Hot summer days call for cool desserts, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal fruits. These recipes require minimal effort and are perfect for the whole family. From sweet creamy watermelon pie to tart lemon bars, you can choose from among a variety of fruits to satisfy all cravings.

Creamy Watermelon Pie

• 1 (3-ounce) package watermelon gelatin
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 (12-ounce) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust

In large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Cool to room temperature.

Whisk in whipped topping; fold in watermelon. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate 2 hours or until set. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving: 330 calories, 18 g total fat, 11 g saturated fat, no cholesterol, 220 mg sodium, 41 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 33 g sugar, 3 g protein.

Tart Lemon Bars

• >> Crust:
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• >> Filling:
• 6 eggs
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 3 drops yellow food coloring
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for decoration

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

To make crust: In medium bowl, combine ingredients. Pat into prepared pan and bake 15 minutes, until slightly golden. Set crust aside, leaving oven on.

To make filling: In medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients, except powdered sugar, until frothy. Pour over hot crust. Return to oven for 20 minutes; bake until firm. Cool on wire rack.

Dust with powdered sugar. Cut into squares. Serves 16.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving: 270 calories, 11 g total fat, 6 g saturated fat, 95 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 41 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 29 g sugar, 4 g protein.

Pineapple Cheesecake Squares

• >> Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 2/3 cup butter
• >> Filling:
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• >> Topping:
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

To make crust: In medium bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar and almonds. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into bottom of ungreased 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned. Set aside, leaving oven on.

To make filling: In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in pineapple juice. Pour over hot crust and bake until filling is set, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely.

To make topping: In saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar and 1 cup reserved pineapple juice. Bring to a boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in crushed pineapple. Cool completely.

Fold in whipped cream. Spread topping over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 4 hours. Serves 16.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving: 380 calories, 25 g total fat, 14 g saturated fat, 90 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 21 g sugar, 6 g protein.

Apple Cranberry Crisp

• 5 cups peeled apples, thinly sliced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• >> Topping:
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

In 2-quart baking dish, combine apples and cranberries. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over fruit mixture and toss to coat.

To make topping: In small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit mixture. Bake 30-35 minutes, until apples are tender. Serve warm. Serves 6.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (assumes sweetened dried cranberries): 270 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 35 mg sodium, 58 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 47 g sugar, 2 g protein.

More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.