Top 10 summer cake recipes
Create a stunning celebration cake for a special occasion with our favourite summer bakes. Make a feast of seasonal fruit, boozy twists and floral flavours
If you're throwing a summer party, we have 10 cakes that are bound to wow your guests. Celebrate seasonal fruit, stunning sponges and out-there decorations with these truly brilliant bakes. Whether you're in the mood for our white chocolate and strawberry angel cake or you fancy a slice of a berry-studded loaf, there's a summer cake to cure those cravings.
Can't get enough of our slices of summer? Check out our fruity cake collection for more sumptuous seasonal bakes.
1. Summer party cake
Nothing says party time like a towering triumph of strawberries, cream and colourful meringues! Our summer party cake is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd. It's a delicious mix of classic English summer ingredients: strawberries, Victoria sponge, fresh cream, meringues and buttery shortbread.
2. Summer fruit drizzle cake
Drizzle cake isn't just reserved for luscious lemons – try our beautiful summer berry version. This is the ultimate versatile sponge, as you can use whatever seasonal fruit you have to hand. We used blackberries and raspberries, but blueberries, peaches, redcurrants or strawberries would also make a gorgeous gateau. This scrummy summer loaf cake is one you'll make again and again, so why not try every fruity variation your heart desires?
3. Pimm’s cake
Your favourite lazy afternoon drink in cake form has arrived. Combine smooth strawberry and lemon buttercream with cucumber-spiked sponge to make our punchy Pimm's cake. This irresistible showstopper won't overpower you with a boozy flavour, and it has just enough cucumber to balance the sweetness of the buttercream and the Pimm’s-laced strawberry filling. Turn your perfect pitcher into a decadent dessert everyone will want a piece of.
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4. Polka dot strawberry cake
Polka dots are in this summer, and we have the cake to prove it. Our strawberry polka dot sponge will steal the show at any party – we guarantee it. A delicate mascarpone filling and fresh strawberry topping can't be beaten in our book. If you're looking for a bake with serious wow factor, this is it.
Want more brilliant berry creations? Try our 10 ways to eat strawberries.
5. Club Tropicana ice cream cake
Stripy layers of mango and raspberry sorbet, soft sponge, cream and chocolate make up our next ultra-delectable dessert. Our Club Tropicana ice cream cake is channeling those retro beach vibes we love so much. Using shop-bought, ready-made ingredients and clever shortcuts, you can put together this stunning ice cream dream with minimal fuss.
Looking for more cool cakes and creamy, dreamy puddings? Check out our easy no-cook summer desserts.
6. Courgette, lemon & thyme cake
Take some inspiration from the allotment with our glorious courgette and lemon cake. This fragrant bake is decorated with crystallised thyme and candied lemon slices on a creamy mascarpone icing. The veg actually keeps the sponge moist and balances out the sweetness of the buttercream icing. This is the perfect cake canvas to unleash your artistic flair – and it's perfect for making the most of a courgette glut in the garden.
Try more zingy citrus bakes with our lemon cake collection.
7. Berry brownie pavlova cake
Make a mash-up of epic proportions with our berry brownie pavlova cake. Bake squidgy layers of chocolate brownie with chewy meringue and top with cream and red berries. Enjoy the best of both worlds with this tower of summer treats.
Get your fill of fabulous summer stunners with our best ever pavlova recipes.
8. Lemon & elderflower celebration cake
Lemon and elderflower is a delicate flavour combination we will forever be obsessed with, especially in a triple-stacked sponge cake. There's lemon zest in both the rich sponge and the buttercream icing, so you won't lose the citrus taste. Pouring an elderflower and lemon drizzle over the sponge while it's still hot from the oven ensures the sponge soaks up all the flavour.
Watch our video and learn how to make this showstopping cake with tips from the professionals.
9. Sangria cake
This Spanish-inspired sangria cake boasts fruity flavours and of course a dash of red wine to transform your go-to summer cocktail into a dessert everyone will love. Say "hola" to the sunshine with a slice of this red wine and orange-soaked seasonal treat. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream.
Fancy a glass of something fruity and boozy with your cake? Try our top 5 sangria recipes for your next party pitcher.
10. Raspberry layer cake
Our raspberry layer cake is light, creamy and perfectly sweet. The sponges are brushed with a boozy syrup and sandwiched together with a double cream and mascarpone filling, dotted with pretty pink raspberries. This indulgent slice of summer is crying out for a get-together with friends. Taking a trip into the great outdoors? Transport your cake in a cool box and enjoy al fresco.
Enjoyed these bakes? Check out our other sweet treats...
Video: how to make ice cream
Easy no-cook summer desserts
Our ultimate summer dessert collection
What's your favourite summer cake recipe? Leave a comment below...
