Perfect Patio Desserts for Summer Nights

Perfect Patio Desserts for Summer Nights

Not every dessert will do on a hot summer night. The best after-dinner treats will cool and refresh you, especially if you're eating outdoors. These desserts are perfect for sitting on the patio and relaxing after a long summer's day.

Ice Cream

Something about a hot day makes me want ice cream once the sun starts to set. My daughters take their scoops in a cone, while I've refined my sophisticated taste and like a heaping bowl full. What's our summer ice cream of choice? Dreyer's/Edy's® Slow Churned Light Ice Cream . The minty flavor adds a light and refreshing feel to a delicious, summertime dessert.

Homemade Popsicles

My daughters love making their own Popsicles to enjoy on a summer's evening. They aren't alone - my husband and I love getting in on the fun! Use plastic cups and serve with spoons in a pinch. Get those treats in the freezer by mid-morning and you'll have a tasty, chilly treat ready for the back deck after dinner. My daughters love lemonade-flavored pops, while my husband and I prefer margarita-flavored, instead (go light on the tequila, heavy on the mixer or they won't freeze).

Pudding Pie

Get out a pre-made graham cracker pie crust and your favorite pudding flavor and you've got the makings of a perfect summertime dessert. Mix the cold milk with your favorite instant pudding, pour into the crust, and let chill. Serve with whipped cream. Made with 2% or skim milk, you'll get a lighter pudding consistency and a slightly healthier (but still delicious) dessert. Your guests will love this light summer snack!

Fresh Fruit Salad

Desserts don't need to be frozen to make them ideal for a summer night (though that might be my personal preference!). Consider a fresh fruit salad made from local and seasonal fruits (even from your own garden, if you're so inclined). Watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and cantaloupe are a fresh, healthy, refreshing dessert to top off a busy day in the heat. If you've eaten well all day or want something unique, serve it over ice cream. Yum!

Ice Cream Floats

My children love it when my husband and I make root beer floats to enjoy on a nice night out on the deck. It doesn't have to be root beer; any regular soda (not diet) will do! Add one or two scoops of Dreyer's/Edy's® Slow Churned Light Ice Cream and serve with a straw and a long spoon. Kids of all ages will enjoy this timeless treat!

What is your favorite patio-friendly summer dessert?

Content by Kelly Herdrich .