6 No-Heat Treats to Celebrate Christmas in July

It’s the most sweltering time of the year.

Santa Claus is coming to town — and he’s probably wearing shorts. Christmas in July is here and we’re gearing up for gifts, lights and all the festive eats we can handle.

That being said, it is, well, July. When the temperature rises and humidity is at an all-time high, the last thing we want is to turn on the oven. That’s why we’ve rounded up no-bake desserts that are totally appropriate for rockin’ around the Christmas AC unit. Munch on these sweet treats and bask in the warmth of the summer sun — after all, you’ll be missing it come December.

Peppermint Ice Cream Pops (pictured above)

Want to make your party pop? These festive treats will surely do the trick. Simply coat paper cups in a mix of red and white chocolate, fill with softened mint ice cream and top with crushed peppermint candies. When you’re ready to cool off, take the pops back out of the freezer, peel off the paper cups and serve.

Ree Drummond's Shortcut Peppermint Bark

Close-up of Peppermint Bark

Photo by: Teri Lyn Fisher

Teri Lyn Fisher

Ree’s shortcut snacks are practically foolproof. She coats mint-flavored Oreos (plain works just as well) in melted white chocolate, then sprinkles the cookies with crushed peppermint candies. Pro tip: Prepare the cookies the night before and stick them in the fridge to chill out while you do party prep.

Key Words: Santa Hat CrispyTreat Cheesecake Squares, Cheesecake, Mini Marshmallows, Honey, Vanilla Extract, Crispy Rice Cereal, Gelatin, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Confectioner’s Sugar, Lemon Juice, Strawberries, Butter

Key Words: Santa Hat CrispyTreat Cheesecake Squares, Cheesecake, Mini Marshmallows, Honey, Vanilla Extract, Crispy Rice Cereal, Gelatin, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Confectioner’s Sugar, Lemon Juice, Strawberries, Butter

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

Trust us — Santa would totally pass up milk and cookies for one of these creamy, crispy squares. Though a traditional cheesecake needs some baking time, these cheesecake-topped treats need just a few hours in the fridge — which leaves you free to plan your festive outfit.

After a few hours in the summer heat, you’ll be craving something minty and fresh. That’s where this no-churn ice cream comes in. It’s cool, sweet and so perfect to eat while opening presents.

Katie Lee's No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies from 12 Days of Cookies for THE ULTIMATE FRIENDSGIVING/12 DAYS OF COOKIES/LAST-MINUTE SIDES, as seen on Food Network

KatieLee_NoBakeChocolatePeanutButterCookies_H

Katie Lee's No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies from 12 Days of Cookies for THE ULTIMATE FRIENDSGIVING/12 DAYS OF COOKIES/LAST-MINUTE SIDES, as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Renee Comet, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Katie’s no-bake treats require just four ingredients — and we’re willing to bet you have most of them in your kitchen already. Sandwich peanut butter between two crackers, dip the sandwiches in melted chocolate and top with red and green sprinkles for some special holiday flair.

Five-Minute Fudge Wreath

Five-Minute Fudge Wreath

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Tara Donne, Tara Donne

A decorative fudge that’s ready to eat in just five minutes? Talk about a Christmas miracle.

Get ready for all the holiday fun on MONDAY, July 8th starting at 2|1c and the special premieres:
#HolidayBakingChampionship at 9|8c
#CupcakeChampionship at 10|9c
#Chopped at 11|10c

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