As much as we love summer, we can’t deny that by the time August rolls around, we’ve just about had it with the heat. Unfortunately, we have yet to figure out how to communicate our desire for cooler temperatures to anyone who can do something about it, so until we do, we have little choice but to make the best of a bad situation. Not using the oven can help to keep our homes cool, but as avid bakers, it also presents a bit of a problem. Rather than forgo baking completely, we’ve discovered a few recipes that are fun to eat and easy to prepare—no oven required.
Peanut Butter Cookies
A classic combo reinvented. This recipe by Minimalist Baker contains all of the deliciousness of traditional chocolate peanut butter cookies but requires no baking and only about five minutes of prep time. It’s also 100% vegan and easy to make gluten-free using gluten-free certified oats. Top it with some shredded coconut or chopped peanuts for even more peanut flavor.
Lemon Cheesecake
There’s nothing like a tall glass of lemonade to help cool you down on hot summer days, though we’d argue that this lemon cheesecake by Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen is a close second. Lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing tang that brightens up rich cream cheese and a buttery cookie crust. Use any leftover lemon slices as garnish to tie it all together.
Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cups
In our opinion, cherries don’t get the recognition they deserve as one of the summer’s best fruits, often taking a backseat to strawberries and watermelon. This recipe by Panaceas Pantry gives cherries their time in the spotlight by turning them into a healthy homemade jam that pairs perfectly with a plant-based chocolate mousse. We dare you to eat just one.
