40+ No-Cook Desserts Too Easy Not To Try

By Southern Living Editors
May 30, 2013
Caitlin Bensel
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.  
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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.

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Key Lime Icebox Cake

Credit: 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.

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Granitas

Credit: 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.

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Orange-and-Basil Macerated Cherries

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Orange-and-Basil Macerated Cherries

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

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Build Your Own Ice-Cream Pie

Credit: 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.

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Buttermilk Ice Cream

Credit: 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.

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No-Cook Peach Ice Cream

Credit: 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.

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Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

Credit: 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.

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Lemonade Pie

Credit: 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.

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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.

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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.

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Easy Mocha Chip Ice-Cream Cake

Credit: 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.

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Strawberry-Buttermilk Sherbet

Credit: 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.

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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.

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Free-form Strawberry Cheesecake

Credit: 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.

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Strawberry-Orange Trifle

Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Strawberry-Orange Trifle

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

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Chocolate Parfaits

Credit: 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.

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Tomato-Watermelon Sorbet

Credit: 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.

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    Raspberry Tiramisù Bites

    Credit: 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.

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    Classic Peanut Brittle

    Credit: Charles Walton

    Recipe: Classic Peanut Brittle

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

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    Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    Credit: 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.

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    Icebox Cheesecake

    Credit: 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.

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    Rum Balls

    Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

    Recipe: Rum Balls

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

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    Banana Pudding Milk Shake

    Credit: 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.

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    Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

    Credit: Caitlin Bensel

    Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

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

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    No-Bake Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

    Credit: 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.

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    Clementine-Gingersnap Trifles

    Credit: 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.

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    Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

    Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

    Recipe: Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

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

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    Bourbon Ice Cream Float

    Credit: Caitlin Bensel

    Recipe: Bourbon Ice Cream Float

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

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    No-Bake Almond Butter Thumbprints

    Credit: 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.

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