From peach cobbler to no-bake pies and frozen treats, these Southern summer desserts keep things easy when it's too hot to bake.
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Unless you’ve lived there, you haven’t felt heat like the sweltering, humid dog days of summer in the South. You start sweating just thinking about turning on the oven! If I’m going to a cookout, I’m leaning toward chilled, no-bake desserts and frozen treats, which is the bulk of this roundup of Southern summer desserts.
You’ll still find a few cobblers and fruit bakes here, because Georgia peaches, obviously. But most of these recipes are easy and go straight to the fridge. A lot of them can be made a day ahead, which helps when you’re feeding a crowd at a party, a reunion, or a lazy Sunday on the porch. The ingredient lists are mostly short, and the steps are simple, so you’re not stuck in a hot kitchen when everyone else is outside.
There’s a little of everything below. Cobblers made with fresh summer peaches, blackberries, and strawberries. Cool, creamy pies like lemon icebox, key lime, and raspberry lemonade. Banana pudding three ways, including a cheesecake version. And for the chocolate lovers, a handful of no-bake options that are cool, creamy, and luscious. Some of these are straight from Granny’s recipe box, and the rest are ones I’ve added to my summer rotation over the years. Pick one for your next get-together, or work your way down the list all season long.
1
Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
The best Southern peach cobbler made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a little half-and-half to make the crust rich and delicious.
Blackberry Cobbler is a perfect sweet and tart dessert, with an easy self-made buttery crust over juicy blackberries. This is a classic, Southern favorite!
A simple, easy upside down cake with fresh peaches and blueberries or other seasonal fruit. Just right for a weeknight dessert or a small dinner party.
Cream Cheese Banana Pudding is a delicious rendition of banana pudding with a graham cracker crust, a cream cheese layer, vanilla custard, and of course, bananas!
Caramelized Banana Ice Cream is a wonderful dessert for a summer party. It’s flavored from bananas caramelized in brown sugar and blended into a heavenly custard.
Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.
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