40+ No-Cook Desserts Too Easy Not To Try

By Southern Living Editors
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Although Southern cooks love to bake beautiful layer cakes, tricky meringues, and flavorful bread pudding recipes to show off their skills, there’s not always time for an elaborate dessert. When you’re in a last-minute rush (or if it’s just too darn hot to cook during Southern summers!), turn to our favorite no-cook desserts. Not only are these delicious desserts no-bake, but they’re no-cook, which means you don’t even have to turn the stovetop on. From classic icebox pies to fun new milkshakes and multi-layer bars, there is a no-cook dessert for every event you can imagine. Give no-cook peanut brittle or bourbon balls as a Christmas hostess gift. End your child’s birthday party on a memorable note with an ice cream sandwich cake. Or show off fresh summer produce at the Fourth of July cookout with a peach icebox cake or watermelon popsicles. If you’re short on time, don’t preheat that oven—stick with our best no-cook desserts.  

Start Slideshow

1 of 50

No-Bake Blueberry-Cheesecake Ice-Cream Pie

Recipe: Blueberry-Cheesecake Ice-Cream Pie

This recipe is so much easier than its mouthful of a name lets off. Before a cookout, family gathering, or dinner party, you’ve got tons of planning and cooking to do. Instead of spending hours baking a dessert from scratch, save time and effort with this no-bake dessert that both kids and adults will love. After assembling each layer of this pie, you need to put it in the freezer to allow time for it to set. In between adding your layers, you can focus on cooking and setting up for your guests. This blueberry-cheesecake ice-cream pie is so refreshing, and not to mention, it’s really pretty. Topped with whipped cream, fresh blueberries, fresh mint, and lemon twists, this ice-cream pie looks much more difficult to make than it is. With this cool, no-bake dessert, you get layers of blueberry goodness with every bite.

Start this recipe by making a simple piecrust with shortbread cookies and melted butter. If you don’t have a food processor to crumble the cookies, put them in a large zip-top bag and break them up with a rolling pin. Spread the piecrust into a lightly greased pan and put it in the freezer for half an hour to set. This no-bake pie’s filling starts with a thin layer of blueberry preserves. Once the bottom of the crust is covered, put the pan back in the freezer for 15 minutes. Now it’s time for the ice cream. Smooth out a layer of Blueberry-Cheesecake Ice Cream (don’t skimp!), and let the pie set in the freezer for another 15 minutes. Repeat adding a layer of blueberry preserves, freezing, adding a layer of Blueberry-Cheesecake Ice Cream, and freezing. Your piecrust should be filled to the brim with blueberry goodness, so it’s time to add the toppings. A lightly sweetened, whipped cream, fresh blueberries, and lemon twists make this pie company-ready.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 50

Key Lime Icebox Cake

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Key Lime Icebox Cake

Layers of tangy-sweet Key lime custard and graham crackers stack up to make one quick and easy layer cake with just enough pucker to take the heat off summer. Add the lime juice once you've fully cooked the custard to let the cornstarch thicken the mixture properly.

3 of 50

Granitas

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Cucumber-Basil Granita

Recipe: Raspberry Limeade Granita

Recipe: Chocolate Milk Granita

Recipe: Orange Cream Granita

These fresh and fruity shaved ice desserts are a breeze to make. Throwing a party? Add your favorite spirit for slushy cocktails. 

Advertisement

4 of 50

Orange-and-Basil Macerated Cherries

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Orange-and-Basil Macerated Cherries

Cloud-like ricotta is the perfect complement to juicy cherries infused with herbal-citrus zing.

5 of 50

Build Your Own Ice-Cream Pie

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Blueberry-Cheesecake Ice-Cream Pie

Recipe: Strawberry-Pretzel Ice-Cream Pie

Recipe: Key Lime Ice-Cream Pie

These simple pies are fit for any occasion. Try one of our combos below, or choose your own adventure by mixing and matching flavors. Simply pick a cookie crust, add a homemade ice cream and top with sweetened whipped cream and summer fruit or sundae toppings. Just be sure to freeze the pie after adding each layer to ensure easy assembly and a layered look. 

6 of 50

Buttermilk Ice Cream

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Master Recipe: Buttermilk Ice Cream
Variation 1: Avocado-Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Variation 2: Lemon Meringue Ice Cream
Variation 3: Blueberry-Cheesecake Ice Cream
Vartiation 4: Strawberry-Pretzel Ice Cream  

A new freezer favorite has arrived. One genius (and easy!) master recipe and four over-the-top variations provide an endless array of sweet and creamy ideas. The secret to these dreamy treats? Soft-baked cookies from your bakery. Go large or small—just don't go with the crunchy kind.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 50

No-Cook Peach Ice Cream

Oxmoor House

Recipe: No-Cook Peach Ice Cream

Many homemade ice cream recipes require cooking a custard base, but this easy peach ice cream is made from sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and fresh peaches.

8 of 50

Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

Photo: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

This super easy banana pudding calls for just four ingredients: a banana, thawed whipping topping, prepared vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers.

9 of 50

Lemonade Pie

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemonade Pie

For a homemade look, freeze crust for five minutes, and then slip it into your favorite pie plate before adding filling.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 50

No-Cook Strawberry Ice Cream

Recipe: No-Cook Strawberry Ice Cream

Velvety ice cream meets the sweet, juiciness of strawberries in this frozen summer treat. Serve it in ice cream sundae glasses for a parlor-perfect presentation.

11 of 50

No-Cook Fig-Mint Ice Cream

Recipe: No-Cook Fig-Mint Ice Cream

Combine seasonal fresh figs and chopped fresh mint in this unique, no-cook, egg-free homemade ice cream.

12 of 50

Easy Mocha Chip Ice-Cream Cake

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Easy Mocha Chip Ice-Cream Cake

This frozen dessert comes together quickly then just needs a little time to set in the freezer. Use premium-quality ice cream for rich, luscious results.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 50

Strawberry-Buttermilk Sherbet

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Strawberry-Buttermilk Sherbet

Four fresh ingredients are all you need to make a refreshing frozen sherbet dessert tonight. In a pinch, substitute frozen strawberries for fresh.

14 of 50

Key Lime Frozen Yogurt

Recipe: Key Lime Frozen Yogurt

Serve with fresh raspberries or blackberries, pressed between graham crackers or gingersnaps, or on its own for a tangy treat.

15 of 50

Free-form Strawberry Cheesecake

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Free-form Strawberry Cheesecake

Powdered sugar dissolves almost instantly when stirred into berries, while granulated sugar needs stand time. We chose powdered for this quick-to-put-together recipe.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 50

Strawberry-Orange Trifle

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Strawberry-Orange Trifle

Fresh fruit makes for a refreshing dessert recipe sure to satisfy everyone at your table.

17 of 50

Chocolate Parfaits

Southern Living

Recipe: Chocolate Parfaits

We tried using both sugar-free instant and regular pudding mixes. To our surprise, we preferred the flavor of the sugar-free.

18 of 50

Tomato-Watermelon Sorbet

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Tomato-Watermelon Sorbet

While a bit unexpected, this duo creates a flavorful combination. Consisting of only five ingredients, this refreshing treat is also simple to make.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 50

Raspberry Tiramisù Bites

Photo: William Dickey

Recipe: Raspberry Tiramisù Bites

There are crisp Italian cookies also called ladyfingers, but be sure to use soft ones in this recipe. Look for them in the bakery or produce section of your supermarket.

20 of 50

Classic Peanut Brittle

Charles Walton

Recipe: Classic Peanut Brittle

No Southerner has ever been upset to see a candy tray full of homemade peanut brittle.

21 of 50

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are a favorite but often overpriced treat, so make them at home with this easy method.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 50

Icebox Cheesecake

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Recipe: Icebox Cheesecake

This dreamy dessert combines all the cheesecake flavor you love with the ease of an icebox pie.

23 of 50

Rum Balls

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Rum Balls

This recipe, which we brought back from our December 1993 issue, has stood the test of time.

24 of 50

Banana Pudding Milk Shake

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Banana Pudding Milk Shake

Everything you love about classic banana pudding in one beautiful, no-cook package.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 50

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

This showstopping dessert will be the star of every summer party.

26 of 50

No-Bake Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

Romulo Yanes

Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

If chocolate and mint are your favorite combo, these sweet cookies are the easiest way to get it homemade.

27 of 50

Clementine-Gingersnap Trifles

Jennifer Davick / Styling Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Clementine-Gingersnap Trifles

These pretty little trifles are the perfect way to finish a baby shower or luncheon.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 50

Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

You only need your microwave’s help to throw together these easy, delectable bars.

29 of 50

Bourbon Ice Cream Float

Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Bourbon Ice Cream Float

Add a little pizazz to your dinner party with a boozy dessert as your nightcap.

30 of 50

No-Bake Almond Butter Thumbprints

Jen Causey

Recipe: No-Bake Almond Butter Thumbprints

You only need five ingredients and a few minutes to get a plate of these colorful cookies ready for company.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 50

Peach Icebox Cake

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Peach Icebox Cake

Let fresh summer peaches be the star of this simple, delicious dessert.

32 of 50

Fresh Strawberry Milkshake

Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Milkshake

Let those market-fresh strawberries shine in a creamy, cool milkshake.

33 of 50

Chocolate Banana Puddings

Photo: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chocolate Banana Puddings

If the kids are having last-minute company, these cute puddings are so easy to throw together.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 50

No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie

Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter-Fudge Ice-Cream Pie

There’s nothing better during a hot Southern summertime than a creamy, chilled pie.

35 of 50

Watermelon-Lime Pops with Chile Dipping Salt

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Watermelon-Lime Pops with Chile Dipping Salt

Celebrate summer with fresh watermelon pops by the pool.

36 of 50

Bourbon Balls

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Bourbon Balls

Every Southerner knows that sweet, boozy bourbon balls are a party must-have.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 50

Turtle Trifle

Photo: John O'Hagan; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Recipe: Turtle Trifle

This decadent trifle has all the flavor you love from the classic turtle candy.

38 of 50

Salted Caramel-Pecan Milk Shake

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Salted Caramel-Pecan Milk Shake

This dreamy milkshake has the perfect amount of salt and plenty of sweet.

39 of 50

Fruitcake Bark

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Fruitcake Bark

Not everyone remembers Aunt Lucy’s fruitcake with fondness, but this chocolate bark twist on the vintage dessert will be a hit.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 50

Chocolate Lasagna

Southern Living

Recipe: Chocolate Lasagna

This vintage dessert was made to feed a crowd, so it’s perfect for potlucks and big family gatherings.

41 of 50

Millionaire Pie

Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Millionaire Pie

This tropical treat will make every guest feel like a million bucks.

42 of 50

Triple-Chocolate Milkshake

Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Triple-Chocolate Milkshake

For true chocolate lovers, only triple-chocolate shakes will do, and that’s fine by us.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 50

Strawberry-Mango Semifreddo

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Hadas Smirnoff

Recipe: Strawberry-Mango Semifreddo

This colorful dessert, which combines creamy mango sorbet and classic strawberry ice cream, will be the prettiest centerpiece.

44 of 50

Chocolate Covered Pretzels