There’s something special about eating outside on a warm, sunny day. Everything just tastes BETTER.
And when it comes to the perfect ending for a picnic, it HAS to be cake.
But not just any cake will do. You need something that’s easy to pack, won’t make a HUGE mess, and can handle being out of the fridge for a little while. No super-melty frostings or delicate layers allowed!
Finding the right recipe can be tricky, which is why I’ve gathered some of the BEST summer picnic cake ideas for you.
These cakes are made for travel, they’re simple to serve, and most importantly, they are absolutely delicious.
Whether you like fruity, chocolatey, or something in between, you’ll find the perfect treat for your picnic basket right here.
1. Jam Jar Strawberry Cheesecakes
Jam Jar Strawberry Cheesecakes are a fun, no-bake treat with a buttery biscuit base and creamy strawberry filling.
Perfect for summer picnics or as an individual dessert, they’re easy to make and packed with sweet, fruity flavor.
2. Lemon blueberry pound cake
Lemon blueberry pound cake is moist, tender, and full of bright lemon and fresh blueberry goodness.
It’s a simple homemade cake that’s great for brunch, dessert, or any summer gathering.
3. Cherry Swirled Cheesecake Bars
Cherry Swirled Cheesecake Bars are rich, fluffy, and loaded with sweet cherry jam.
They’re a delicious summer dessert that’s perfect for barbecues or sharing with friends.
4. Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Frosting
Strawberry Sheet Cake with Strawberry Frosting is sweet, fruity, and made without artificial flavors.
This easy, moist sheet cake is ideal for summer baking and feels like a celebration in every bite.
5. Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
It’s a perfect spring or summer dessert that brings a sweet taste of warm, sunny days.
6. Beach Cupcakes
Beach Cupcakes are a fun, easy treat for pool parties or summer birthdays.
They’re colorful, tasty, and made with a simple boxed cake mix for stress-free baking.
7. BBQ Grill Cupcakes
BBQ Grill Cupcakes are colorful and festive, perfect for summer barbecues or backyard parties.
They’re a playful twist on cupcakes that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.
8. S’mores Cupcakes
S’mores Cupcakes bring the classic campfire treat to your oven with graham cracker crust and marshmallow frosting.
They’re rich, chocolatey, and the ultimate summer dessert for s’mores lovers.
9. Easy Strawberry Cake
Easy Strawberry Cake is a sweet, tangy treat packed with fresh strawberries and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Perfect for summer gatherings, this make-ahead dessert is simple to whip up with a cake mix and always a crowd-pleaser.
10. Peach Bundt Cake Recipe
Peach Bundt Cake is a juicy, moist summer favorite made with real peaches and Greek yogurt.
Easy to make from a cake mix, it’s finished with a light vanilla glaze for a deliciously fresh touch.
11. Pink Lemonade Cake
Pink Lemonade Cake brings summer vibes with its bright pink color and zesty lemon flavor.
Made from a basic white cake base, it’s easy to make and perfect for backyard parties.
12. Watermelon Poke Cupcakes
Watermelon Poke Cupcakes are a fun, fruity twist on classic cupcakes perfect for summer barbecues.
Each cupcake is filled with sweet watermelon flavor and great for Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any festive event.
13. Pineapple Sunshine Cake
Pineapple Sunshine Cake is a bright, easy-to-make dessert with a yellow cake mix and real pineapple.
Ideal for potlucks and summer gatherings, it’s bursting with tropical flavor and juicy goodness.
14. Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake delivers sweet and tangy summer flavors with a simple, no-fuss recipe.
Loaded with blueberry pie filling, fresh blueberries, and lemon pie filling, it’s a no-bake favorite.
15. Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes capture the classic pie flavor in a handheld dessert.
Topped with soft, airy meringue, they’re zesty, fresh, and perfect for spring and summer treats.
16. Lemon Poke Cake
Lemon Poke Cake is soft, sweet, and incredibly moist with a burst of citrus after every bite.
Made with a cake mix and lemon pudding, it’s finished with a fluffy Cool Whip layer for a refreshing dessert.
17. Lemon Coconut Poppy Seed Cake
Lemon Coconut Poppy Seed Cake is a bright, tender treat that brings summer vibes to every bite.
The citrusy lemon flavor pairs perfectly with toasted coconut and a hint of crunch from poppy seeds.
It’s a simple dessert that always disappears fast at brunch or dessert tables.