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Summer baking is all about keeping it simple, light, and full of seasonal flavors. These recipes are fun to make, don’t feel too heavy, and are perfect for sharing at picnics, BBQs, or just enjoying on a lazy afternoon.
From fruity cakes to easy bars and muffins, these bakes let summer’s best ingredients shine.
1. Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
Fluffy, lightly sweetened biscuits layered with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. It’s a classic summer dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
Olivia’s Tip
Macerate the strawberries with a little sugar and lemon juice for extra juicy, flavorful layers.
Get the Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits recipe.
2. Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Soft, fluffy muffins packed with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon zest. They’re light, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss the blueberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter—this helps keep them from sinking.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Muffins recipe.
3. Peach Crisp
Juicy, sliced peaches baked under a buttery oat and brown sugar crumble. It’s sweet, just a little tart, and so easy to throw together.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it cool slightly before serving so the juices thicken and the topping stays crisp.
4. Raspberry Almond Bars
A buttery almond shortbread crust topped with sweet-tart raspberry jam and sliced almonds. These bars are pretty, portable, and always a hit at summer gatherings.
Olivia’s Tip
Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting and cleaner slicing.
Get the Raspberry Almond Bars recipe.
5. Zucchini Bread with Lemon Glaze
Moist, lightly spiced zucchini bread finished with a bright lemon glaze. It’s a great way to use up garden zucchini without feeling heavy.
Olivia’s Tip
Squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini so the loaf bakes up light and tender.
Get the Zucchini Bread with Lemon Glaze recipe.
6. Cherry Clafoutis
This rustic French dessert features fresh cherries baked into a custardy batter. It’s simple to make but feels special and works warm or chilled.
Olivia’s Tip
Use pitted cherries for easier eating, or leave the pits in for more authentic flavor (just warn your guests!).
Get the Cherry Clafoutis recipe.
7. Key Lime Pie Bars
All the tangy-sweet flavor of key lime pie in bar form. The graham cracker crust and creamy citrus filling are perfect for summer.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill thoroughly before slicing so the bars hold their shape when served.
Get the Key Lime Pie Bars recipe.
8. Cornbread with Fresh Corn
Classic cornbread upgraded with sweet corn kernels for extra moisture and texture. Great with BBQ or on its own with honey butter.
Olivia’s Tip
Use fresh-off-the-cob corn if you can—it’s sweeter and juicier than frozen or canned.
Get the Cornbread with Fresh Corn recipe.
9. Mixed Berry Galette
A rustic free-form tart filled with whatever berries you have on hand, baked until juicy and bubbling with a golden, flaky crust.
Olivia’s Tip
Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking for extra shine and crunch.
Get the Mixed Berry Galette recipe.
10. Banana Coconut Muffins
Moist banana muffins with shredded coconut mixed in for a tropical twist. Light, sweet, and perfect for summer breakfasts.
Olivia’s Tip
Top with a little extra coconut before baking for a toasty finish.
Get the Banana Coconut Muffins recipe.
11. Apricot Almond Cake
A simple, tender cake topped with sliced apricots and a scattering of slivered almonds. Lightly sweet and lovely with tea or coffee.
Olivia’s Tip
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty finish.
Get the Apricot Almond Cake recipe.
12. Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
Fudgy brownies made extra moist with shredded zucchini. You can’t taste the veggies—just rich chocolatey goodness.
Olivia’s Tip
Let them cool completely before slicing for cleaner, neater bars.
Get the Chocolate Zucchini Brownies recipe.
13. Plum Upside-Down Cake
Sliced plums caramelized with a bit of brown sugar and butter, baked under a simple vanilla cake. Flip it out and enjoy the glossy, jewel-toned fruit topping.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the cake rest 10 minutes before flipping so it sets without sticking.
