10 Cheap Summer Desserts You Can Make for Under $10

There’s something about summer that makes you want dessert more often…but not the kind that requires a full grocery haul or turning your kitchen into a sauna. Some of the best summer treats are ridiculously easy and cheap. These easy desserts come together with budget-friendly ingredients (all under $10) and still feel fun, fresh, and totally worth it. All very kid-friendly too, both to make and to eat!

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Other fun summer posts:

• How to Sell Your Produce: Make Money from Your Garden This Summer
• Summer Bucket List – 50 Cheap Or Free Ideas for Families

Easy Summer Desserts You Can Make for Under $10

While I have a sweet tooth and love a little dessert in the evening, my tastes are much lighter in the summer. Lots of fruit-based treats and summer desserts that take just a couple minutes to put together.

1. No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake

Layer chunks of cake (store-bought or homemade), whipped cream, and sliced strawberries in a cup or jar.

It looks cute, feels a little fancy, and takes almost no effort.

Perfect for serving individually or making ahead for a gathering.

Another option for a single serving version is this delicious 2-minute no-bake strawberry shortcake mug cake recipe.

💸 Estimated cost: $6 – $9 for a full batch, $2 – $3 for a single serving

2. Frozen Banana Pops

These are one of my favorite healthy summer desserts.

Cut bananas in half, dip them in melted chocolate or peanut butter, and freeze until firm.

You can roll them in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even granola if you want to make them a bit more fun (I don’t know if granola makes them more fun, but sprinkles would).

They’re cold, sweet, and surprisingly filling.

💸 Estimated cost: $4 – $7

3. Lemon Mug Cake

A quick, single-serving dessert with a bright citrus flavor that feels perfect for summer.

Just mix a few basic ingredients in a mug and microwave.

It’s ready in minutes and doesn’t heat up your kitchen.

Great when you want something sweet without making a full batch.

Get the lemon mug cake recipe here.

💸 Estimated cost: $2 – $5

4. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

Mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and fold in whipped cream for an easy filling.

I use real whipped cream in a spray for a shortcut, but I love making my own whipped cream when I have time.

Layer it with crushed graham crackers or cookies and top with fruit or chocolate.

My favorite is fresh blueberries and a little blueberry jam on top.

It tastes like cheesecake without the baking (or the effort).

💸 Estimated cost: $7 – $10

5. Watermelon Pops: The Easiest Cheap Summer Desserts

Slice watermelon into triangles and insert popsicle sticks to turn them into easy handheld treats.

Freeze them for an extra refreshing version on a hot day.

Easy, hydrating, and perfect for kids and adults.

💸 Estimated cost: $5 – $8

6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Melt chocolate and dip pretzels halfway for that perfect sweet-and-salty combo.

I personally find this combo very addictive!

Let them set on parchment paper, and you’ve got a quick yummy snack.

Great for summer parties, or keeping all to yourself.

💸 Estimated cost: $4 – $7

7. Healthy and Cheap Summer Desserts: Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits

Layer yogurt with granola and fresh or frozen fruit for a light and easy summer dessert.

You can switch up the flavors depending on what you have, which makes it really budget-friendly.

It’s one of those “feels healthy but still tastes like a treat” cheap summer desserts.

💸 Estimated cost: $6 – $9

8. No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Mix oats, peanut butter, and a bit of sweetener, then press into a pan and top with melted chocolate.

Let them chill in the fridge until firm, then slice into bars.

They’re rich, satisfying, and super easy to make ahead.

They freeze well and I actually love the taste and texture right out of the freezer.

💸 Estimated cost: $5 – $9

9. Popsicles from Juice or Smoothies

Pour juice, lemonade, or a smoothie into molds (or even small cups with sticks) and freeze.

It’s a great way to use up fruit that’s about to go bad. You can keep them simple or mix flavors for something more fun.

I even like to sneak some mild-tasting veggies in to up the nutrition stats (I like peeled cucumbers or cauliflower).

💸 Estimated cost: $3 – $6

10. Classic Cheap Summer Dessert: S’mores (Oven or Microwave Version)

Layer graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, then heat until melty.

You still get that classic summer flavor without needing to go anywhere.

It’s quick, nostalgic, and always a hit.

💸 Estimated cost: $5 – $9

Related post: Try these summer strawberry scones if it’s not a super hot summer day and you can stand to have your oven on. They only take 20 minutes and they’re perfect for an afternoon snack, or summer breakfast or brunch.