Low-Cost Desserts for the Summer
When you think summer you don’t think about heavy pastries and hot dessert. Most people think of ice cream, popsicles and pie. Oftentimes purchasing these items already-made in the store can be costly but making them from scratch can save you a bit of dough. Here are a few summertime favorites that won’t break the bank:
Homemade Ice Cream
Everyone loves to eat ice cream in the summer. The best part about making ice cream at home is that you only need three ingredients to make a simple vanilla ice cream (cream, vanilla and condensed milk). Once you’ve completed the steps outlined here you can add in flavors and toppings (like mint and chocolate chips).
S’mores
S’mores are one of the most fun and most low-cost desserts out there. You get to gather around a campfire with friends and family while making gooey, gooey s’mores. Like ice cream, you also only need three ingredients for s’mores (graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate). If you’ve never made s’mores and want to see how it’s done, check out this how-to.
Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is another must-have during the summer and it’s not too expensive to make at home. Check out this homemade ice cream cake recipe. You could make an ice cream cake for a birthday party, cookout or just for fun.
Trifle Dishes
Another great low-cost dessert can be found in a trifle dish. Many trifle desserts contain whipped cream, fruits and other cool ingredients that are great during the summer. This recipe uses very few ingredients and is fairly easy to make.
No-Bake Cheesecakes
Once again, who wants to make their home even hotter this summer by turning on the oven? Instead try a no bake dessert. Many no-bake cheesecakes are inexpensive and hassle free (you don’t even need to preheat your oven). Check out Martha Stewart’s No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
One of my favorite low-cost desserts to make and serve over the summer are homemade ice cream sandwiches. Usually I bake chocolate chip cookies and make homemade vanilla ice cream a day ahead of time. By the time I’m ready to make the ice cream sandwiches the next day, everything is ready. It is both an easy and cost-efficient summer treat.
Homemade Popsicles
If you’re making homemade ice cream you can make homemade popsicles too. In fact, homemade popsicles are a bit easier to make. There are tons of popsicle recipes online, including a few “adult” popsicle recipes too.
Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
Strawberries and cool cheesecake both sound great on a summer day. Why not put them together? Cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are a great no-bake dessert for the summer. They also make a great plate to bring to a potluck because they are so visually appealing (check them out here).
No-Bake Cookies
Obviously no-bake desserts are preferred for many people in the summer because their homes are already warmer than usual. There are plenty of no-bake cookie recipes to try this summer if you’re looking for a last-minute low-cost dessert idea.
Pies
Lastly, everyone loves pie and the summertime is one of the most popular times to be eating it. Around Fourth of July you’ll begin to see apple pies, blueberry and cherry pies all over the place (same goes for the holidays). Some pies can get costly but if you choose the recipe right you’ll be able to make a pie and stick to your budget without any problem.
Do you have any other great low-cost summertime desserts to share? Let us know!
Photo: Pillsbury
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Amanda is an editor and writer. She has a passion for sharing information that helps people and communities to better themselves in some way. In addition to writing online, she also freelances for local newspapers in her hometown of Charlotte, NC.
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