21 summer baking recipes

Best summer baking recipes

Lemon pavlova

This lemon pavlova is easy to make and delivers a stunning dessert with glossy meringue, tangy lemon curd and pillowy cream. Light, zesty and perfect for impressing guests, it’s also great for prepping ahead.

Strawberry tart

This strawberry tart is a showstopping dessert that makes the most of in-season strawberries – their flavour is concentrated through maceration, resulting in a glossy finish and vibrant taste. The combination of crisp pastry, rich crème pâtissière and syrupy fruit creates a classic patisserie-style treat that's perfect for sharing.

White chocolate and raspberry cake

This white chocolate and raspberry cake will impress guests with its three-tiered presentation and combination of creamy white chocolate icing and tangy raspberries. The recipe is quick to make and assemble, making it ideal for both special occasions and when you want a centrepiece dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Nectarine, coconut and lime tray-tart

This nectarine, coconut and lime tray-tart is easy to make, vegetarian and gluten-free. Served with a scoop of coconut ice cream, it makes a great pudding.

Cherry croissant bread and butter pudding

This cherry croissant bread and butter pudding combines the comforting richness of a classic pudding with the flavours of a bakewell tart.

Blackberry mascarpone tart

This blackberry and mascarpone tart is a quick, simple dessert made with just six ingredients – perfect for last-minute entertaining.

Fig cookies

Make the most of fig season, from August to October, with these pretty oat cookies which are easy to make and only take 25 minutes to whip up – ideal for feeding visitors.

Bee sting cake with plum

This take on a traditional German cake sees a rich, yeasted sponge filled with vanilla cream and plum compote, topped with honeyed almonds.

Cherry and pistachio bakewell galette

Check out this easy twist on the classic British bakewell tart. Pistachios add a vivid green colour and richness to the traditional almond filling. Chilling the tart before baking helps set the shape, so don’t skip that step.

Strawberry and cream hand pies

These strawberry and cream hand pies are a bit more effort, but worth it. Perfect as individual desserts or sweet picnic treats, they're easy to transport.

Cherry crumble

This cherry crumble recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously golden topping with soft bubbling fruit beneath. It is versatile enough to serve hot with ice cream or custard or cold with maple syrup and vanilla yogurt for a special breakfast.

Lemon and lime tart

Make your next lemon tart an epic one with Edd Kimber's coconut macaroon tart case, filled with a zesty lemon and lime curd. It's the perfect make-ahead pud for a special occasion.

Blueberry cheesecake with speculoos crust

This blueberry cheesecake features a spiced speculoos biscuit base and tangy fruit topping – a crowd-pleasing combo that's so simple with just three easy steps.

Eton mess traybake

This eton mess traybake is a classic yet straightforward cake that combines all the best elements of a traditional British dessert – perfect for a summery treat. It is easy to make, great for feeding a crowd as it serves up to 12 and offers a delightful mix of soft sponge, fresh berries and crunchy meringue.

Brown butter, blueberry and oat milk chocolate blondies

The gluten-free oat flour in these brown butter blondies gives them a dense, fudgy consistency, while juicy blueberries and milk chocolate chunks add a perfect balance of fruit and richness. Easy to make, they’re ideal for a summer road trip or any adventure.

Strawberry cupcakes

These dainty strawberry cupcakes stay perfectly moist thanks to chopped strawberries folded into the sponge. Perfect for afternoon tea or a summer bake sale.

Cherry clafoutis

This cherry clafoutis recipe is easy to prepare and makes a versatile dessert that works well with a variety of seasonal fruits. The result is a light, creamy pudding with juicy cherries – perfect for serving warm straight from the dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be adapted to suit whatever fruit you have on hand.

Apricot swiss roll

This apricot swiss roll recipe is a delightful choice for anyone seeking a light yet indulgent dessert. It combines the freshness of juicy apricots with the richness of brown sugar cream, all wrapped in a soft Swiss roll sponge. The addition of a boozy apricot syrup adds a sophisticated twist, making it perfect for special occasions or an impressive afternoon treat.

Blueberry and blackberry crumble pie

Blackberry picking is a quintessential summer joy for a relaxed afternoon with loved ones. After gathering your foraged bounty, turn it into Ed Kimber’s blueberry and blackberry pie, topped with a fragrant cardamom crumble, delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Lemon and blueberry poke cake

This lemon and blueberry poke cake is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries creates a fresh and vibrant flavour, while the soft cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy finish.

Lemon and blueberry bars

These simple lemon and blueberry bars are seriously moreish, gooey on the inside and crunchy on the outside, the ideal summertime picnic treat.