The best summer desserts are the ones that keep you cool.
Long, hot evenings will stay with us for a few weeks more, drawing crowds to local beaches and parks for outdoor luxuriating.
And often, to accompany that lovely soak in the end-of-summer rays, we dine on cooling sweet treats.
In this collection of recipes, you’ll find homemade iterations of those desserts. There is a full rainbow of icecream flavours (including a breezy no-churn chocolate orange option), zesty tarts and nostalgic, wobbly jellies.
You might want to house these delights in a chilly bin, for serving after a picnic — but they’re equally delicious devoured from the fridge or freezer.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NX7SMKM3HZIEGOW6MBDF2CD3YY.jpg?auth=a9922f7ec4ed26e07ce097c77469cdc787c700b993cc431420c37d2749d0ace9&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Strawberries, mint and Cointreau — this dessert is fresh, sweet and just a little boozy.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/BBMOEIWBE3VNL4T3KYLAAOXDLA.jpg?auth=2843fdc70a95cdea796681fc8bd262fb0aa9b2db45716f914719af6c4747c580&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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Advertise with NZME.This fudgy icecream is served in delicate chocolate bowls, made at home using balloons (yes, the party has started).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/O3ZBKUUVLFEPHBM44MZM7GL4Z4.jpg?auth=b505c070836724b27cf381ad312a0794b5dbec53230503fc66dd0b65668d20c1&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This citrusy tart sees lime juice and white chocolate mixed with condensed milk, encased in a gingernut crust.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/W6Z6W3ABKSRBP53MQB6UY7SOLA.jpg?auth=45daab831b66f45647a87c0d8a4882ed3bba9ac44833a357207dcbe80d491b6a&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
This nutty, aromatic icecream is best enjoyed poolside. Decorate with edible flowers and finely chopped pistachios.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CZMJVA4JCHN6GMLVV7KVT2B4H4.jpg?auth=86fc547002f49d1656dd19af6a34dcd649a5f83276b8601b4c33d6fe6153353b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This nostalgic and fruity jelly is elevated with a little fizz and candied rhubarb.
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Advertise with NZME.![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/V2RIA4FXENFS5CRRO6GRY3RATM.jpg?auth=f3cc5cc1406592478010686a48f8cef8f403fd28915125c3d71a38f26266a7b8&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
These mini choux pastries, slathered in chocolate ganache, are particularly delicious when paired with tart berries.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LHPHVA6Y7TZM6JHUO7LLMPVF4U.jpg?auth=db1da5fc33093cdf579bdf8563a4245d2c58d3c14ce499c7a777182c096de484&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Preserve those peak-season plums in a homemade vanilla icecream.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2LOVL2TQZFGV3CSLCGBIZWOQS4.jpg?auth=dcf72577eed073719ba59bdd8c770fec6448d093ccd231290205ccd3bef9871d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Chopped and toasted almonds add a crunchy texture to these vibrant apricot popsicles.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/P7E7LXHKM4I5472MRTAZWA5AE4.jpg?auth=423e83b808185459bc95999866bbb1dda6aca3c0d2379504acc4f3196a9eb137&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
These delicate sponge cakes are oh-so-light and full of sweet cream (and a bright touch of mandarin zest).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/IX5U4S7CD6QOKT4ZPKVC2A4SHY.jpg?auth=d9a2813f088298da101f6d5efd29a1a64fcc18e8ddc6be479e056467b7621c53&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This Greek yoghurt-based mousse is a surprisingly simple dessert, which finds lots of flavour in passionfruit pulp.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/53UBJ46KLBDITEDDUWRRVARK5M.jpg?auth=22f953250c63600bca6a0ad5c979b20caf9f795b18fefca25ea0c375415c3ffe&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Bite-sized pavlovas find flavourful contrast with a dash of sweetened balsamic vinegar.
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XUT6F3UZZB6BBZDTVSCSOIAXTU.jpg?auth=6d88e0788d379032b053301fbdb39ae5cd52eaf1bb7b098034e57e1fc96f588e&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Homemade icecream doesn’t have to be too involved. This no-churn recipe comes together with just a quick fold and mix.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XHKQEV5BORA4NJIBXNHPJCD6CY.jpg?auth=3afc1a6db710773fc6f2c5ba662a0b0961aa6aad4cf17f9b3c7c12fe895e1799&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This slightly retro dessert is best served in funky cocktail glasses, with a dollop of cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GFS4MXWTQVBWNDC4SMXBAP7FWA.jpg?auth=9d6d0d0bbda2c2af895f8fb82388ac445a9d790fe6405be987844391fdfd684f&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
With a sweetened puree and fresh variety, this plumful dessert is a study of the season.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DT4ZTUVLPF3FZGMKYK63GLBNOA.jpg?auth=cee7cd487ed02bf8e6cd4e4c94af5e68445e30d5e0cc2f5d0f6113de02d8eec8&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
Amaretti biscuits and mint leaves are pillowed in a mix of whipped cream and reduced apricots.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LM3TLTT2UWHLRNAF6S3Z2F2CHQ.jpg?auth=6de010a1c7ba86f331eb9e71b809b7e74e1a0eec55e5bed09658d3c7a9b7575f&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
This sweet and earthy icecream is paired with red wine-tinged figs.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/G4FTHMQEDEH7ZERBS6VCFS5Y6E.jpg?auth=ce25ebcacd9b65bb2c52c01594b157ceb720638f7e42b25d6eda8d7079a15676&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
You can swap out the icecream to suit your preference — think chocolate, berry swirl or homemade banana brownie.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/BJBMGFDRDBI4S3L46ZAD6TUXDA.jpg?auth=c051b12a17a90c31c5dd22f70b9bc4b86aa41559a75fc16216a24aad1c604483&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
And, finally, the showstopper. This glossy dessert is topped with a cartoonish cream spiral and fresh berries.