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The Best Summer Desserts for Beating the Heat

Ranked by how fast they cool you down.

The Best Summer Desserts for Beating the Heat

What makes a dessert refreshing

The most cooling desserts share a few traits: they're cold, light, water-rich and not too heavy. That's why frozen fruit treats beat rich, creamy ones on the hottest days.

  • Shaved ice — light, cold and endlessly customizable
  • Fresh fruit and fruit salads — hydrating and simple
  • Sorbet and popsicles — intense fruit, easy to eat
  • Frozen yogurt — creamy but lighter than ice cream

Why shaved ice wins

Shaved ice hits every refreshing note at once, and you control exactly how indulgent it gets. It's the most flexible cool-down on the list.

Meet the cutest ice on earth 🌵

Prickly Ice is opening soon in Hawaii, Arizona, Michigan and San Diego. Every bowl is hand-shaved snow sculpted into a smiling little cactus and buried in fresh fruit.

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