Chilled Desserts and Cool Drinks to Beat the Heat

This collection of Chilled Desserts and Cool Drinks to Beat the Heat is perfect for the tail end of this week's hot spell, when the only thing worth making is something you can pull straight from the fridge. It brings together silky Turkish milk puddings, cold baklava soaked in sweetened milk, a no-bake chocolate mousse and a couple of properly cooling drinks, ideal for garden gatherings or a quiet evening with the windows open. Don't forget to save this list for the next heatwave.

Homemade Turkish Ice Cream - Maras Dondurma

Scoops of homemade Maras Dondurma ice cream in a white bowl. — Ayla Clulee

Thick, stretchy and famously slow to melt, this street food favourite is a fun kitchen project that beats anything from the freezer aisle. Serve it with ground pistachios scattered over the top.

To learn more: Homemade Turkish Ice Cream - Maras Dondurma

Keskul - Turkish Almond Pudding

garnish the chilled keskul — Ayla Clulee

Milk, ground almonds and a little rice flour thicken gently on the hob, then chill until smooth and set. Top it with ground pistachios or coconut and serve it straight from the fridge.

To learn more: Keskul - Turkish Almond Pudding

Mousse au Chocolat - French Chocolate Mousse

dark chocolate mousse recipe — Ayla Clulee

Dark chocolate and eggs are whipped into an airy mousse that sets in the fridge with no baking at all. Make it in the morning and it's ready by dinner.

To learn more: Mousse au Chocolat - French Chocolate Mousse

Lazy Cake

Tea biscuits, chocolate sauce and toasted walnuts come together in about 15 minutes, then firm up in the fridge. No oven, no special tools, and it goes down well with kids and adults alike.

To learn more: Lazy Cake

Soğuk Baklava - Cold Baklava with Milk

Close-up of soğuk baklava squares dusted with cocoa powder on a plate. — Ayla Clulee

Instead of hot sugar syrup, this baklava is soaked in cool sweetened milk and served straight from the fridge. It's much lighter than the classic version and a proper hot-weather treat.

To learn more: Soğuk Baklava - Cold Baklava with Milk

Sutlac - Turkish Rice Pudding

Thick, creamy rice pudding is divided into individual bowls and chilled until set. Garnish with chopped nuts and cinnamon for a Turkish classic that's best eaten cold.

To learn more: Sutlac - Turkish Rice Pudding

Turkish Ashure Dessert - Noah's Pudding

6 portions of ashure dessert — Ayla Clulee

Wheat, legumes, dried fruits and nuts simmer into one of the oldest desserts in the world, naturally vegan and gently sweet. Most of the work is hands-off, and it keeps in the fridge for several days.

To learn more: Turkish Ashure Dessert - Noah's Pudding

Kadaif Dessert - Turkish Tel Kadayif

tel kadayif served with ice cream and chopped pistachio — Ayla Clulee

Crisp shredded filo is layered with a nutty walnut filling and soaked in sweet syrup. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream so it cools down as you eat.

To learn more: Kadaif Dessert - Turkish Tel Kadayif

Tavuk Göğsü - Turkish Chicken Breast Pudding

A spoonful of the creamy pudding showing its thick, stretchy texture. — Ayla Clulee

One of Turkey's most surprising desserts: a delicate milk pudding with a stretchy texture that comes from finely shredded chicken breast. It's served well chilled and dusted with cinnamon.

To learn more: Tavuk Göğsü - Turkish Chicken Breast Pudding

Ayran Recipe Turkish Yogurt Drink

Ayran is served in a glass with mint leaves — Ayla Clulee

Yoghurt, water and a pinch of salt are whisked until smooth and frothy for Turkey's everyday cooling drink. Serve it over ice with a mint leaf on top.

To learn more: Ayran Recipe Turkish Yogurt Drink

Fresh Watermelon Vodka Cocktail

a jar and a glass of watermelon vodka — Ayla Clulee

Ripe watermelon is blended with vodka and plenty of ice for a bright, refreshing drink to end a hot day. Serve it in chilled glasses with a wedge of lime.

To learn more: Fresh Watermelon Vodka Cocktail