Memorial Day desserts: 22 no-bake recipes to beat the heat

Memorial Day weekend is here, ushering in the unofficial start of summer -- and rising temperatures.

If you’re entertaining this holiday, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven.

We scoured the Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen’s archives for some of our favorite no-bake desserts. But these desserts have a bonus that goes far beyond just keeping the kitchen cool on a hot day: All these recipes can be made ahead of time.

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That means you’ll have more freedom to mingle with your guests and top off their cocktails!

We have plenty of recipes to choose from, such as a sophisticated twist on a favorite like chocolate pudding. Behold, the elegant caramel budino, above. We also have some completely unexpected desserts such as a Thai favorite -- mango with coconut-infused sticky rice -- or green tea ice cream.

If you want to completely blow your guests away, may we suggest the frozen blackberry souffle, a recipe developed by Times Food Editor Russ Parsons. It’s gorgeous, and never fails to impress.

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What are you planning to make this holiday weekend?

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