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Easy No-Bake Desserts That Stay Perfect in Heat

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These easy no-bake desserts are perfect for hot weather, requiring no oven and staying cool and delicious even in the heat. They are quick to prepare, use simple ingredients, and are ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
  • 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
  • 1/3 cup (75g) melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest and juice of one lemon or lime
  • 1 cup (240ml) whipped heavy cream or whipped coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoon gelatin powder
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
  • Chocolate chips or shavings
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Chopped toasted coconut or nuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust by combining crushed graham crackers or digestives with finely chopped nuts, melted coconut oil or butter, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until the mixture sticks together when pressed, about 5 minutes. Add more oil if too dry.
  2. Press the crust mixture evenly into the base and slightly up the sides of an 8-inch springform pan or pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
  3. Make the filling by beating softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add vanilla extract, lemon or lime zest and juice. Fold in whipped heavy cream or coconut cream for a lighter texture.
  4. Bloom gelatin powder in cold water for 5 minutes. Warm gently until dissolved and slowly mix into the filling, stirring continuously to avoid clumps.
  5. Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. For quicker setting, freeze for 1-2 hours but avoid freezing solid.
  6. Before serving, garnish with fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Use coconut oil instead of butter in the crust for better heat resistance. Bloom gelatin properly to avoid runny filling. Chill desserts thoroughly for best texture. Agar-agar can be used as a vegan alternative to gelatin but sets faster and firmer. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Full-fat dairy yields better texture and stability.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, heat-resistant dessert, no oven dessert, quick dessert, creamy dessert, chilled dessert

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-no-bake-desserts-that-stay-perfect-in-heat-5-best-recipes/