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It's summer, but your sweet tooth isn't ready to take a break! Sure, you've got those fruity summer cocktails on ice, but something's still missing. You want a sweet treat that captures all the fun of summer while keeping things light and refreshing. So you start searching for the best summer sweets that won't leave you feeling heavy. Sound like a challenge? Don't worry—finding that balanced bite isn't mission impossible. This list of healthy summer desserts is packed with guilt-free eats and treats that prove it.
Here, you'll find healthy desserts that are perfect for summertime! If you're someone who loves getting a their serving of fresh fruit, there are plenty of seasonal fruit desserts included here. (You'll love the grilled watermelon.) For those who don't want to turn on their oven during these hot months, might we suggest some no-bake desserts? Chocolate oatmeal cookies for the win! There are even some treats that sneak in nutritious summer vegetables, like the tender zucchini bread. Of course, it wouldn't be summer without frozen treats, too. Luckily, you'll find light and refreshing options for ice cream, sorbet, dole whip, and more! All of these healthy summer desserts are great choices—and you'll certainly agree. So, what are you waiting for? That sweet tooth is calling!
Morning Glory Muffins
They may have "morning" in the name, but these nutritious muffins can be enjoyed any time of day! They're loaded with all the feel-good ingredients you can think of: apples, raisins, carrots, coconut, pecans, and whole wheat flour. The result? A moist, tender crumb and sweet, well-spiced flavor!
Get the Morning Glory Muffins recipe.
Watermelon Pizza
Looking to cut down on the carbs? Replace your usual dessert pizza dough for a cold, juicy slice of watermelon! It makes for a sturdy "crust" when piled with sweetened Greek yogurt, coconut shavings, and chocolate sauce!
Get Ree's Watermelon Pizza recipe.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Here's a summer dessert that feels indulgent but keeps things simple and satisfying! Made with rich semisweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and a handful of pantry staples, it delivers a dense, fudgy texture without any flour—making it naturally gluten-free. Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing twist!
Get Ree's Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe.
Tropical Fruit Galette
Can't make it to the beach this summer? This tropical fruit galette will do the trick! It features a store-bought pie crust topped with chopped coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, mango, pineapple, and kiwi.
Get the Tropical Fruit Galette recipe.
Air Fryer Doughnuts
Enjoy fresh, warm doughnuts without the extra oil—ideal for a light summer treat! This clever recipe uses an air fryer and store-bought biscuit dough to keep things simple and healthier. Plus, you can mix and match with three easy glaze options for a fun, customizable twist.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Doughnuts recipe.
Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Make the most of your summer zucchini harvest by baking it into bread! Despite the fact that this recipe includes three cups of zucchini, all you'll taste is chocolatey goodness, thanks to three types of chocolate: milk chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips, and cocoa powder.
Get Ree's Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
There's no better time to give your oven a break than when it's hot outside! Instead, make these no-bake cookies right on the stovetop. They're chock full of quick oats and crunchy pretzels set in a peanut butter-based blend.
Get the No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt isn't just for breakfast! When topped with crunchy granola, fresh berries, and honey, it makes a delicious dessert, too.
Get the Yogurt Parfait recipe.
Mango Sorbet
This frozen treat is basically a fruit salad! It comes together with frozen mango, agave syrup, and fresh lime juice in the food processor for a quick and refreshing treat.
Get the Mango Sorbet recipe.
Fig Bars
Instead of buying the store-bought version of this nostalgic, sweet snack, make a batch of fig bars at home! With hearty whole wheat and naturally sweet, nutrient-packed figs, these treats bring out your inner kid—just with a healthy twist.
Get the Fig Bars recipe.
Fruit Pizza
Don't let pizza night end with pepperonis. Finish off your feast with a fresh fruit dessert pizza! It features a sugar cookie base and a myriad of colorful fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis.
Get Ree's Fruit Pizza recipe.
Grilled Peaches
Peaches on the grill? Now, that's genius! The summer fruit is completely transformed with those beautiful char marks and sweet caramelization. It's one dessert that everyone will be able to get behind.
Get Ree's Grilled Peaches recipe.
Dole Whip
If you like the idea of frozen pineapple soft serve, then you'll absolutely love this dole whip recipe. You can dial up the health factor with dairy-free ice cream as the base.
Get the Dole Whip recipe.
Zucchini Bread
You can't go wrong with summer veggies. Especially in bread form! Zucchini bread has plenty of nutrients—but it's a bonus that it's also sweet.
Get the Zucchini Bread recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Trifle
This one is less dense than most cakes, making it a healthy summer treat. The fresh berries and whipped cream combined with the softness of the cake is truly heavenly.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Trifle recipe.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
These fruit skewers can be enjoyed any time of day! The main ingredient is fruit, after all. And since they're stacked onto a stick, it's a pretty efficient way to get your fill.
Get the Rainbow Fruit Skewers recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
A slice of watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit. Now, throwing them on the grill makes that even more true. You can serve them in wedges or cube them up for a fun twist on fruit salad.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Fruit Tart
Sure, you should be cautious of the crust and filling—but when it comes to the fruit, definitely go all out. You'll love how decadent it feels without being too heavy.
Get the Fruit Tart recipe.
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Anything no-bake is a summer masterpiece. It’s already as hot as can be outside—which is why these no-bake oatmeal cookies are a great option for when you don’t want to open the oven. Those oats will give you some much needed nutrition, too.
Sunrise Fruit Salad
If you're drawn to the beauty of this fruit salad, then you're not alone. It consists of countless layers of mango, watermelon, oranges, cantaloupe, and pineapple, all topped with some delicious shreds of coconut.
Get Ree's Sunrise Fruit Salad recipe.
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