When temperatures rise and the heat hits, any excuse is good to enjoy a sweet treat, but the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to do it. cold and no-bake cakes Perfect for cooling off on summer days and enjoying something sweet without the heat of the kitchen. These easy, quick, and above all, irresistible recipes are sure to delight everyone at birthdays, celebrations, and family gatherings.
In this article you will find the most complete and updated recipe book of cold cakes without oven, taking advantage seasonal fruits, the taste of chocolate and many refreshing combinations. You'll discover classic and original suggestions, step-by-step recipes and Tips to ensure that the result is always spectacular Even if you have no baking experience, stock your fridge and get inspired.
No-bake cakes: summer sweets that win everyone over
The secret of cold cakes It's their light and creamy texture, their refreshing touch, and the convenience of being able to prepare them in advance. Not only do they avoid the heat of the oven, but they also allow you to experiment with seasonal ingredients and flavors. Cookies, fresh fruit, yogurt, cream, jellies, chocolate or even coffee They become the protagonists of desserts that require nothing more than a refrigerator and a little patience.
The key is in the contrast of layers and textures: crispy biscuit bases, soft creams, fruit coulis or jellies, and toppings that provide freshness. In addition, many of These cakes can be presented in individual format, in small cups or in removable molds, adapting to any occasion.
And the best part: most of these recipes require little culinary experience and they guarantee delicious results if we let them rest and cool long enough. The trick is planning ahead and combining quality ingredients. Get ready to surprise this summer without complications!
Essential recipes for easy cold cakes
We review the Most popular recipes for cold cakes without an oven, suitable for both experts and beginners. Below you'll find some foolproof classics alongside delightfully original options for all tastes. Bet on combinations of chocolate, cheese, fruits and creams that always work.
Cold cheesecake with strawberry topping
Undoubtedly, the Cheesecake Cold It's the queen of no-bake desserts. Its cookie base, smooth cream cheese, and fruit topping (such as strawberry jam, berries, or peach) make it a versatile and always successful option. For inspiration for new versions, you can visit our section. cheese tarts.
- Quick preparation: Crush Maria biscuits, mix with melted butter, and form the base in a springform pan. Let cool in the refrigerator.
- Creamy filling: Heat cream cheese, cream, and sugar. Add dissolved rennet according to instructions. Pour over the base and let cool. When set, cover with jam or a thin layer of homemade fruit jelly.
- Decoration: Add fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or almonds for the finishing touch.
This cake can be customized with different types of jam (blueberry, peach, red berries) and the biscuit base can be substituted with sponge cake or sobao according to taste.
Three chocolate cake: a classic without oven or cream
La three chocolate cake It's a favorite for those looking for a triumphant combination of textures and flavors. This recipe uses layers of dark, milk, and white chocolate on a cookie base, creating a fantastic visual effect and an irresistible flavor. If you want to learn techniques for making the perfect base, check out our complete guide on pie crusts.
- Simple cookie base. Press into the bottom of the pan and refrigerate.
- Each layer of chocolate is made with curd and melted chocolate, poured carefully to prevent them from mixing. The trick is to carefully observe the cooling times between each layer.
- Decorate with chocolate chips, cocoa sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
A cake that never fails at celebrations and is a hit with cocoa lovers.
Banana and chocolate cake
If you are looking for a different recipe, take advantage of ripe bananas to prepare a no-bake banana and chocolate cakeThe combination of the cookie base, banana cream, and chocolate chips is delicious, original, and very easy to assemble. For an even creamier texture, you can make a base with crushed cookies and butter, and top it off with a layer of banana cream.
Yogurt and seasonal fruit cake
The yogurt cakes They are another favorite option for summer due to their lightness and freshness. A simple mix of Greek yogurt, cream, sugar, and gelatin, on a whole-wheat cookie base, and decorated with fresh seasonal fruit or light jam. Also, if you want to learn techniques for perfect jelly, check out our article on Tips for freezing pies and empanadas.
- For an original touch, mix chopped blackberries or berries into the biscuit base before adding the cream.
- Decorate with slices of kiwi, strawberries, peach, or whatever fruit you have on hand.
- The result is a soft, creamy and very refreshing cake.
Cold fruit tarts: color and flavor for summer
La fresh fruit It's the star of summer and the perfect ingredient for light and colorful desserts. Cold cakes that incorporate it are ideal for both large celebrations and a quick snack. These are the most notable:
Frozen peach and cheese tart
Take advantage of the season to combine peaches in syrup, cream, cream cheese, and condensed milk in an ice cream cake that only needs to rest in the freezer to be ready. You can alternate layers of peach puree and fruit pieces, and decorate with strips of fresh peach for an elegant touch. If you want to learn how to prepare cake bases for this type of dessert, you might be interested in our guide on the use of honey and other ingredients in desserts.
- Use hard biscuits or cookies for the base.
- Try adding a layer of syrup-soaked sponge fingers between the cream layers for texture.
Cold lemon tart or lemon mousse
El lemon It provides an intense and refreshing flavor, ideal for a light cake with a biscuit base and yogurt and cream mousse. All you need is neutral gelatin, lemon juice and zest, Greek yogurt, and whipped cream for a fluffy and creamy texture. For a more decorative finish, you can add lemon zest or mint leaves.
- You can decorate with almond crocanti, lemon zest or a touch of cocoa on the base.
- It is also perfect to prepare in a format individual cups.
Cold mango cake
If mango is your favorite fruit, feel free to mash its pulp to create a juicy, vibrantly colored cream on a cookie base. Let it cool and decorate with diced mango or berries for an irresistible tropical dessert. The flavor combination can be enhanced with a layer of passion fruit sauce for a tangy touch.
Cold raspberry and lemon tart
The mixture of raspberry and lemon It's as delicious as it is visually pleasing, as the lemon's acidity enhances the fruit's sweetness. The mousse-like filling is crowned with raspberry jelly, resulting in a creamy and light dessert. Perfect for any occasion where you're looking for flavor and color!
Gelatin and yogurt mosaic cake
Jelly cakes are refreshing and full of color. gelatin mosaic Combine small cubes of flavored gelatin with a base of condensed milk and yogurt. You can adapt the colors and flavors to your taste, using fresh fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or kiwi to make it even more appealing.
Cold chocolate cakes and sweet desserts
For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate is a must. There are cold cakes and semifreddos which are authentic classics and are prepared in a matter of minutes, as long as they have time to rest in the refrigerator or freezer:
Comtessa or homemade Viennetta
Inspired by the classic ice cream cake, the homemade version is made with alternating layers of whipped cream and rectangles of melted dark chocolate. The result is a elegant and crispy ice cream cake for the chocolate surprise. Add sprinkles, berries, or nuts to present it as a restaurant-worthy dessert.
Nutella or two-chocolate mousse cake
Mousse cakes are perfect in summer because of their soft and airy texture. Try making one Nutella mousse cake or a version combining white and dark chocolate. If you're feeling innovative, add a layer of fruit or speculoos cream.
Summer Charlottes: lemon, fruit or chocolate
The carlottas These are French-origin cakes that are very popular in Latin America and Spain, especially in the summer. Lemon charlotte combines layers of biscuit and a cream made with evaporated milk, condensed milk, and lemon juice, creating a sweet, fresh, and quick-to-assemble dessert. You can prepare variations with chocolate, berries, or mango, depending on your preference.
Banoffee pie: banana and dulce de leche
One of the summer favorites is the Banoffee: a biscuit or sponge cake base, a layer of ripe banana, dulce de leche, and whipped cream. It's simple, quick, and a sure hit at festive tables. To enhance its flavor, you can accompany it with a touch of coffee liqueur or grated chocolate.
Tiramisu without oven and original versions
El tiramisu Traditional tiramisu reinvents itself in summer. Try variations like strawberry tiramisu (substituting coffee for strawberry milkshake), Oreo tiramisu, rose and matcha tea tiramisu, or even a large cake or individual cups. Its quick and easy preparation makes it a must-have if you're looking for no-bake desserts packed with flavor.
Tips and tricks for perfect cold cakes
- Plan aheadMost of these recipes require resting and cooling time in the refrigerator or freezer to achieve the right consistency and texture.
- Use quality ingredientsNo-bake desserts rely on fruit, chocolate, or dairy flavors. Choose fresh, trusted products.
- Bet on creativity: Customize your cakes by adding seasonal fruit, mixing different bases (cookie, sponge cake, sobaos, fartons) or innovating individual or family presentations.
- Decorate with care: A little fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, nuts or citrus zest make the result visually appealing and more flavorful.
Remember that the gelatin It's one of the star ingredients in this type of cake, as it provides firmness and allows for easy removal from the pan. If you're looking for vegan options, try agar-agar or substitute dairy products for plant-based versions.
Special variants and options for all tastes
In addition to the classics, cold cakes include original proposals adapted to different preferencesHere are some more ideas:
- Cold horchata cake with a farton base: It fuses the flavor of this Valencian drink with a sweet and spongy base.
- Melon mousse cake: iideal for those looking for smooth and different flavors.
- Three-chocolate semifreddo or cassata: for those who want desserts with layers and extra freshness.
- Giant chocolate mousse or stracciatella tartlets: fun and perfect format for birthdays.
- Vegan cold cake with dates, nuts and chocolate: ideal if you are looking for desserts without animal ingredients.
- Cold cottage cheese tart with candied pears in black tea: for palates looking to be surprised by new flavors.
Summer calls for fresh, colorful, and easy-to-prepare desserts. Cold, no-bake cakes offer the best of homemade pastries With minimal effort and without overheating. With fruit, yogurt, chocolate, or coffee, in mousse, semifreddo, or cookie-based form, there's always a perfect option for every occasion. Dare to try all these recipes and discover the pleasure of surprising your guests and family with irresistible and refreshing sweets, without even having to turn on the oven.
