17 Simple Summer Cupcakes

Cupcakes are love, especially on summer days. They pair well with overpowering grill recipes, BBQs, and crockpot dishes. If you’re looking for easy and quick cupcakes, you’re in the right spot. I’ve shared 17 best cupcake recipes that you are going to love.

From refreshing lemon cupcakes and vegan cupcakes to gluten-free and sushi cupcakes, this list has covered a lot of striking options. So don’t skip any of them. Otherwise, you might miss the chance to tantalize your taste buds with unique and delightful flavors!

The plus point is that most cupcakes in this list are customizable; you can play with frostings and toppings to get the subtle flavors and appeal. 

Whether you’re planning to make a large batch of cupcakes for your summer parties or picnics or just want to make them for your loved one, these cupcake options are versatile, a breeze, and a time-saver. 

1- VEGAN STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES

If you dislike traditional whipped cream frosting over cupcakes, don’t worry! Try this Vegan strawberry cupcake topped with vegan whipped cream. 

They offer amazing strawberry flavors, perfect for summer or spring. Overall, the cupcakes are super soft, fluffy, and moist. You can also customize the frosting; buttercream is the best substitute if you don’t like vegan whipped cream.

2- RED VELVET CUPCAKES

This cupcake is incomparably striking, offering a bold and vibrant texture. You can make it in just 30 minutes. The best option for busy summer weekends. 

Also, this cupcake is an all time favorite of my kids, and I often use it for evening gatherings during summer holidays. The reddish texture is so sweet that it comes after cocoa powder and vinegar reactions. 

3- PALEO BLACK FOREST CUPCAKES

Chocolate and cherries make a pro combination, and if you’re a chocolate flavor lover like me, this Paleo Black Forest cupcake is a best bet. 

This cute and sweet cupcake has a cherry filling and fluffy homemade forts. Lemon juice and maple syrup build a balanced flavor with cherries. The perfect option for picnics. 

5- Easy Raspberry Swirl Cupcakes

These swirl cupcakes with raspberry pie filling feel like heaven on the tongue. The Oreo and chocolate flavors with raspberry give an utterly pleasant taste that your kids will love. 

The vibrant flavor of raspberries pairs wonderfully with the lightness and freshness often associated with summertime treats.

7- GLUTEN-FREE CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES

If you want something more appealing and fancy, just stop at these gluten-free carrot cupcakes. These cupcakes are healthier than any other on the list, sweetened with dates and packed with crunchy walnuts.

The cute carrot foresting makes it even better and more appealing. This cupcake is also easy to make, budget-friendly, and high in fiber. 

8- LAVENDER CUPCAKES

Everyone loves these lavender cupcakes. The bright lemon frosting makes them best for summer days. 

These lavender cupcakes have incredible declines, soft and moist. Thankfully, you need only a few staple ingredients to craft these cupcakes. This vegan version contains non-dairy milk and vegan butter, the best option for dairy-free individuals. 

9- EASY LEMON BUTTERFLY CAKES

Say hello to these easy lemon butter cupcakes, they are super easy to make and feel very scrumptious. 

This recipe uses caster sugar to bring a subtle texture. It is topped with homemade buttercream and ice sugar, making it a more mouthwatering dessert for parties and picnics.  

10- Pink Flamingo Cupcakes

For birthday parties, nothing is better than this Pink Flamingo cupcake. Topped with vanilla extract and cute flamingos. 

One thing I like about these cupcake cupcakes is the pink flamingos on the top, which look incredibly adorable. Plus, the vanilla extract offers rich, sweet, and aromatic notes. 

11- LEMON DRIZZLE CUPCAKES

Another great cupcake recipe this summer is these Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes, which taste incredibly refreshing. Also, you don’t need fancy ingredients to whip up the recipe. You don’t need fluffy frostings; just add lemon sugar drizzle and icing. 

12- Vegan Sushi Cupcakes

You might have tried many cupcake recipes, but these unique Vegan sushi cupcakes are exceptional and made with sushi rice, Butterfly pea flower, and sushi vinegar. 

If you want to make your guests wow or want to earn more complaints, try this unique Vegan sushi cupcake. It’s simple, easy and a gluten-free treat. Use cauliflower, cucumber, and sunflower sprouts for toppings. 

13- Mermaid Cupcakes

Try these Mermaid cupcakes if you’re looking for something more fancy and decorative. Your children will love these playful cupcakes. 

Like the beautiful appeal, these mermaid cupcakes also have a bakery-like taste. You’ll need pink fondant, lilac fondant, corn starch, and silver cake spray to create the tails and seashells.

14- Piña Colada Cupcakes

This Pina colada cupcake is sweet, delicious, easy to make and offers a beautiful tropical vibe. If you want refreshing cupcakes with fruity flavors, these Pina Colada cupcakes are the best option. 

All the ingredients used in these cupcakes have a tropical vibe, like coconut milk, pineapple, and cherries.  Make Pina Colada cupcakes for picnics and family gatherings, or use any barbecue and grilling recipe. 

15- Tangy Lime Cupcakes Recipe

I love lime cupcakes, and this tangy cupcake is near my heart. It’s full of fresh and refreshing nodes, a tangy lime flavor, and a mild tropical vibe. 

The lime cheesecake frosting for this cupcake is completely homemade, and you can adjust the flavor and texture of the frosting according to your desires. It’s super easy to make; even if you don’t know much about baking science, you can still whip up this delicious cupcake.

16- Easy Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

The sweet strawberry pairs well with tart lemon, and the cupcakes’ ingredients deliver a revitalizing taste. It’s honestly the best cupcake idea for summers and picnics. You can also use raspberries instead of strawberries for a slightly tart and fruity flavor. 

17- Banana Cupcakes

Quench your banana flavor with these delicious banana cupcakes. The moist and large bake base with banana provides a large canvas for chocolate toppings. 

You can also use sprinkles or any fresh fruits as toppings. Serve these cupcakes with vanilla ice cream to complain about the chocolate flavor. Finely chopped walnuts, Pistachio, and cardamom powder are other secret ingredients to elevate the texture and flavor of these cupcakes.