healthy-ish summer desserts
simple gluten-free desserts to bring to the table, plus my summer wardrobe staples ☀️
We’re entering what I like to call the “every weekend is booked” stretch of summer, which tends to correspond with dessert-worthy events and get-togethers. Graduation parties, family barbecues, days on the beach or boat, or even dinners outside that could use a delish sweet treat at the end. So, to provide you with some inspo, today’s newsletter features some of my favorite gluten-free (and dairy-free!) desserts that you can make this summer for any kind of celebration or occasion.
There are certain types of desserts that work best in summer—ones that don’t melt the second you set them down, require minimal oven usage (or none), and that still feel fun and celebratory without being too much. I love developing those kinds of desserts: healthy-ish, gluten-free, very summer-friendly sweets that are as easy to throw together as they are to eat straight from the fridge. There’s no-bake cheesecakes, fruity crisps, and one very nostalgic strawberry shortcake cake. Bring one to the table, or just keep it in your fridge for late-night spoonfuls (no rules!!).
To go along with our summer occasions, I also rounded up some of my top picks in my summer wardrobe—keep scrolling below the recipes to find that (and a sale!!) ☀️
And if you’re looking to follow week two of our July meal prep plan, grab everything here👇
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
GF, DF, VG
Highly recommend showing up to a summer party with this one—it’s perfect for a brunch, lunch, or dinner party, and such a fun twist on a traditional strawberry shortcake. Make it easy with pre-made whipped topping, or go full DIY and make it on your own (recipe included for a DF version!). For best results, assemble with the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge
GF, DF, V, VG
Potentially one of the quickest desserts to throw together, this freezer fudge is ready to chill in just about 10 minutes. If you’re a texture/crunchy person, this one is for you. Keep it stored in the freezer and defrost at room temp for about 10 minutes before enjoying. If freezer fudge is your thing, try this other chocolately variation!
Cherry Cobbler
GF, DF, V, VG
When it comes to summer desserts, fresh and comforting options are a must. The warmth of the cherries melts perfectly with the crunch of the cobbler topping creating the ultimate summer indulgence. Ice cream on top is not required but highly encouraged. I love Jeni’s Ice Cream, Van Leeuwen, and Fomu 🍦
No-Bake Caramel “Cheesecake”
GF, DF, VG, V
This No-Bake Caramel “Cheesecake” is kept dairy-free thanks to a luscious cashew-based filling inside a nutty almond flour crust, all topped with a dreamy date caramel sauce. This beauty requires a bit more time and effort than the others, however, it’s truly a labor of love. The end result is absolutely worth it and perfect for a celebration, or any time you want to treat yourself to something a little something special!
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
GF, DF, VG, V
This one came out of a farmer’s market trip where I picked up some rhubarb with zero idea of what to make. Obviously, went for something sweet, and combined it with rhubarb's BFF—strawberries. It’s based loosely on my other GF crisp recipes – peach crisp and apple crisp—and a new favorite.
Grain-Free Millionaire Bars
GF, DF, VG, V
These millionaire bars are everything you could want in a sweet treat - a crunchy shortbread base made from almond flour, a creamy peanut butter middle sweetened with maple syrup, and of course a layer of decadent chocolate on top to make for the perfect bite. You can sub the peanut butter for any nut or seed butter, including sunflower or granola butter to make them nut-free.
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pretzel Bars
GF, DF, NS, VG, V
I haven’t stopped thinking about these pretzel bars. They’re just the perfect summer dessert and so easy to bring for a crowd—the recipe makes 16 squares and can be made with dairy-free substitutes (or not!). Bonus points, the bars can hang out in the freezer until you’re ready to serve, so go ahead and prep them ahead!
No-Bake Key Lime Pies
GF, DF, NS, VG, V
No surprise around here that I loooove citrus and will add it into everything I can. These mini key lime pies are the perfect single serving size (no slicing required!) and use a sneaky ingredient to get the creamiest green key lime layer. It’s also very easy to double the recipe if you need more.
Summer wardrobe essentials from A&F
You probably already know that Abercrombie is a favorite of mine for everything from basics to special occasion wear, so I’m happy to say today’s newsletter is sponsored by A&F! I put together some of my favorites for summer shopping inspo, including my picks for tops (including my absolute favorite basic tee), comfy dresses, and even Brian’s faves. Check out all my picks and use my link to save because Abercrombie’s best of summer sale is going on now—get up to 50% off select styles, plus an additional 20% off clearance! The midi summer sun dresses are my faves rn ☀️
what I’m prepping
Pizza Breakfast Biscuits — guys, it’s pizza for breakfast!! from the July meal prep plan
Spiced Sweet Potato, Chickpea, & Lentil Sheet Pan — love this protein and plant-packed lunch from the prep plan. the cashew sauce is SO good!!
what I’m loving
The Best Basic Tee — not to harp on it… but it’s 30% off and you need to know!!
Wide Leg Jeans — this particular pair of jeans is my go-to for comfy and cute
what I’m recommending
Morning sun — I’ve been trying hard to get outside first thing in the morning because I know it’s such a great way to start the day—join me this week and do it with me!!
No-bake prep — if it’s feeling a little too hot to use the oven this weekend, check out this video from last summer for no-bake meal prep inspo
similar to freezer fudge, I like to put my choc chip cookies in the freezer for summertime
Can you use blueberries for the crisp?