18 Timeless Summer Cakes You’ll Want to Bake

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some classic cakes that remind us of simpler times. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a vintage cake, whether it’s the nostalgia it brings or the delicious flavors that have stood the test of time. From fruity favorites to rich, decadent treats, these cakes are perfect for any summer occasion. Here are 25 vintage summer cakes you absolutely need to try this season.

Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This classic cake features a moist and flavorful base topped with caramelized pineapple slices and maraschino cherries. To prepare, start by melting butter and brown sugar in a skillet, then arrange pineapple rings and cherries on top. Pour a spiced cake batter, made with cinnamon and nutmeg, over the fruit. Bake until golden brown and invert to reveal a beautiful top. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana cake is a timeless favorite, perfect for summer gatherings. This cake uses ripe bananas for a naturally sweet and moist texture. The batter includes flour, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of baking soda. Once baked, let the cake cool before frosting with a rich cream cheese mixture, made from cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Garnish with chopped walnuts for an extra crunch.

Coconut Chiffon Cake

Light and airy, this coconut chiffon cake is a delightful summer treat. Made with a mixture of egg whites, flour, sugar, and coconut milk, this cake achieves a fluffy texture. Fold in shredded coconut before baking in a tube pan. Once cooled, frost with a coconut-flavored whipped cream and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top. Enjoy a slice with fresh tropical fruits.

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is synonymous with summer. The cake consists of buttery biscuits split and filled with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream. To make, prepare a biscuit dough with flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter. After baking, let the biscuits cool slightly, then layer them with macerated strawberries and freshly whipped cream. Serve immediately for a fresh and juicy dessert.

Lemon Pound Cake

This dense yet tender cake bursts with lemon flavor, perfect for a refreshing summer dessert. The batter combines flour, sugar, eggs, and a generous amount of lemon zest and juice. Bake in a loaf pan until a toothpick comes out clean. Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake. Slice and serve with a side of fresh berries.

Peach Melba Cake

Inspired by the classic Peach Melba dessert, this cake combines peaches and raspberries in a delightful creation. Start by layering sliced peaches and raspberries in a cake pan. Pour a vanilla cake batter over the fruit and bake until golden. Let the cake cool before drizzling with a raspberry glaze made from fresh raspberries and powdered sugar. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Black Forest Cake

This German classic is perfect for chocolate lovers. The cake layers are made from rich chocolate sponge cake, soaked in cherry syrup. Fill and frost with whipped cream and layer with sweetened cherries. Decorate with chocolate shavings and more cherries on top. Let the cake chill before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Blueberry Buckle

Blueberry buckle is a simple, rustic cake that showcases the summer’s best blueberries. The batter includes flour, sugar, eggs, and plenty of fresh blueberries. After spreading the batter in a pan, top with a crumbly streusel made from butter, sugar, and flour. Bake until the top is golden and the berries are bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Hummingbird Cake

This Southern favorite is a flavorful combination of banana, pineapple, and pecans. The cake batter is made with flour, sugar, mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. Once baked, frost with a creamy cream cheese icing. Decorate with more pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Let the cake chill before slicing to enhance the flavors.

Orange Creamsicle Cake

Reminiscent of the popular ice cream treat, this cake is a refreshing summer dessert. The batter includes orange zest, juice, and a touch of vanilla. Bake in a bundt pan until golden. Once cooled, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar, orange juice, and a bit of cream. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy treat.

Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a light and airy dessert perfect for hot summer days. The batter is made with egg whites, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla. Bake in a tube pan until the cake is golden and springs back to the touch. Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. The cake’s light texture makes it an ideal pairing for fresh fruit.

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

Tart rhubarb pairs beautifully with a sweet cake base in this vintage dessert. Melt butter and brown sugar in a skillet, then arrange rhubarb slices on top. Pour a vanilla cake batter over the rhubarb and bake until golden. Invert the cake to reveal the caramelized rhubarb. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Mayonnaise in cake batter might sound strange, but it results in an incredibly moist and rich chocolate cake. The batter includes flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and mayonnaise. Bake in a round pan until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost with a creamy chocolate ganache made from chocolate and heavy cream. Let the cake set before slicing.

Red Velvet Cake

This classic Southern cake is known for its vibrant red color and rich flavor. The batter includes cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a touch of vinegar. Bake in round pans until set. Once cooled, frost with a tangy cream cheese icing. Decorate with red velvet cake crumbs and serve slices with a glass of cold milk.

Italian Cream Cake

This elegant cake is a favorite for special occasions. The batter includes coconut, pecans, and buttermilk, resulting in a rich and flavorful cake. Bake in round pans until golden. Frost with a creamy cream cheese icing and decorate with more coconut and pecans. Let the cake chill before serving to enhance the flavors.

Victoria Sponge Cake

A British classic, Victoria sponge cake is simple yet delicious. The batter includes flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Bake in round pans until golden. Once cooled, fill with a layer of raspberry jam and whipped cream. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve slices with a cup of tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Plum Torte

This simple cake showcases the summer’s best plums. The batter includes flour, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla. Arrange sliced plums on top of the batter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until the cake is golden and the plums are tender. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pineapple Carrot Cake

This moist and flavorful cake combines pineapple and carrots. The batter includes flour, sugar, eggs, crushed pineapple, and grated carrots. Bake in round pans until set. Once cooled, frost with a cream cheese icing and decorate with chopped walnuts. Serve slices with a glass of cold milk.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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