Light and Refreshing Summer Cakes

On a REALLY hot summer day, a heavy, rich dessert can feel like… a lot.

But that doesn’t mean you have to skip cake! Not at all.

Summer is the perfect season for cakes that are light, airy, and full of fresh, fruity flavor.

I put together a list of my absolute FAVORITE light and refreshing summer cakes to help you find the perfect recipe.

Inside, you’ll find everything from super simple, no-bake creations to impressive cakes that are perfect for a party.

There’s truly something for every occasion and skill level. So, get ready to find your new go-to summer treat.

1. Million Dollar Cake

Million Dollar Cake

Million Dollar Cake is a light, tropical layered dessert that brings together coconut and pineapple for a sweet, refreshing twist.

It’s made with simple ingredients and delivers big flavor with every bite.

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2. Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake starts with a moist vanilla base and fills every slice with white chocolate and strawberry goodness.

It’s a no-fuss dessert that’s bright, creamy, and full of summer flavor.

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3. Easy Raspberry Shortcake Recipe made with Refrigerator Biscuits

Easy Raspberry Shortcake Recipe made with Refrigerator Biscuits

Easy Raspberry Shortcake made with refrigerated biscuits is quick to put together and perfect for a sweet, airy treat.

It’s topped with juicy raspberries and fluffy whipped cream for a fresh, satisfying bite.

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4. Easy Strawberry Tiramisu

Easy Strawberry Tiramisu

Easy Strawberry Tiramisu is a no-bake layered dessert packed with fresh strawberries and creamy mascarpone.

It’s light, sweet, and just like the classic, but ready in minutes with simple ingredients.

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5. Strawberries and Cream Cake

Strawberries and Cream Cake

Strawberries and Cream Cake turns a simple homemade white cake into a show-stopping summer dessert.

Layers of juicy strawberries and whipped cream make it rich, fresh, and easy to love.

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6. Mixed Berry Icebox Cake

Mixed Berry Icebox Cake

Mixed Berry Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert bursting with blueberries and strawberries for a bright, summery treat.

It’s light, colorful, and perfect for gatherings or a quick sweet fix.

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7. Chantilly Cake

Chantilly Cake

Chantilly Cake features smooth, sweet frosting between soft vanilla cake layers and fresh berries.

It’s a beautiful, simple dessert that feels indulgent without being complicated.

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8. Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake is a creamy, soft cake with a cool whipped topping and a satisfying cookie crumb crunch.

Pink stripes and sweet strawberry flavor make every bite fun and delicious.

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9. Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake brings all the sweet, fresh flavors of spring and summer into one fluffy, dreamy treat.

Each layer is moist and light, packed with juicy strawberries and swirls of chantilly cream for a dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate.

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10. Orange Icebox Cake

Orange Icebox Cake

Orange Icebox Cake delivers a creamy, no-bake delight that tastes like a creamsicle in cake form.

Soft graham cracker layers soak up a smooth orange-vanilla pudding and cream cheese filling that’s refreshingly sweet and easy to make.

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11. Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake

Two tiers of lemon-infused yellow cake make this Lemon Cake a show-stopping dessert with bright, zesty flavor.

Finished with a light and fluffy lemon frosting that’s just sweet enough, it’s perfect for celebrations or a tasty slice of happiness.

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12. Lemon Poke Cake

Lemon Poke Cake

Lemon Poke Cake is a simple, moist dessert that’s bursting with citrusy goodness from the first bite.

Easy to make with a box mix, it gets a sweet, tangy boost from lemon pudding and a fluffy Cool Whip finish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

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13. Lemon Coconut Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon Coconut Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon Coconut Poppy Seed Cake is a light and refreshing choice that’s ideal for spring and summer events.

Hints of coconut and a subtle crunch from poppy seeds add texture and flavor to every tender bite.

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14. Peach Cake

Peach Cake

Peach Cake is soft, tender, and bursting with juicy, sweet peaches in every slice.

Perfect for any occasion, it’s a comforting dessert that invites everyone to grab a second piece.

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15. American Flag Cake

American Flag Cake

American Flag Cake features a moist vanilla sponge filled with fresh berries and topped with creamy mascarpone whipped cream.

It’s a festive, fresh dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat—perfect for celebrations and patriotic gatherings.

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16. Hawaiian Wedding Cake

Hawaiian Wedding Cake

Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a quick and easy poke cake packed with tropical pineapple and coconut flavor.

Every bite is sweet, juicy, and delicious, making it a tropical treat that’s simple to make and hard to resist.

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17. Strawberry Icebox Cake

Strawberry Icebox Cake

Strawberry Icebox Cake is a no-bake treat that’s perfect for warm days.

Sweet strawberries and creamy layers come together in a simple, refreshing dessert.

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18. Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes deliver a zesty, sweet flavor with a hint of tang.

Each cupcake is topped with cream cheese frosting and bursts with fresh berries.

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19. Pina Colada Cupcakes

Pina Colada Cupcakes

Pina Colada Cupcakes bring tropical vibes with coconut and pineapple flavors.

They’re soft, moist, and finished with a creamy homemade frosting.

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20. Lemon Ricotta Cake

Lemon Ricotta Cake

Lemon Ricotta Cake is a cozy, moist dessert with a bright lemon kick.

It’s easy to make using a cake mix and packed with rich, creamy ricotta.

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21. Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese Cheesecake is a fluffy, jiggly dessert that melts in your mouth.

It’s light, airy, and made with a simple soufflé-style batter.

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22. Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Burnt Basque Cheesecake is a rich, creamy treat with a golden, caramelized top.

It’s simple to make and delivers a deeply satisfying, silky texture.

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23. Fresh Strawberry Cake

Fresh Strawberry Cake

Fresh Strawberry Cake is a moist, slightly dense cake full of juicy strawberries.

It’s made in one bowl and features a soft crumb from ground almonds.

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24. No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake is a dairy-free, vegan dessert perfect for summer.

It’s light, sweet, and packed with juicy blueberries—no oven needed.

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25. No Bake White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake

No Bake White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake

No Bake White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake is creamy, dreamy, and ready in no time.

The buttery biscuit base pairs perfectly with rich white chocolate and sweet bursts of fresh raspberries.

It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

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26. Lemon and Lime Madeira Cake

Lemon and Lime Madeira Cake

Lemon and Lime Madeira Cake is a bright, zesty treat that comes together in one bowl.

It’s soft, moist, and absolutely perfect with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

A simple bake that brings fresh citrus flavor to every bite.

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27. Lemon, Elderflower and Strawberry Cake

Lemon, Elderflower and Strawberry Cake

Lemon, Elderflower and Strawberry Cake is a light and refreshing summer favorite.

The delicate elderflower note blends beautifully with bright lemon and juicy strawberries.

Perfect for picnics, brunches, or any sweet moment that calls for something fresh.

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28. Mixed Berry Ice Cream Vanilla Pound Cake

Mixed Berry Ice Cream Vanilla Pound Cake

Mixed Berry Ice Cream Vanilla Pound Cake is a rich, buttery summer treat with a twist.

Layers of vanilla pound cake and creamy vanilla ice cream swirl with raspberry and blackberry jam.

It’s a no-fuss dessert that brings all the summer vibes in every slice.

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29. Mini Honey Orange Blossom Cakes

Mini Honey Orange Blossom Cakes

Mini Honey Orange Blossom Cakes are tiny, tender treats with a hint of floral sweetness.

They’re light, fluffy, and packed with honey and orange blossom goodness.

Great for tea time, celebrations, or a sweet spring or summer afternoon snack.

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