Cold Southern desserts, from icebox pies and no-bake cheesecakes to homemade ice cream. Easy make-ahead recipes, no oven required.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Cold Southern desserts are what you want on a hot day, when heating up the oven makes the whole kitchen warm. Most of these dessserts are no-bake or icebox recipes. Everything chills in the refrigerator or freezer instead of baking (maybe a slight 10-15 minute bake). We’ve listed creamy pies, cheesecakes, homemade ice cream, and a few layered desserts that just need time to set. Some are quick enough for a weeknight, and others are easy to make ahead for a cookout or family gathering.
There’s a good range here, so you can match the dessert to the day. When you need something easy, the ice creams and no-bake pies take very little effort. When you’re feeding a crowd, the icebox cakes and layered desserts feed more people and slice cleanly straight from the fridge. A lot of these use pantry and freezer staples. Pick one that fits what you’re doing, get it in the refrigerator early, and dessert is handled without warming up the kitchen.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email and we'll send it straight to your inbox.
1
Key Lime Icebox Cake Recipe
A no-bake key lime icebox cake with layers of graham crackers and a tangy cream cheese, condensed milk, and key lime filling, chilled until the crackers soften into sliceable layers.
A rich, scoopable no-churn chocolate banana ice cream made with heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, ripe banana, and fudge. No ice cream maker required.
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.
No-bake chocolate lasagna with a thick Oreo crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, chocolate pudding made with heavy cream, and whipped topping, finished with crushed cookies and chocolate chips.
Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a recipe developer, writer, and fourth-generation Southern cook sharing trusted recipes that help keep Southern food traditions alive. Every recipe is carefully tested and designed for today’s kitchens, gatherings, and family tables.
