With the soaring temperatures in Saudi Arabia—sometimes exceeding 45°C—spending long hours in the kitchen or using the oven to prepare desserts becomes challenging. That’s why many seek cold dessert recipes that combine delicious taste with easy preparation, without baking or complicated cooking.
Why Choose Cold Desserts in Summer?
Hot weather urges us to eat refreshing, cool foods, especially during Saudi Arabia’s long summer months. When temperatures rise above 45°C, using the oven or making hot desserts is impractical and uncomfortable. Hence, cold desserts are the perfect, beloved choice in these conditions.
Key reasons for favoring cold desserts:
- No oven or heat required, saving time and energy—ideal for air-conditioned kitchens or even without AC.
- Quick and easy preparation; mostly just mixing ingredients and chilling.
- Served cold—very refreshing after heavy meals or during hospitality.
- Suitable for all ages, from kids to elders, as they are light and easy to digest.
- Can be prepared in advance, saving time for events or gatherings.
- Wide variety of flavors—from chocolate to fruits, cream to caramel custard.
- Economical, often made with simple household ingredients like biscuits, milk, and cream.
These factors make cold desserts not just a summer substitute but a favorite for many Saudi families seeking refreshment and great taste with minimal effort.
Statistics: Growing Interest in Cold Desserts in Saudi Arabia
According to Google Trends, searches for “cold dessert” in Saudi Arabia rose by 65% during summer months (June to August) compared to other months. This shows a clear consumer preference for easy, refreshing recipes without heat or complex tools.
Cold Dessert Recipes Without Oven for Saudi Summer
1. Biscuit and Cream Layered Dessert
Ingredients:
- Tea biscuits
- 1 cup liquid milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 pack cream
- 1 pack caramel custard mix
Method:
- Quickly dip biscuits in milk and layer them in a tray.
- Blend cream, cream pack, and custard mix until smooth.
- Pour part of the mixture over biscuits.
- Repeat layers.
- Chill for at least 4 hours.
2. No-Bake Cold Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 200g crushed biscuits
- 100g melted butter
- 500g cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 pack cream
- Gelatin dissolved in hot water
- Strawberry jam or sauce for topping
Method:
- Mix biscuits with butter and press into cake pan base.
- Mix cheese, sugar, cream, and gelatin.
- Pour over biscuit base.
- Refrigerate 6+ hours, then top with jam.
3. Simplified Cold Tiramisu
Ingredients:
- Ladyfinger or tea biscuits
- 1 cup cold instant coffee
- Mascarpone cheese or cream
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder for topping
Method:
- Dip biscuits in coffee and arrange in tray.
- Mix cheese/cream with sugar until smooth.
- Layer over biscuits.
- Repeat layers, dust cocoa, chill 4+ hours.
4. Cold Milk Pudding with Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp starch
- 4 cups milk
- Sugar to taste
- Biscuits
- Vanilla or orange blossom water
- Nuts for decoration
Method:
- Dissolve starch in milk, add sugar.
- Cook over medium heat while stirring till thickened.
- Add vanilla or blossom water.
- Layer pudding over biscuits, repeat, decorate with nuts or coconut.
Benefits of Choosing Cold Desserts
- Energy-saving: No ovens or gas needed.
- Child-safe: Kids can safely help with preparation.
- Easy storage: Keeps well in fridge for days without flavor loss.
- Versatile: Uses simple, common ingredients.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients to avoid clumping.
- Chill desserts fully for firm texture.
- Cover trays to prevent fridge odors.
- Decorate just before serving for best look and taste.
FAQs
- Can cold desserts be prepared a day ahead?
- Yes, preferably 12-24 hours before to allow flavors to meld and set.
- What vegan substitutes work for cold desserts?
- Plant-based milks (coconut, almond), vegan butter, and coconut cream instead of dairy.
- Can cold desserts be frozen?
- Cheesecakes freeze well; fresh cream-based desserts do not freeze well and may separate.
- Best biscuit types for cold desserts?
- Classic tea biscuits, digestives, or Lotus biscuits work well depending on flavor.
- Can gelatin be replaced?
- Yes, agar-agar (vegetarian) is a good substitute.
Conclusion
Whether preparing for guests or making an easy treat for your family, cold desserts are the best choice during Saudi Arabia’s hot summer. Their simplicity, variety, and make-ahead ease make them favorites. Try one of these recipes and transform dessert-making from a chore into a refreshing delight.
For more detailed recipes or creative decoration ideas, I’m here to help!