easy summer desserts for a crowd are what summer is all about! Picture this: sunshine, laughter, and a table overflowing with delicious treats. When the days get longer and the gatherings get bigger, you need desserts that are not only easy to make but also capable of satisfying a crowd. That’s where this collection of summer dessert recipes comes in. These are the simple summer treats guaranteed to be gone in minutes!
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Growing up, summer meant family reunions, neighborhood barbecues, and potlucks aplenty. My grandma always had a spread of desserts, and nothing was ever complicated. Her secret? Delicious, crowd pleasing recipes that anyone could whip up and that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today. These easy summer desserts for a crowd are destined to be the stars of your next event!
Why You Will Love This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
These summer dessert recipes are perfect for when you need something quick, easy, and totally delicious to feed a bunch of hungry people. Imagine biting into a refreshing berry trifle or a creamy no bake cheesecake after a long day in the sun. Sounds dreamy, right?
These easy summer desserts for a crowd are designed to minimize fuss and maximize flavor because who wants to spend hours in a hot kitchen when the weather is so gorgeous? Plus, many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy the party.
Best of all, many of these simple summer treats use seasonal ingredients that are bursting with flavor. Think juicy berries, ripe peaches, and tangy lemons, which all scream *summer*. So, get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy, crowd pleasing summer dessert recipes.
Ingredients Needed for This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
Here are the ingredients for the Strawberry Dream Trifle, one the featured easy summer desserts for a crowd in this article:
- For the Cake:
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
- For the Filling:
* 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
* 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- For the Garnish:
* Additional whipped topping
* Fresh strawberries
How to Make This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
This recipe makes a beautiful Strawberry Dream Trifle. Let’s see how to make it:
- 1. Bake the Cake: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Crumble or cube the cake into bite sized pieces.
- 2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined.
- 3. Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl or serving dish, create layers. Start with a layer of crumbled cake, followed by a layer of the cream cheese filling, and then a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped topping on top.
- 4. Garnish: Decorate the top with additional whipped topping and fresh strawberries for an elegant finish.
- 5. Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 6. Serve: Scoop and enjoy the Strawberry Dream Trifle. This dessert can also be made using different fruits like blueberries, raspberries or peaches!
How to Serve This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
This Strawberry Dream Trifle is best served chilled. You can serve it directly from the trifle bowl, allowing your guests to admire the beautiful layers. Alternatively, you can pre portion it into individual glasses or bowls for easy serving at a party.
For an extra touch, consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top. This trifle pairs perfectly with a light summer beverage, like lemonade, iced tea, or a sparkling fruit punch.
You can also consider serving a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt alongside the trifle for an extra creamy element. No matter how you serve it, your guests will surely love this refreshing and delicious dessert.
How to Store This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
If you have any leftover Strawberry Dream Trifle (which is unlikely!), it is important to store it properly to maintain its taste and texture. To store the trifle, cover the serving bowl or individual portions tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the trifle promptly, ideally within an hour of serving. Stored in the refrigerator, this trifle will stay fresh for up to 2 to 3 days.
Freezing this trifle is not recommended, as the whipped topping and cream cheese filling may change texture and become watery when thawed. When ready to enjoy again, simply take the trifle out of the refrigerator and serve cold. Follow us on Pinterest for more summer dessert recipes and serving ideas!
Tips to Make This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
- Cake Variations: Feel free to use other cake flavors, such as angel food cake, sponge cake, or even a chocolate cake, depending on your preferences.
- Fruit Swaps: While strawberries work beautifully in this trifle, you can also use a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries or other fruits like peaches or mangoes.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling according to your taste preferences and the sweetness of the fruit you’re using.
- Layering Presentation: For a visually stunning effect, make sure each layer is distinct and evenly distributed. This will make the trifle look more appealing when served.
Helpful Notes for This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
A few extra notes that might be useful:
- For a richer flavor, try using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese in the filling. It adds a creamy and slightly tangy note.
- If you want to make this trifle ahead of time, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.
- To prevent the cake from becoming too soggy, lightly brush each cake layer with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before layering.
- Consider toasting the cake cubes before layering for a crunchier element.
Variation of This easy summer desserts for a crowd Recipe
- Chocolate Strawberry Trifle: Add a layer of chocolate shavings or chocolate ganache between the layers for a decadent twist.
- Lemon Berry Trifle: Use lemon flavored cake and add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Tropical Trifle: Incorporate tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes for an exotic take on the traditional trifle. Try my recipe for Easy Pizza Roses For Valentines Day!
What are some easy desserts to make for a large group?
Easy summer desserts for a crowd include fruit salads, no-bake cheesecakes, icebox cakes, and simple cookies. These options are generally quick to prepare and can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings.
How can I prepare summer desserts ahead of time for a party?
Many summer desserts can be made a day or two in advance. Focus on desserts like cheesecakes, layered desserts, and frozen treats, as these tend to hold up well in the refrigerator or freezer. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor.
What are some refreshing and light summer dessert options?
For a light and refreshing summer dessert consider fruit-based options such as berry parfaits, grilled fruit with yogurt or honey, or citrus-infused cakes. These offer a sweet treat without being too heavy, perfect for warm weather.
Conclusion
Creating easy summer desserts for a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple recipes like this Strawberry Dream Trifle, you can whip up something amazing in no time at all by keeping it easy for a crowd. Embrace the simplicity of summer and let these recipes transform your gatherings into unforgettable, flavorful experiences. So, go ahead, try these easy summer desserts for a crowd the next time you are in need of delicious, uncomplicated treats!
Easy Summer Desserts for a Crowd: 10 Ultimate Recipes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy strawberry trifle perfect for summer gatherings. Layers of yellow cake, cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries create a refreshing dessert that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional whipped topping for garnish
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Bake the Cake: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Crumble or cube the cake into bite sized pieces.
- 2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined.
- 3. Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl or serving dish, create layers. Start with a layer of crumbled cake, followed by a layer of the cream cheese filling, and then a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped topping on top.
- 4. Garnish: Decorate the top with additional whipped topping and fresh strawberries for an elegant finish.
- 5. Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 6. Serve: Scoop and enjoy the Strawberry Dream Trifle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
