If you’re after easy dairy free summer desserts, the kind that are light and fresh, use summer fruit, or just don’t need the oven, you’re in the right place! When the weather is warm, we still need delicious and easy treats for entertaining or just to enjoy at home, that everyone will enjoy.
I’ve been dairy free for over 10 years and I am on a mission to share that going dairy free doesn’t mean skipping dessert! There’s so much you can still make especially using just a few handy swaps. No one has to feel like they are missing out.
I’ve rounded up all my favourite dairy free summer desserts in one spot for you. We are talking frozen treats for the hottest days (including the most incredible homemade ice cream!), no-bake options for when you really don’t want to turn on the oven, crowd favourite light cakes for morning tea, and of course some delicious ways to use that summer fruit!
No matter what you’re craving or the occasion, you’ll find something in this list that everyone will enjoy!
You’ll Also Love: 26 Easy Dairy Free Dessert Recipes
25 Easy Dairy Free Summer Desserts
1. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream (No Coconut!)
This homemade ice cream is super smooth and creamy with a rich vanilla bean flavour. Made using a dairy free custard base, there are a few steps involved but the end result is so much better than what you can buy in the supermarket. Whether you eat anything, are dairy free, gluten free, or vegan, everyone will agree that this is absolutely the BEST vanilla ice cream!
2. Mini Pavlovas
These mini pavlovas are a traditional Australian dessert in bite-sized form, perfect for entertaining. The meringues are perfectly crisp on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside. Finished with dairy free cream and fresh berries, these are a festive addition to holiday tables and are guaranteed to be popular!
3. Strawberry Galette
This classic strawberry galette is the perfect way to enjoy summer berries! This version has a simple, homemade dairy free crust and a quick and easy filling that means this delicious dessert is perfect for all occasions and skill levels!
4. Vegan Lemon and Raspberry Loaf Cake
This lemon and raspberry loaf cake is bursting with vibrant, fresh flavours and is perfect for morning tea. The lemon cake is studded with pockets of juicy, fresh raspberries and is made with mostly pantry staples. This easy loaf cake is also completely dairy free and vegan.
5. Dairy Free Lemon Bars
These dairy free lemon bars are made with a soft shortbread base and a creamy, tangy lemon curd. They come together easily and are perfect for any occasion. This recipe also includes a simple gluten free option!
6. Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes
These vegan strawberry cupcakes are so soft, fluffy, and moist and are filled with fresh strawberries and topped with a beautiful naturally pink strawberry buttercream. With no artificial flavours, these cupcakes are bursting with fresh strawberry flavour, making them perfect for any occasion.
7. Melting Moments
Melting moments are a favourite Australian biscuit! They are made with soft, buttery shortbread filled with a tangy, creamy lemon buttercream. This version is the Aussie classic you remember but is completely egg free, dairy free, and vegan. That means everyone can enjoy these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats without missing out!
8. Dairy Free Rocky Road Ice Cream
This dairy free rocky road ice cream is a chocolate lovers delight! Silky smooth and creamy chocolate ice cream, loaded with mini marshmallows, peanuts and chunks of dark chocolate. This ice cream is completely dairy free and vegan but I guarantee everyone will love it!
9. Easy No-Bake Lamington Bars
These easy no-bake lamington bars come together using only 4 ingredients and a food processor and are a great healthy snack to have on hand. Combining the classic flavours of coconut and chocolate, with the natural sweetness of dates, these are the perfect paleo and refined sugar-free snack alternative.
10. Chocolate Pavlova
My Dad used to make this chocolate pavlova for every single special occasion when I was growing up! It has a crisp and chewy chocolate meringue filled with rich pockets of dark chocolate, layered with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. It’s the perfect extra special and decadent twist on this Aussie summer classic.
11. Passionfruit Sponge Cake
This passionfruit sponge cake is two layers of a light, vanilla sponge cake, filled with an easy passionfruit and lemon curd and whipped coconut cream. This classic sponge cake is easy to make and the perfect not too sweet cake for afternoon tea or dessert. Plus this version is made completely dairy free!
12. Jam Drops (Thumbprint Cookies)
Jam drops were one of my favourite cookies growing up! These are a buttery shortbread style cookie with a sweet filling of strawberry or raspberry jam, just like the ones you would go searching for in grandma’s biscuit tin. Whether you call them jam drops or thumbprint cookies in your part of the world, one thing is certain, everyone loves them!
13. Gluten Free Lemon Cupcakes
You’ll love these simple gluten free lemon cupcakes! Made from scratch, they are also dairy free making them a great treat for anyone with intolerances or allergies. These cupcakes are soft and light with a delicious lemon flavour through the cupcake and the sweet lemon buttercream frosting.
14. Easy Rocky Road Recipe
Everyone loves this easy rocky road recipe! With rich dark chocolate and loaded with mini marshmallows, glace cherries, and crunchy pistachios, it’s a family favourite that’s perfect for sharing at home, taking to family events, or simply enjoying whenever you need a sweet treat.
15. Vegan Coconut Cake
This vegan coconut cake recipe is so easy, coming together in just one bowl! The light and fluffy cake is packed full of coconut flavour and topped with a creamy vegan buttercream frosting. This is the perfect cake for all celebrations!
16. Strawberry Crumble
This strawberry crumble is quick and easy to prepare and makes the most of ripe, sweet strawberries. The strawberries cook down into a thick and sticky strawberry sauce that is topped with a crumble of oats and cinnamon and smells incredible while baking. Serve this crumble with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert!
17. Dairy Free Lemon Sugar Cookies
These dairy free lemon sugar cookies are so simple and easy to make, plus they taste incredible. With a bright, zesty citrus flavour, these soft and chewy sugar cookies are made in just one bowl, and require zero chill time meaning you’ll have freshly baked cookies in less than 30 minutes!
18. Vegan Chocolate Truffles
These no-bake chocolate truffles are made using just three ingredients and are a really easy way to turn regular chocolate into a special occasion treat. These truffles are made with a creamy and decadent ganache and are dairy free and vegan.
19. Blueberry Almond Cake (Gluten-Free)
This blueberry almond cake is bursting with fresh blueberries and topped with a crunchy and sweet brown sugar and flaked almond crumb. This light and moist cake is perfect with your morning cup of tea or coffee and works for any occasion!
20. Vegan Pineapple Cupcakes
These vegan pineapple cupcakes are soft and moist, filled with pieces of real pineapple, making them a delicious and tropical treat for any occasion. Finished off with a swirl of creamy vegan pineapple frosting, you’ll love these simple and fruity cupcakes!
21. Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
These soft and cakey vegan lemon poppy seed cookies are bursting with fresh lemon flavour and the iconic crunch of bitter poppy seeds. These easy cookies are made completely dairy free and egg free and take just 20 minutes, making them the perfect morning or afternoon tea treat for lemon lovers!
22. Classic Lamingtons
These classic lamingtons are a staple Australian recipe. A light and fluffy butter cake dunked in chocolate icing and then coated in coconut. There is a reason these lamingtons are an Aussie favourite!
23. Almond and Raspberry Cake (Gluten Free)
This almond and raspberry cake is super simple to make and is the perfect cake for brunch or afternoon tea. With a light and airy, gluten free cake with a topping of fresh raspberries and crunchy almonds, it’s finished off with a sweet amaretto glaze. It’s seriously delicious!
24. Cherry Ripe Bliss Balls
These cherry ripe bliss balls are a simple and delicious snack idea when you’re craving chocolate but want something that is going to pack a little more energy and nutrition. They are no-bake, naturally vegan and gluten free, and all you need is a handful of budget friendly ingredients and a food processor.
25. Dairy Free Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
These dairy free lemon thumbprint cookies are so simple and quick to make! With a simple, buttery cookie and homemade lemon curd filling, you’ll love the bright and tangy flavour of these cookies all year round.
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