When I think of the start of summer, sweet, juicy strawberries are the first thing that comes to mind. There’s something magical about their peak-season flavor, and I love experimenting with various strawberry dessert recipes to make the most of it. While strawberries are delicious on their own, this fruit truly shines in desserts. From cakes and crisps to frozen treats, these sweet treats are guaranteed to put you in a summer state of mind.
There’s something special about enjoying produce at its peak, bursting with natural sweetness and that just-picked flavor you can’t fake. Whether layered into shortcakes or folded into chilled creams, ripe summer strawberries add a vibrant, sun-kissed touch to every bite. If you, too, have been dreaming about the perfect fruit dessert, look no further.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
10 Strawberry Dessert Recipes to Sweeten Your Summer
Summer is here—and it’s the season made for making the most of fresh strawberries. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ bash or just craving something light and sweet, these strawberry desserts are sure to hit the spot.
Kicking things off with what I consider my dessert of the summer (shoutout to our brilliant food editor, Suruchi), these thick, soft oatmeal cookies, filled with strawberry preserves and surrounded by a sweet cream filling, are a dessert fit for just about any summer occasion.
Cherry-Berry Ice Cream Pie
Where I’m from in Florida, and ice cream pie in the summer may seem a bit controversial (heat, humidity, etc). However, if the sun has set on your special summer day, and you’re looking for a strawberry dessert that will cool you down, this dessert with strawberry cheese cake ice cream will hit the spot.
No-Churn Strawberry Sorbet
This no-churn fruit sorbet is delicious no matter what flavor you select. However, if you have strawberries on hand, this dessert is a quick and easy way to whip up a sweet treat in no time. Simply puree your berries, heat your sugar and water, whisk in the additional ingredients, and puree again. Freeze and enjoy!
Gluten-Free Citrus Cake with Strawberries and Cardamom Coconut Cream
I used to stray away from gluten-free desserts due to extra ingredients and odd textures. However, when a dessert like this citrus cake rolls around, I’m forced to reconsider just how incredible desserts can be, minus what many consider a key ingredient. With a coconut cream icing to pair with tart and fresh strawberries, you’d never believe it’s gluten-free.
Strawberries and Cream Pavlova
This pavlova is a simple yet satisfying summer treat that earns bonus points for its appearance. The crisp on the outside, soft on the inside texture, topped with a pile of fresh berries, is precisely what we all need after a day spent poolside.
Strawberry + Rose Geranium Milkshake
We’re obsessed with Cassie Winslow’s floral-inspired take on the classic strawberry milkshake. The unique flavor combination of strawberry jam and rose geranium is far superior to anything you could order up at a restaurant.
Strawberry Cake With Mascarpone Creme
Think: fruit-based tiramisu, minus the ladyfingers, and you have yourself this exquisite and straightforward strawberry cake with a creamy and mildly sweet mascarpone creme. Pro tip—don’t skip the orange zest. The citrus and strawberry flavor match is hard to beat.
Strawberry Crumble Cake
Whether you enjoy it in the AM with a hot cup of coffee or in the evening with a mug of fresh-brewed tea, this strawberry crumble cake will leave you stunned with its light, soft, and moist texture.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries are the quickest and easiest way to my heart. With this guide to the perfect chocolate strawberry, you’ll feel the same way. I love setting up a fondue bar at summer parties and letting my guests choose their toppings, as well. It takes the stress off the host and gives the guests something fun to do!
Vegan and Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcakes
Okay, how cute are these mini strawberry shortcakes? The presentation really takes this dessert to a new level. Additionally, these treats are both vegan and gluten-free, making them perfect for ensuring everyone gets a taste.
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberries, Basil, & Almonds
These are truly the perfect dinner party dessert, as they’re completely finished before guests arrive—you can even prep the custard the night before and top it with almonds and strawberries just before serving. The result is a dessert that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts.
This post was last updated on June 26, 2025 to include new insights.
