This time of year, the only desirable sweating comes from fresh-out-of-the-freezer desserts meeting the hot, humid summer air. Treat yourself to a cooldown with these tried-and-true Southern recipes—think crowd-pleasing lemony pies, seasonal ice creams, buttery puddings, and even a bouncy rosé Jell-O.
Fresh citrus juice packs a punch in this zippy classic. Get the recipe.
A retro recipe gets a summer refresh, courtesy of sweet watermelon at its seasonal peak. Get the recipe.
Tonya Council’s Strawberry-Lemon Bars
Berries add a touch of pink and a sweet balance to this citrusy dessert. Get the recipe.
“The record goes to a customer who ate three in one sitting.” Get the recipe.
Not Your Grandma’s Jell-O Mold: Summer Fruit Rosé
Rosé all day? Save a slice for us. Get the recipe.
Banana Pudding with an International Twist
An Italian spin on one of the South’s favorite desserts. Get the recipe.
Bourbon Brown Butter Peach Ice Cream
Chef Joe Trull’s take on the perfect summer treat. Get the recipe
This icebox dessert is a busy host’s best friend. Get the recipe.
The Perfect Root Beer Float, Starring Abita Soda and Cardamom
New Orleans’ La Petite Grocery combines spiced ice cream and local root beer to create spoonfuls of nostalgia. Get the recipe.
Churned Peach and Amaretto Ice Cream
Nutty liqueur takes a summertime favorite beyond just peachy. Get the recipe.
Blueberry-Maple Ice Cream with Corn Cookies
A winning combination from Emie Dunagan of Louisville’s 502 Bar & Bistro. Get the recipe.
A Tennessee chef transforms classic Southern creamed corn into a sweet but not too sweet summer dessert. Get the recipe.
A bit of bubbly livens up cake, strawberries, and whipped cream in this easy, elegant dessert for two. Get the recipe.
Banana Pudding with Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
An Elvis-inspired take on the crowd-pleasing dessert. Get the recipe.
The freshest berries make this stunning blue-ribbon pie sunshine by the slice. Get the recipe.
Bitters-and-Bourbon Chocolate Pots de Crème
A homemade treat for those who like a little kick with their sweet. Get the recipe.
A Peach Ice Cream Sandwich, in the Style of Augusta National
Two soft cookies encase a schmear of peach and buttermilk ice cream. Get the recipe.
Butterscotch meets bourbon in pastry chef Lisa Donovan’s smooth take on a favorite childhood dessert. Get the recipe.
This unexpected appetizer is good enough to eat with a spoon. Get the recipe.
The Best Ever No-Bake Key Lime Pie
This simple version of a Florida classic pie has gained fans from around the world. Get the recipe.
