20 Must-Try Summer Cake Recipes for 2025

There’s something magical about summer. Maybe it’s the long, lazy days or how fruit tastes just a little sweeter when warmed by the sun. Whatever it is, summer feels like the perfect time to bake something light, fruity, and full of joy.

In this post, we’re exploring 20 summer cake recipes that bring sunshine to a plate. From no-bake delights to layered fruit cakes, each celebrates seasonal ingredients and simple pleasures.

1. Summer Berry Cake

A light, fruity, and creamy cake bursting with fresh berries—perfect for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1½ cups whipped cream (or whipped topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
5. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–28 minutes.
6. Cool cakes completely. Spread whipped cream and berries between layers and on top.
7. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing.

2. Summer Peach Cake

Soft, golden cake layered with juicy peaches and a hint of vanilla—summer in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• 2 ripe peaches (peeled and sliced)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately, mixing just until combined.
5. Pour batter into the pan. Arrange peach slices in a spiral on top.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool slightly and serve warm or chilled.

3. Brown Sugar Peach Cake

Rich and cozy with caramel-like brown sugar and sweet peaches.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1½ cups diced ripe peaches

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures, then fold in peaches.
5. Pour into the pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.

4. Strawberry Shortcake

Classic shortcake flavor in a tall, layered masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 2 tbsp sugar (for strawberries)
• 1½ cups whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 6-inch cake pans.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add egg and milk; stir just until combined.
5. Divide batter into pans and bake for 20–25 minutes.
6. While baking, toss strawberries with sugar. Let sit.
7. Cool cakes, layer with whipped cream and strawberries.
8. Chill before serving for the best texture.

Read details: Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

5. Vanilla Sheet Cake

A soft, crowd-friendly vanilla cake you can top with anything.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1¾ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in vanilla.
5. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, mixing gently.
6. Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
7. Cool completely and frost with buttercream or whipped topping.

6. Strawberry Upside Down Cake

A jammy, caramel-like strawberry topping that flips to the top.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups sliced strawberries
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round pan.
2. Mix strawberries, brown sugar, and melted butter. Spread in the bottom of the pan.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
4. Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and milk.
5. Stir in dry ingredients and pour batter over strawberries.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool slightly, then flip onto a plate.
7. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Read more: Easy 30-Min Strawberry Upside-Down Cake Recipe

7. Summer Cookie Cake

A giant cookie that’s chewy, festive, and sliceable like cake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups chocolate chips or fruit bits
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Cream butter and sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Fold in chocolate chips or dried fruit pieces.
5. Spread evenly in pan and bake 25–30 minutes.
6. Cool completely, frost if desired, and decorate with sprinkles.
7. Slice like a cake and serve.

Here is a more detailed recipe.

8. Raspberry Lemon Cake

A zingy lemon cake meets sweet-tart raspberries in this summer beauty.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup yogurt or sour cream
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• Optional: lemon glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp lemon juice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or 8-inch round pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, lemon zest, and juice.
4. Mix in yogurt, then fold in dry ingredients.
5. Gently fold in raspberries (toss in a little flour to prevent sinking).
6. Pour into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
7. Cool and drizzle with lemon glaze for extra zing.

9. Summer Fruit Cake

Light, moist, and filled with your favorite summer fruits—this one is flexible and fabulous.

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1½ cups chopped fresh fruit (peaches, nectarines, cherries, blueberries)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Add buttermilk, then fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Gently stir in fresh fruit.
6. Pour into pan, bake 35–40 minutes, or until golden and set.
7. Cool, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Read more detailed recipes from here.

10. Summer Cake Pops

Colorful, bite-sized, and great for parties, these summer cake pops are fruity and fun!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crumbled cake (vanilla, lemon, or strawberry)
• ¼ cup frosting (buttercream or cream cheese)
• Candy melts or white chocolate for coating
• Sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried fruit (for decoration)
• Cake pop sticks

Instructions:

1. Crumble your cake in a bowl and mix with frosting until it forms a dough.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
3. Chill in the freezer for 15–20 minutes.
4. Melt candy coating or chocolate. Dip sticks into chocolate and insert them into each pop.
5. Dip cake pops in melted coating and twirls to cover.
6. Add sprinkles or decorations while wet.
7. Let set upright in a stand or foam block.

11. Watermelon Cake (No-Bake)

Refreshing, healthy, and shockingly pretty, this one’s made from real watermelon!

Ingredients:

• 1 large seedless watermelon (cut into a cake-shaped round)
• 1½ cups whipped cream or whipped coconut cream
• 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries)
• Chopped pistachios or toasted coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice the watermelon into a thick round (about 3–4 inches tall) and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Frost all sides with whipped cream using a spatula.
3. Decorate the top with fresh fruit and nuts or coconut.
4. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Slice like a regular cake and enjoy this no-bake masterpiece!

Get more watermelon cake ideas.

12. Strawberry Lemon Cake

The ultimate sweet and tangy combo layers of lemon cake filled with strawberry compote.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest + 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup yogurt
• ¾ cup fresh strawberries (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch pans.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, lemon zest, and juice.
4. Stir in yogurt, then fold in dry ingredients.
5. Divide between pans and bake for 22–26 minutes.
6. Cool, fill with mashed strawberries or jam, and frost with whipped cream or lemon frosting.

13. Summer Pineapple Cake

Tropical, tangy, and soft—this cake is a summer classic.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained slightly)
• ½ tsp vanilla
• ¼ cup pineapple juice (or milk)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and soda.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and pineapple juice.
4. Mix in crushed pineapple, then dry ingredients.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
6. Cool and frost with cream cheese or coconut frosting for tropical vibes.

14. Ice Box Cake (No-Bake)

Chill out with this easy layered dessert made from cookies and cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whipped cream (or whipped topping)
• 1 package of graham crackers or tea biscuits
• 1 cup berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• Optional: fruit jam or lemon curd

Instructions:

1. In a dish, layer graham crackers at the bottom.
2. Spread whipped cream on top, then a layer of berries or jam.
3. Repeat layers 2–3 times, ending with whipped cream.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to soften.
5. Garnish with more fruit and serve chilled.

15. Mango Coconut Cake

A tropical treat that combines juicy mango with creamy coconut—it’s like a beach vacation in cake form.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs, then mango puree, vanilla, and coconut milk.
4. Fold in the dry mix, then stir in shredded coconut.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
6. Cool and frost with coconut whipped cream or mango buttercream.

16. Blueberry Yogurt Cake

This soft, tangy cake is filled with juicy blueberries. Yogurt gives it a moist texture and a light tang.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or round cake pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Stir in yogurt.
4. Fold in the flour mix, then blueberries (lightly coat them in flour to prevent sinking).
5. Pour into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
6. Cool and drizzle with a lemon glaze or dust with powdered sugar.

17. Key Lime Cake

Bright and tangy, this cake is like key lime pie’s softer, cakier cousin.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• Zest of 2 key limes
• ¼ cup key lime juice
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Optional: crushed graham crackers for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, lime zest, and juice.
4. Stir in buttermilk and dry ingredients alternately.
5. Pour into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. Cool and frost with whipped cream cheese or white chocolate lime frosting.
7. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for pie vibes.

18. Blackberry Almond Cake

This cake is elegant yet rustic, with a soft almond crumb and juicy blackberries throughout.

Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt).
3. Cream butter and sugar, and add eggs and almond extract.
4. Mix in dry ingredients and milk alternately.
5. Gently fold in blackberries.
6. Pour into the pan and top with extra berries or almond slivers.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.

19. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Zesty and full of crunchy poppy seeds, this cake is perfect for summer brunch or tea.

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or bundt pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, lemon zest, and juice.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
6. Cool and drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).

20. Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake

A bakery-style layered cake that balances tart cherry flavor with soft vanilla sponge and creamy frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

For Filling & Frosting:

• ¾ cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
• 1½ cups whipped cream or cream cheese frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then vanilla.
4. Stir in dry ingredients and milk alternately.
5. Divide into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
6. Cool, then layer with cherry preserves and whipped frosting.
7. Decorate with fresh cherries on top.

Conclusion: Bring on the Cake!

Whether you’re throwing a summer party or need a little pick-me-up, these 20 summer cake recipes bring all the seasonal flavor and fun you could ever want. From fruity and fresh to creamy and cool, there’s something here for every sweet tooth.

Bake what makes you happy. Mix and match. Try something new. Because if summer teaches us anything—it’s to enjoy the moment. And what better way to do that than with a forkful of cake?

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.