, and naturally sweet without added sugar.

Here’s the quick recipe for watermelon slushy.

pineapple dole whip

Pineapple Dole Whip is a tropical frozen dessert loved around the world. It combines juicy pineapple and creamy texture for a smooth, soft-serve treat. You can make it at home in just minutes with simple ingredients. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, refreshing, and perfect for sunny days.

Learn how to make Pineapple Dole Whip.

Affogato

Affogato is a simple Italian dessert that combines hot espresso and cold vanilla ice cream. The hot coffee melts the ice cream slightly, making a creamy and rich treat. It’s perfect for coffee lovers and very refreshing on hot days. You only need two ingredients, and it takes just minutes to make.

Learn how to make the affogato recipe now!

Mizu Yokan

If you want something different, try Mizu Yokan. This traditional Japanese jelly dessert is made with red bean paste, agar, and water. It has a light, smooth texture and a naturally sweet taste. This dessert is cool and soft, ideal for hot summer days. It’s also low in calories, vegan, and gluten-free.

Here’s the Mizu Yokan recipe.

Red wine milkshake

Red wine milkshake mixes the bold taste of red wine with the creamy flavor of vanilla ice cream. It’s a fun, grown-up dessert drink that is cold, rich, and a little sweet. You can blend it in just a few minutes and enjoy it as a cool treat after dinner.

Try this red wine milkshake recipe now!

In the heat of the summer, a refreshing cold dessert is a must. From creamy ice creams to fruity sorbets or shaved ice, these chilled summer desserts offer a moment of sweet relief on scorching days. I hope my best cold dessert ideas list will help you fight the heat. Stay cool and savor the sweetness of life!