Heatwave cuisine: 13 refreshing recipes perfect for hot, hot days

It’s sweltering outside, and your kitchen feels like a sauna. But don’t let the heat defeat you! These refreshing recipes, aptly dubbed Heatwave Cuisine, are your perfect allies for these hot, hot days. They’re not just meals; they’re your culinary saviors when the mercury rises. These dishes are specially crafted to cool you down when the sun is merciless. So, when you’re wilting from the heat and need a tasty reprieve, turn to these refreshing creations.

No-Fry Ice Cream Balls

Two plates of no-fried ice cream balls on a table. — No-Fried Ice Cream Balls. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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These Ice Cream Balls with Honey Cinnamon Drizzle require only 5 ingredients, offering a rich frozen dessert. By avoiding frying, you can indulge in this simple treat reminiscent of the traditional Mexican dessert. These ice cream balls will come to your rescue on hot days.
Get the Recipe: No-Fry Ice Cream Balls

No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake

Two glasses of strawberry shortcake dessert, garnished with mint, accompanied by fresh strawberries. — No-Bake Strawberry Shortcakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven

Try this easy recipe for No-Bake Strawberry Shortcakes filled with juicy summer berries and topped with strawberry whipped cream. It’s the perfect light and refreshing treat for any occasion. This refreshing recipe is a lifesaver when it’s hot, hot, hot outside and you don’t want to bake a dessert.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake

Frozen Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites

A group of chocolate covered desserts. — Oreo Ice Cream Bites: Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These no-bake ice cream bites are ridiculously easy to make with just five ingredients! They’re perfect for satisfying sweet tooths with a fun pop-in-your-mouth treat. Scope your favorite ice cream on top of an Oreo and dip in chocolate for a fancy-looking treat. When it’s a heatwave, these are your go-to cool-down snack for a no oven needed dessert.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites

Refreshing Frozen Strawberry Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse

A creamy dessert topped with raspberries, accompanied by strawberries on a crumb-dusted surface. — Frozen Strawberry Raspberry Mousse Cheesecake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Refreshing Frozen Strawberry Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse is a great alternative to ice cream for a cool and creamy treat. Take advantage of berry season and make this simple yet decadent treat that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Strawberry Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse

Grilled Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes

Pineapple upside-down cake in foil with a cherry on top. — Pineapple Upside Down Cakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These grilled pineapple upside-down cakes put a fun spin on a classic dessert. Individual portions perfect for grilling make this an exciting and flavorful way to enjoy a timeless treat. Keep your cool with this refreshing recipe, even on the hottest days.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes

Lemon Posset with Raspberries

raspberry posset — Lemon Posset. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

indulge in a burst of citrusy flavor with this Lemon Posset with Raspberries. Made with just lemon juice, sugar, and cream, this creamy treat is perfect for a hot day. Beat the heat with this zesty, refreshing recipe.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Posset with Raspberries

Peach Blackberry Ice Cream

A bowl of creamy dessert topped with fresh blackberries and peach slices, placed on a striped cloth alongside extra blackberries and peaches. — Peach Ice Cream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Homemade Peach Ice Cream is always a crowd-pleaser, especially on a hot day. This no-churn recipe combines fresh peaches and blackberries for a refreshing summer treat. Cool off with this homemade ice cream in the midst of a heatwave.
Get the Recipe: Peach Blackberry Ice Cream

Pineapple Coconut Balls

Coconut energy balls on a white plate. — Coconut Pineapple Bites. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make a batch of Pineapple Coconut Balls for a speedy tropical snack. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy these delightful treats made with candied pineapple and almonds, all wrapped in shredded coconut. These balls are essential for staying cool on a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Coconut Balls

M&M Ice Cream

A tray of homemade vanilla ice cream topped with crushed chocolate candies sits on a checkered napkin beside empty glasses, chocolate syrup, and bowls of red cherries and blue candy-coated chocolates. — M&M Ice Cream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Are you in a hurry for something cold and creamy? Make a batch of this M&M No-Churn Ice Cream. Once your ice cream is done, add your favorite M&Ms and freeze. The kids will love it.
Get the Recipe: M&M Ice Cream

Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee

Four servings of strawberry gelatin dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. — Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This easy Strawberry Chardonnay Gelatin is a summer go-to recipe. It’s lightly sweet, velvety smooth, and the strawberry and wine flavors are flavorful. When it’s a heatwave, this gelee will keep you cool and satisfied. It’s like a giggly wine cocktail.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chardonnay Gelee

Strawberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled cheese for dessert? Yes, it’s true. Strawberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a favorite treat, and this recipe promises the ultimate comfort food experience with a sweet twist. Beat the heatwave blues with this fruity sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Raspberry Sauce

A bowl filled with red berry sauce. A golden spoon is partially submerged in the sauce, resting on the edge of the bowl. — Raspberry Sauce. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Enjoy this homemade Raspberry Sauce, also referred to as raspberry coulis. With just four simple ingredients, this sauce is a versatile addition to your fridge, perfect for topping a variety of dishes. Its rich, velvety texture and intense berry flavor make it a must-have. When the weather heats up, this sauce becomes your go-to ally for hot days, enhancing the flavor of treats such as ice cream, yogurt, peaches, and more.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Sauce

Pumpkin Spice Latte Ice Cream

Three scoops of pumpkin ice cream in a metal container, with an ice cream scoop. — Pumpkin Latte Ice Cream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

You don’t need to wait for fall to enjoy pumpkin flavor. You can enjoy it right now in the middle of summer with scoops of Pumpkin Spice Latte Ice Cream. It’s creamy, cold, and full of our favorite spices.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Latte Ice Cream