Summer Dessert Recipes | The Leaf Nutrisystem Blog (2024)

From sweet and fruity to light and creamy, The Leaf Weight Loss Blog is filled with healthy treats for your summer menu. These 15 refreshing summer dessert recipes can serve as a cool pick-me-up on a hot summer day or the perfect end to a warm weather meal.

Here are 15 summer dessert recipes to help you beat the heat this season:

1. Strawberry Icebox Cake with Lemon >

A standard icebox is made with chocolate wafers and whipped cream. However, this (much) healthier version creates the cool layers of this epic summer dessert favorite with crunchy graham crackers, thick yogurt and fresh strawberry slices instead. Each bite delivers a sweet flavor combo of berry, lemon and vanilla that makes this cake as delicious as it is nutritious. Add this dessert to your next backyard party menu: It takes no time to prep and is pretty enough to impress your guests.

2. 4-Ingredient Banana Nice Cream >

What makes this frozen treat so nice? The sweet bananas, tasty almond milk and splash of vanilla are three delicious reasons. Plus, it’s a low calorie dessert and you only need a blender to make it: simply puree the ingredients to a soft-serve consistency or pop it in the freezer for a firmer texture. Then grab a spoon and dive in without an ounce of guilt!

3. Vanilla Latte Protein Smoothie >

Start your morning sweet with this java-flavored healthy smoothie recipe. Made with vanilla almond milk, a few scoops of Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix and a teaspoon of coffee grinds, it’s got all the energizing nutrition you need to fill up and fuel your day. We also add some Greek yogurt for creaminess and a dash of vanilla extract for sweetness. Enjoy your morning latte made healthy!

4. Dirt Pudding Cups >

Remember eating dirt as a kid? We’re not talking mud pies, but the sweet kind made with pudding, whipped topping, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and gummy worms. This reimagined dirt dessert delivers the same nostalgia for a fraction of the calories. Process dates, walnuts and cocoa powder until crumbly, then stir in shredded coconut for texture. Add thin, matchstick-like pieces of fresh fruit like strawberries to replace those sugar-filled gummy worms. Spoon the “dirt” over chocolate pudding, add a mint leaf or two for garnish and enjoy this healthy summer dessert while feeling like a kid in a candy store!

5. Ice Cream Sandwich Shake >

It’s a marriage made in dessert heaven: the classic ice cream sandwich and quintessential thick milkshake join forces to become one decadent dessert. And it takes only minutes to make: toss a Nutrisystem Ice Cream Sandwich, some almond milk and a frozen banana into a blender or food processor. Hit the button and voila—a super creamy, uber-hearty summer dessert shake recipe that’s destined to become a favorite this beach season.

6. Cinnamon Banana Protein Popsicles >

These inspired summer dessert treats are made with flavors both you and your little ones will love. Banana and cinnamon are sweetened with vanilla, made creamy with yogurt and dotted with slivered almonds for an unexpected crunch. The best part about these delicious pops? If one isn’t enough to cool you down, feel free to have another—each serving is two popsicles.

These patriotic cups stack refreshing red gelatin, white cool whip and juicy blueberries for a healthy, all-American treat that’s perfect for your Fourth of July party—or really any day of the year you want to declare your independence from desserts that ruin your diet.

8. Skinny S’mores Frozen Yogurt >

It’s got all the makings of your campfire favorite but with a refreshing twist. Blend frozen bananas and yogurt until creamy, then stir in the s’more standards: golden graham crackers, milk chocolate chips and puffs of mini marshmallow. Pop it in the freezer for about an hour and out comes a delicious, diet-friendly summer dessert that gets you the flavors you crave in a cooler and easier-to-eat form.

9. Matcha Melon Smoothie >

Matcha gives this smoothie much more than its vibrant green hue. Made from the same plant as green tea, the healthy powder provides disease-fighting antioxidants and has been shown to protect the liver and promote heart health, says Healthline. Blend it with milk and yogurt for creaminess, honey and honeydew melon for sweetness and chia seeds for protein and fiber. Whip up this perfectly healthy smoothie for the perfect start to your day.

10. Raspberry Lime Protein Popsicles >

You taste all the flavors of summer in these yummy popsicles. They’re made with raspberries and lime juice, as the name implies, but also contain milk and Greek yogurt so they’re a little more satisfying. They also feature chopped mint leaves for a burst of freshness.

11. Mango Vanilla Chia Pudding >

The mango provides tons of vitamins and minerals. The tiny chia seeds are loaded with filling fiber and protein. And when combined with Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix, it creates a beautiful pudding that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Just whisk together the shake mix, milk and chia seeds, stir in chunks of mango and refrigerate overnight. When the pudding sets, top with more mango chunks and enjoy in the morning for breakfast or as a mid-day snack.

12. Smore’s Icebox Cake >

No need to stoke the fire for these s’mores. And no need to turn on your oven either. This no-bake cake features layers of graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate stacked high and chilled in the fridge to make the perfect after-dinner summer dessert.

13. Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding >

There are a couple of differences between this healthy summer dessert and your favorite slice of cheesecake. First of all, you need a spoon, not a fork. Plus, you can indulge without any guilt whatsoever. Otherwise, this pudding packs the same flavors of the strawberry cheesecake you crave in every creamy bite. Made mostly with fat-free cottage cheese, a little low-fat cream cheese and fresh strawberries (plus vanilla extract and stevia for sweetness), this easy-to-make, tasty concoction weighs in at less than 100 calories. Enjoy a healthy sweet treat while quelling your cheesecake craving!

14. Blueberry Lemon Ice Cream Sundae >

Sweet meets sour in this fresh ice cream sundae. Simply blend frozen blueberries, bananas, almond milk, lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Stir in a crumbled Nutrisystem Lemon Cooler Cookie for extra lemon and added crunch. This mouthwatering summer dessert option is calling your name!

15. 3-Step Banana Pudding >

Not only do these sweet fruits taste good, they’re (so) good for you: bananas are packed with heart-healthy potassium, filling fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. When transformed into a creamy pudding, they become the epitome of comfort food. Just puree a banana, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, corn starch and stevia. Simmer the mixture on the stove until thick and throw it in the fridge to chill. Once it has set, top your banana pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, grab a spoon and settle in for a comforting sweet treat.

For more summer dessert inspiration, visit The Leaf’s recipe section or find your next family dessert favorite with this amazing summer pie recipe list!