4-Ingredient No Bake Desserts to Stay Cool This Summer
When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven, these simple no-bake desserts come to the rescue.
Each recipe uses just four ingredients and requires minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you need a quick treat without the fuss.
1. Oreo Truffles
Ingredients:
- 1 package (36 cookies) Oreos, crushed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz white chocolate, melted
These bite-sized treats look fancy but couldn’t be easier to make.
Simply mix the crushed Oreos with cream cheese and vanilla, roll into balls, then dip in melted white chocolate.
The contrast between the dark cookie center and white coating makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. Chill for 30 minutes and you’re done.
2. Coconut Macaroons
Ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded coconut
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 egg whites
Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto parchment paper and refrigerate until set.
The sweetened condensed milk acts as the perfect binder, creating chewy, sweet mounds that satisfy any coconut craving.
They’re naturally gluten-free and have that homemade bakery taste without any actual baking.
3. Banana Pudding Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 box vanilla wafers
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Layer these ingredients in clear cups or glasses for a classic Southern dessert that’s ready in minutes.
The vanilla wafers soften slightly as they sit, creating the perfect texture contrast with the creamy pudding.
Make individual portions or one large trifle bowl for sharing.
4. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Before you wrinkle your nose, trust us on this one.
Blend these ingredients until smooth and you’ll have a rich, creamy mousse that tastes purely of chocolate.
The avocado provides incredible creaminess while adding healthy fats. Even chocolate purists won’t detect the secret ingredient.
5. No-Bake Lemon Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Press the graham cracker and butter mixture into a pan, then top with the lemon mixture.
The acidity in the lemon juice naturally thickens the condensed milk, creating that classic lemon bar texture without any baking required. Chill until set and cut into squares.
6. Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Microwave the peanut butter and butter together, stir in vanilla, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
Press into a lined pan and chill until firm.
This fudge has that perfect creamy texture and rich peanut butter flavor that melts in your mouth.
7. Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
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Hollow out the strawberries and pipe the sweetened cream cheese mixture inside.
These elegant little bites look like they came from a fancy bakery but take just minutes to assemble.
They’re perfect for parties or when you want something that feels light and fresh.
8. Rocky Road Clusters
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Melt the chocolate, mix in the marshmallows and nuts, then drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper.
The combination of smooth chocolate, chewy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts creates the perfect texture in every bite.
They’re like candy bar clusters you can make at home!
9. Key Lime Pie Dip
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
Whip everything together until smooth and serve with graham crackers for dipping. You get all the tangy, creamy flavors of key lime pie in a shareable format.
It’s perfect for summer gatherings or when you want dessert without the commitment of making a whole pie.
These no-bake desserts prove that you don’t need complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen to create something special.
With just four ingredients each, they’re perfect for beginners, busy schedules, or hot summer days when you want to keep the kitchen cool!
