When the temperature hits “surface of the sun” levels (what exactly is a “heat dome” anyway?), the LAST thing any of us wants to do is turn on the oven. But that doesn’t mean we have to give up on healthy summer desserts!
When I say “healthy desserts,” I’m talking about treats made with simple ingredients, seasonal fruits, and natural sweeteners. These five finds are exactly what we need to survive this heat dome and jump into the summer holidays: refreshing, naturally sweet healthy desserts that feel like summer!
Healthy Watermelon & Lime Popsicles
Sometimes the simplest things are the most genius, right? These healthy summer dessert popsicles really just require just watermelon (and maybe a squeeze of lime and fresh mint if you’re feeling fancy). The best part? You can throw everything in a blender, pour into molds, and forget about them until you need that perfect cooling treat. Pro tip: if your watermelon is sweet enough, you don’t even need to add agave!
Full recipe and photo credit 👉 Plant Based on a Budget
Grilled Peaches with Honey and Yogurt
Here’s your solution for when you’re already firing up the grill for dinner—throw these peaches on for a healthy summer dessert! They get all caramelized and sweet from the heat, then get topped with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. I also love to swap the peaches out for pineapple for a perfect light finish to a summer BBQ.
Full recipe and photo credit 👉 Skinnytaste
Lemon Cookies (Grill-Friendly!)
While the original dessert recipe calls for baking, these bright, citrusy cookies can totally be made on your grill after you’re done grilling dinner. Just close the lid and use indirect heat keeping it around 350—it’s a fun way to keep your kitchen cool AND impress your friends with your creative entertaining skills. You can also swap out the sugar for 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup.
Full recipe and photo credit 👉 Love and Lemons
Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Bites
These healthy summer desserts are basically like having your own personal ice cream bar, but way simpler and definitely more satisfying. Slice bananas, add whatever toppings make your heart happy (peanut butter, honey, sea salt), cover in chocolate, and freeze. They taste like vanilla ice cream when frozen, and the combination possibilities are endless. Tieghan always levels up the presentation, but mine would honestly probabaly look more like this delicious chocolatey mess. Either way, it’s be a big hit!
Full recipe and photo credit 👉 Half Baked Harvest
Easy 3-Ingredient Fruit Sorbet
This is the ultimate “clean out your fruit bowl” healthy summer dessert recipe. Got overripe peaches? Sorbet. Random bag of frozen raspberries? Sorbet. The magic happens with just frozen fruit, an optional natural sweetener like maple syrup, and a squeeze of lemon. You’ll get that instant gratification of sorbet without needing an ice cream maker—just a good blender!
Full recipe and photo credit 👉 The Flavor Bender
These treats prove that eating for pleasure and eating for health don’t have to be mutually exclusive—especially when you’re using nature’s candy (aka fruit) as your base. If you want some more ideas (that might involve turning on the oven) check out this blog: Healthy Dessert Recipes.
Stay cool out there!
