An outdoor party just isn’t complete without a delicious cake.
But bringing a delicate, frosted cake outside can feel a little risky. You worry about it melting in the sun or getting messy on the picnic blanket. It’s a REAL struggle.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
We’ve gathered our absolute FAVORITE cake recipes that are practically MADE for a party in the park or a backyard barbecue.
You’ll find everything from simple sheet cakes to sturdy loaf cakes—all easy to transport and even easier to serve to a crowd.
So get ready to find a delicious, stress-free dessert for your next celebration.
1. Rainbow Swirl Tie Dye Cupcakes
Rainbow Swirl Tie Dye Cupcakes are a fun and colorful treat that bring joy to any celebration.
With vibrant rainbow swirl frosting, they’re perfect for summer birthdays or pool parties.
2. Beach Cupcakes
Beach Cupcakes are an easy and refreshing dessert that’s ideal for poolside get-togethers.
Made with a simple box cake mix, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
3. Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes are a sweet and playful dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
With a fluffy vanilla frosting and a soft homemade vanilla cake, they’re great for birthdays.
4. BBQ Grill Cupcakes
BBQ Grill Cupcakes are a festive and fun dessert for summer barbecues and backyard fun.
Their colorful design makes them a standout at any grill party or Father’s Day gathering.
5. Watermelon Cake Pops
Watermelon Cake Pops are a juicy, sweet, and bite-sized treat perfect for summer events.
They’re easy to make and look as good as they taste.
6. Fourth of July Cake in a Jar
Fourth of July Cake in a Jar is a portable and festive dessert for patriotic celebrations.
With layers of red, white, and blue, it’s a lovely catch-all for Independence Day parties.
7. Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes are a whimsical and delightful party food that everyone loves.
Sprinkled with cheer and made with a simple box mix, they’re quick and adorable.
8. Pink Lemonade Cake
Pink Lemonade Cake is a bright and refreshing summer favorite that’s perfect for backyard fun.
With its sweet lemony flavor and pretty pink color, it’s great for any sunny celebration.
9. Red White and Blue Marble Cake
Red White and Blue Marble Cake is a fun, easy treat perfect for 4th of July celebrations.
The swirl of red, white, and blue in the cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries and Cool Whip.
It’s a festive, no-fuss dessert that always gets a smile.
10. Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes are a playful twist on summer desserts.
Each cupcake features buttercream piped like a scooped ice cream cone in red, white, and blue.
They’re adorable, delicious, and perfect for holiday parties.
11. Pineapple Sunshine Cake
Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a bright, tropical favorite that’s easy to make.
Infused with real crushed pineapple, it’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for summer gatherings.
It brings a sweet island vibe to any table.
12. Blueberry Upside Down Cake
Blueberry Upside Down Cake is a comforting favorite with a golden brown crust.
Every bite is loaded with juicy blueberries and soft, tender cake.
It’s simple, satisfying, and ideal with a touch of whipped cream.
13. Mixed Berry Ice Cream Vanilla Pound Cake
Mixed Berry Ice Cream Vanilla Pound Cake is a rich, creamy dessert that’s perfect for summer.
Layers of buttery pound cake and swirled berry jam ice cream make it irresistible.
It’s a crowd-pleasing treat for July 4th or just a lazy weekend.
14. Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Frosting
Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Frosting is a simple, fresh dessert made the right way.
Sweet, fruity, and made with real strawberries—no artificial flavors or colors.
It’s the perfect easy cake for spring and summer.
15. Lemon and Sour Cream Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze
Lemon and Sour Cream Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze is soft, buttery, and bursting with citrus.
Made from scratch with fresh lemon and sour cream, it stays moist for days.
The bright lemon glaze gives it a zesty finish that’s perfect any time.
16. Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake brings all the joy of fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Light, fluffy layers are filled with sweet, creamy chantilly cream and real berries.
It’s the ultimate spring and summer dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate.
17. Blueberry Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Blueberry Lemon Olive Oil Cake is a moist, tender two-layer cake bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor.
The creamy blueberry cream cheese frosting adds a sweet finish that makes every slice irresistible.
18. Lemon Dump Cake
Lemon Dump Cake comes together in minutes with just five simple ingredients and delivers big lemony flavor.
It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for summer, especially when made with lemon cake mix and a touch of cream cheese.
19. Lemon Blueberry Mascarpone Cake with Frosting Recipe
Lemon Blueberry Mascarpone Cake with Frosting is a rich, old-fashioned treat with layers of lemon curd and blueberry compote.
The smooth mascarpone frosting brings a creamy, dreamy touch that makes this lemon blueberry mascarpone cake unforgettable.
20. Blueberry and Lemon Pound Cake Recipe with Glaze
Blueberry and Lemon Pound Cake Recipe with Glaze is a soft, buttery cake made from scratch with sour cream for extra moisture.
The bright lemon flavor and real blueberries make it a sweet celebration favorite everyone will enjoy.
21. Strawberry Cake
Strawberry Cake is moist and full of fresh strawberry goodness, made even more flavorful with freeze-dried strawberries.
It’s topped with a luscious strawberry frosting made from a reduced fresh strawberry mix.
22. Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake is sweet, tangy, and simple to make with just a few pantry staples.
Blueberry pie filling and lemon pie filling create a bright, summer-inspired dessert in every bite.
23. Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake is a no-fuss summer dessert with layers of brown sugar, pineapple, cherries, and butter.
The sweet, tropical flavors make each bite a burst of sunshine perfect for potlucks and weekend treats.
24. Strawberry Mandarin Orange Dump Cake
Strawberry Mandarin Orange Dump Cake is a bright and fruity spring dessert that’s easy to whip up with just a few ingredients.
The mix of strawberry pie filling and mandarin oranges delivers a juicy, refreshing flavor in every slice.
25. Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a celebration in every bite—soft yellow cake filled with Golden Oreos, topped with fluffy pink strawberry frosting.
It’s decorated with crunchy freeze-dried strawberries and more Golden Oreos for a dessert that’s sweet, fruity, and totally satisfying.
26. Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Lemon Olive Oil Cake has a tender crumb and a bright, zesty lemon flavor that’s rich without being heavy.
The caramelized lemon topping adds a touch of sweetness and makes each slice feel special.
27. Key Lime Cupcakes
Key Lime Cupcakes are light, tangy, and full of zesty lime flavor from both the zest and juice.
They’re a perfect dessert for when you want something fresh, bright, and just a little bit tropical.
28. Strawberry Cupcakes
Strawberry Cupcakes are soft, moist, and packed with real strawberries for a fruity treat.
Frosted with creamy strawberry frosting, they’re sweet, bright, and downright delicious.
29. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes combine juicy fresh strawberries, airy whipped cream filling, and strawberry frosting.
Each bite tastes like summer in a cup, with layers of flavor that are sweet and satisfying.
30. Mini Sprinkle Cupcakes (Mini Funfetti Cupcakes)
Mini Sprinkle Cupcakes are tiny, sweet, and packed with rainbow sprinkles in every bite.
They’re easy to make and perfect for parties, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a little fun.
31. Patriotic Funfetti Mason Jar Cupcakes
Patriotic Funfetti Mason Jar Cupcakes are a festive twist on classic funfetti cake—red, white, and blue swirls in a cute jar.
They’re portable, pretty, and a delicious way to celebrate with friends and family.
32. Red White and Blue Patriotic Bundt Cake
Red White and Blue Patriotic Bundt Cake is a show-stopping dessert with swirls of red, white, and blue.
It’s perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration.

































