23 Best Summer Cake Ideas

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in delicious and refreshing cakes that capture the essence of the season. With an abundance of fresh fruits and vibrant flavors, summer cakes offer a light and rejuvenating way to end any meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these summer cake ideas are sure to impress.

courtesy of forfoodiefriends

In this article, we’ve rounded up 23 of the best summer cake recipes that are perfect for the warmer months. From fresh strawberry cake to mini iced Bakewell tarts, these recipes are designed to be easy to make and bursting with flavor. Each recipe offers a unique twist, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, let’s dive into these incredible summer cake ideas and get baking!

1. Fresh Strawberry Cake

Fresh Strawberry Cake is a classic summer dessert that showcases the sweetness of strawberries. This moist and flavorful cake is layered with fresh strawberries and a creamy frosting, making it a perfect treat for any summer gathering. The cake is simple to prepare and uses fresh strawberries in both the batter and the frosting, giving it a vibrant pink color and a delicious flavor.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (for frosting)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting with a whipped cream frosting and additional fresh strawberries.

2. Mini Iced Bakewell Tarts

Mini Iced Bakewell Tarts are bite-sized treats that are perfect for summer. These tarts combine a buttery pastry crust with a layer of raspberry jam, a frangipane filling, and a topping of icing. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick dessert.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup (50g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup (60g) raspberry jam
– 1/2 cup (60g) ground almonds
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar (for icing)
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the pastry dough by combining the flour and confectioners’ sugar, then rubbing in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add a little cold water to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut out small circles to fit mini tart pans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
4. Spread a layer of raspberry jam in each tart shell.
5. Mix the ground almonds, granulated sugar, egg, and almond extract for the frangipane filling. Spread over the jam.
6. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, then allow to cool.
7. Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk.

3. Lemon Dump Cake

Lemon Dump Cake is a simple and tangy dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with a boxed cake mix, lemon pie filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s easy to prepare and offers a refreshing citrus flavor.

Ingredients

– 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
– 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling
– 1/2 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared dish.
3. Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pie filling.
4. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour, and lemon zest. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly.
5. Spread the streusel topping over the cake mix.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

4. Rhubarb & Ginger Cake

Rhubarb & Ginger Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the warmth of ginger. This cake is perfect for a summer afternoon and can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you’re looking to balance out those sweet treats, our Summer Pasta Recipes make for the perfect savory side to complement your cake creations.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) diced rhubarb
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and grated ginger to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in the diced rhubarb.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

5. Easy Strawberry Snacking Cake

Easy Strawberry Snacking Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for snacking. This cake is made with fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla, giving it a sweet and fruity flavor. It’s easy to prepare and can be served as a snack or dessert.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

6. Vegan Apricot Almond Cake

Vegan Apricot Almond Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that’s perfect for vegans. This cake combines the sweetness of apricots with the nutty flavor of almonds, making it a great option for a summer dessert.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (60g) almond flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup (60ml) canola oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 2 cups (250g) diced apricots
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the almond milk, canola oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in the diced apricots.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

7. Lemon Courgette Cake Recipe

Lemon Courgette Cake is a refreshing and moist dessert that combines the brightness of lemon with the subtle flavor of courgette (zucchini). This cake is perfect for summer and can be served with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (120g) grated courgette
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, grated courgette, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

8. Blueberry Buckle

Blueberry Buckle is a delicious and hearty dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with fresh blueberries and topped with a crunchy streusel topping, giving it a sweet and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) fresh blueberries
– 1/2 cup (60g) granulated sugar (for topping)
– 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (for topping)
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and flour. Add the melted butter and stir until crumbly.
7. Spread the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

9. No Bake Raspberry & Pistachio Cheesecake

No Bake Raspberry & Pistachio Cheesecake is a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cheesecake combines the sweetness of raspberries with the nutty flavor of pistachios, making it a great option for a no-bake treat.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 2 cups (250g) fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pistachios
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined.
4. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and fresh raspberries to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
6. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios before serving.

10. Margarita Cake

Margarita Cake is a tangy and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, giving it a margarita-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons tequila
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon orange liqueur
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Lime zest (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving. Garnish with lime zest.

11. Mango Cake

Mango Cake is a sweet and tropical dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with fresh mango puree and has a moist and flavorful texture.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (250g) mango puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, mango puree, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

12. Zucchini Strawberry Bread

Zucchini Strawberry Bread is a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for summer. This bread combines the sweetness of strawberries with the subtle flavor of zucchini, making it a great option for a quick snack or dessert.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (120g) grated zucchini
– 2 cups (250g) hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, grated zucchini, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

13. Blackberry Lemon Bread

Blackberry Lemon Bread is a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for summer. This bread combines the sweetness of blackberries with the brightness of lemon, making it a great option for a quick snack or dessert.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (120g) grated zucchini
– 2 cups (250g) fresh blackberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, grated zucchini, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the fresh blackberries and lemon juice.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

14. Clementine Olive Oil Cake

Clementine Olive Oil Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake combines the brightness of clementines with the richness of olive oil, making it a great option for a light and refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) olive oil
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 clementines, zested and juiced
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the olive oil, milk, eggs, clementine zest, clementine juice, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

15. S’mores Icebox Cake

S’mores Icebox Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake combines the classic flavors of s’mores with the convenience of an icebox cake, making it a great option for a quick and refreshing treat.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 2 cups (250g) chocolate shavings
– 1 cup (120g) marshmallow creme
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined.
4. Add the heavy cream, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
6. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings before serving.

16. Gluten-Free Lemon Cake

Gluten-Free Lemon Cake is a refreshing and tangy dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with gluten-free flour and has a bright and citrusy flavor.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

17. Easy Summer Plum Cake

Easy Summer Plum Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with fresh plums and has a moist and flavorful texture.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) sliced plums
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the sliced plums.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

18. Keto Strawberry Shortcake

Keto Strawberry Shortcake is a delicious and low-carb dessert that’s perfect for summer. This shortcake is made with a keto-friendly dough and is topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1/2 cup (60g) granulated sweetener (e.g., Swerve or Erythritol)
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups (250g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (for whipped cream)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour and granulated sweetener.
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape into small rounds.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Allow the shortcakes to cool before topping with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

19. Plum Upside Down Cake

Plum Upside Down Cake is a delicious and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with fresh plums and has a caramelized sugar crust on the bottom, which becomes the top when the cake is flipped.

Ingredients

– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) fresh plums, pitted and sliced
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Arrange the sliced plums in the prepared pan, reserving a few for the top.
5. Pour the batter over the plums and smooth the top.
6. Sprinkle the reserved plums and granulated sugar over the top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.

20. Strawberry Icebox Cake

Strawberry Icebox Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for summer. This cake is made with fresh strawberries and a creamy filling, layered in a springform pan and chilled until set.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 2 cups (250g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined.
4. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract.