20+ Lower-Carb Summer Desserts
Light, refreshing and about 30 grams of carbs (or less) per serving, these delightful dessert recipes add the perfect finishing touch to a fresh summer meal.
Makeover Fruit Pizza
“There’s nothing better than a guilt-free dessert, especially when it’s topped with refreshing and colourful fruit. We skimmed the calories and fat from a traditional fruit pizza to create one with about half the calories, fat and cholesterol.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Makeover Fruit Pizza.
Frosty Watermelon Ice
“For a different way to serve watermelon, try this make-ahead frozen dessert. It’s so refreshing on a summer day—and you don’t have to worry about seeds while you’re enjoying it.” —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
Get the recipe for Frosty Watermelon Ice.
Peach Crisp Parfait Pops
“My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden sticks.” —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah
Get the recipe for Peach Crisp Parfait Pops.
Fluffy Key Lime Pie
“For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It’s low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever!” —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan
Get the recipe for Fluffy Key Lime Pie.
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
“This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups.
Pineapple Upside-Down Muffin Cakes
“A friend submitted this recipe to a cookbook our school district was compiling. The first time I made them, the whole family declared the recipe a winner. Delicious and healthy to boot, they remain favourites to this day.” —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Get the recipe for Pineapple Upside-Down Muffin Cakes.
Raspberry-Banana Soft Serve
“When I make this ice cream, I mix and match bananas for their ripeness. Very ripe ones add more banana flavour. Less ripe ones have a fluffier texture.” —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Raspberry-Banana Soft Serve.
Root Beer Float Pie
“This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don’t even need to use an oven.” —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Root Beer Float Pie.
Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
“Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut.” —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats.
Berry White Ice Pops
“Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version.” —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut
Get the recipe for Berry White Ice Pops.
Ginger Plum Tart
“Sweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. Plus, it’s extra-awesome when served warm.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Ginger Plum Tart.
Chunky Banana Cream Freeze
“Everyone loves ice cream, but we all know it doesn’t make a great after-school snack. Until this! With its sweet banana-almond flavour and chunky texture, this appealing banana peanut butter ‘ice cream’ is a crowd-pleaser. People who ask me for the recipe can’t believe how easy it is to make.” —Kristen Bloom, Okinawa, Japan
Get the recipe for Chunky Banana Cream Freeze.
Lemony Cream Cheese Bars
“Anytime I can take a recipe that has been handed down two generations and lighten it up while keeping the delicious flavour memories intact, I’m a happy girl.” —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Get the recipe for Lemony Cream Cheese Bars.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops
“These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch.” —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops.
Easy Lemon Berry Tartlets
“These tarts are a quick and easy way to get your cheesecake fix.” —Elizabeth Dehart, West Jordan, Utah
Get the recipe for Easy Lemon Berry Tartlets.
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
“When we want a snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll ’em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da!” —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Get the recipe for Frozen Banana Cereal Pops.
Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
“I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit’s natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavours of lime and chili powder. It’s great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops.” —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Get the recipe for Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple.
Chocolate Hazelnut Soy Pops
“I love Nutella, and I’m always looking for ways to use it. These pops are a great way to stay cool in the summer, but also make a cozy treat in the winter.” —Bonita Suter, Lawrence, Michigan
Get the recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Soy Pops.
Must-Have Tiramisu
“This is the perfect guilt-free version of a classic dessert. My friends even say that they prefer my lighter recipe over other tiramisu.” —Ale Gambini, Beverly Hills, California
Get the recipe for Must-Have Tiramisu.
Marinated Oranges
“This flavourful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn’t want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit’s sweetness.” —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois
Get the recipe for Marinated Oranges.
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
“I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat.” —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls.
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup
“Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth.” —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Get the recipe for Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup.
Berries with Vanilla Custard
“What a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches.” —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Get the recipe for Berries with Vanilla Custard.
Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops
“With just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, this is one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for!” —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Get the recipe for Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops.
Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake
“You’ll fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky slice is topped with juicy raspberries. Yes, you can have cheesecake without breaking the calorie budget.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake.
Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi Pops
“Kiwi, pineapple, sugar and water are all you need to make these easy, breezy freezer pops.” —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi Pops.
Next, check out 50 easy summer desserts.
