When you think of a backyard BBQ, your mind probably goes straight to burgers, ribs, and corn on the cob.
But let’s be real—the dessert is what everyone is REALLY waiting for.
A fantastic cake can be the true star of the show.
We’re not talking about complicated cakes that take all day to make. We mean easy, crowd-pleasing cakes that are PERFECT for sharing outside with friends and family.
I’ve gathered some of the absolute best cake recipes that are just right for a cookout.
You’ll find everything from light and fruity options to rich, chocolatey cakes that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
So get ready to find the perfect sweet ending for your next BBQ.
1. BBQ Grill Cupcakes
BBQ Grill Cupcakes are a fun and colorful treat perfect for summer barbecues and backyard gatherings.
Kids and adults alike love their playful grill design and sweet, festive flair.
2. BBQ Grill Cupcakes
BBQ Grill Cupcakes bring summer fun to any celebration, from Fourth of July to Father’s Day.
Their bold look and tasty sweetness make them a hit at outdoor parties.
3. Pink Lemonade Cake
Pink Lemonade Cake is a refreshing twist on a classic white cake, perfect for warm weather.
Its soft layers and bright pink color are a charming addition to any summer party.
4. Watermelon Cake Pops
Watermelon Cake Pops are a juicy, bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for summer BBQs.
They’re easy to make and always a favorite at backyard gatherings.
5. Punch Bowl Cake
Punch Bowl Cake is a no-bake showstopper packed with fruit, pudding, whipped topping, and pecans.
It’s a luscious, layered dessert that’s ideal for birthdays, parties, and BBQs.
6. Watermelon Poke Cupcakes
Watermelon Poke Cupcakes are a sweet summer favorite with a juicy, fruity twist.
They’re easy to make and perfect for Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any barbecue.
7. American Flag Cupcakes
American Flag Cupcakes are a simple, patriotic dessert that’s perfect for 4th of July.
They look festive on any dessert table and are easy to assemble with a box mix.
8. Red White and Blue Marble Cake
Red White and Blue Marble Cake is a vibrant, patriotic dessert made with a simple white cake mix.
The swirl of red and blue creates a fun, festive look, topped with berries and Cool Whip.
9. Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Red White and Blue Poke Cake is a festive twist on a classic dessert, perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration.
The layers of red, white, and blue come together in a fun, colorful poke cake that’s easy to make and always a hit at summer gatherings.
10. Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes are a playful and colorful treat that brings summer vibes to your party table.
These cupcakes feature swirls of buttercream in red, white, and blue, shaped to look just like mini ice cream cones.
11. Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes – Easy Cupcake Recipe
Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are a sweet, moist treat packed with real strawberry flavor and a satisfying crunchy topping.
Each cupcake is a little burst of sunshine, perfect for spring or summer dessert time.
12. Southern Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Cream Cheese
Southern Peach Cobbler Pound Cake with Cream Cheese delivers a rich, buttery flavor with juicy peaches and a golden crumb topping.
It’s a no-fuss dessert that tastes like old-fashioned comfort, ideal for peach season or any cozy gathering.
13. Lemon Blackberry Cake – Moist Layer Cake Recipe
Lemon Blackberry Cake is a moist and tangy layer cake that’s bursting with fresh blackberries and zesty lemon.
The light lemon curd filling and creamy blackberry frosting make each bite full of flavor and sunshine.
14. Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, old-fashioned cake with buttery pecans and a smooth, sweet frosting.
Every slice is full of warm, nutty flavor and just the right amount of decadence.
15. Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake delivers a bold mix of chocolate cake, peanut butter cheesecake, and chunks of peanut butter cups.
No frosting needed—just layers of rich, gooey goodness in every bite.
16. Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake is an easy, one-pan dessert that brings together sweet blueberry pie filling and tart lemon flavor.
It’s a juicy, comforting treat with a soft, buttery crust and fresh summer taste.
17. Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake delivers sweet pineapple and cherry flavor in every bite.
It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and perfect for summer gatherings.
18. Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a cozy dessert loaded with apple pie filling and gooey caramels.
The golden yellow cake layer and warm cinnamon taste make it a standout favorite.
19. Strawberry Mandarin Orange Dump Cake
Strawberry Mandarin Orange Dump Cake is a bright, fruity treat that’s perfect for spring.
It’s simple to assemble and full of juicy flavor from start to finish.
20. Blueberry Cupcakes
Blueberry Cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and packed with fresh blueberries.
Each one has a sweet vanilla frosting with a swirl of real blueberries on top.
21. Cake Balls Recipe
Cake Balls are fun, bite-sized treats made from cake mix, frosting, and candy melts.
They’re easy to make and great for sharing as a dessert or gift.
22. Cake Truffles Recipe
Cake Truffles are rich and creamy, made with cake crumbs, frosting, and a shiny candy coating.
You can customize the flavor and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
23. Patriotic Funfetti Mason Jar Cupcakes
Patriotic Funfetti Mason Jar Cupcakes are colorful, adorable, and perfect for any celebration.
They’re portable, easy to make, and taste as good as they look.
24. Rainbow Swirl Tie Dye Cupcakes
Rainbow Swirl Tie Dye Cupcakes have vibrant frosting that looks like a summer sky.
They’re perfect for parties and kids who love bold, fun desserts.
25. Red White and Blue Patriotic Bundt Cake
Red White and Blue Patriotic Bundt Cake is a festive 4th of July cake that brings summer vibes with its swirl of red, white, and blue layers.
Perfect for Memorial Day or any patriotic celebration, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
26. Peach Dump Cake
Peach Dump Cake is a no-fuss dessert made with just five simple ingredients, including a box of cake mix and canned peaches.
It’s sweet, juicy, and perfect for a quick summer treat that’s hard to resist.
27. Pineapple Dump Cake
Pineapple Dump Cake delivers a tropical, buttery flavor with minimal effort and just five ingredients.
This sweet, easy dessert is a summer favorite that’s ready in about an hour.
28. Super Easy Strawberry Lemonade Bundt Cake
Super Easy Strawberry Lemonade Bundt Cake combines a zesty lemon cake with swirls of strawberry jam and a luscious strawberry glaze.
It’s a bright, airy dessert that’s perfect for warm days and summer gatherings.
29. Easy Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake
Easy Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake starts with a cake mix base and gets topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a crunchy strawberry layer.
It’s a strawberry lover’s dream with every bite filled with flavor and texture.
30. Dump Cake
Dump Cake is a simple, quick dessert made with only four common pantry staples.
It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a warm, sweet treat in just minutes.
31. Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake is a breeze to make and delivers a sweet, caramelized pineapple top with a soft cake base.
It’s the perfect summer dessert for casual get-togethers or a no-mess way to enjoy a classic favorite.
32. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a rich, satisfying dessert that comes together in minutes with just three ingredients.
It’s a quick and tasty treat that brings chocolate and cherry love to any occasion.
33. Million Dollar Cake
This Million Dollar Cake is a sweet tropical treat that’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
It’s built with a soft cake mix base, layered with creamy coconut and juicy pineapple for a flavor that’s light and fresh.
Perfect for summer desserts or any time you want something sweet and satisfying.


































