Top 10 Summer Cake Flavours
Thursday, July 22 2021

In the summertime when the weather is high, the oven usually stays off in the kitchen. However, there are some treats that you just can't resist, especially when they taste quintessentially like summer. Sink your teeth into these 10 mouth-watering flavours that you have to incorporate into your cakes and bakes this season. We're loving them, and we think you will too!


1. Limoncello
Lemons are a staple ingredient in a lot of summer baking, as they are incredibly versatile. Lemons can also be paired with an abundance of other flavours – from traditional limes, strawberries and poppy seeds, to less conventional flavours like Earl Grey, papayas and aniseed.
Instead of zesting your lemons, why not try another way of infusing this citrus flavour? Even though it's lemony, limoncello liqueur is a very different beast. It packs much more of a punch than if you were to use normal lemons. And what’s great about this is that you really don’t need to use much of it; a few splashes will give you a hit of enhanced flavour. The sharp citrusy taste with a hint of sweetness really works in all kinds of bakes. You can mix it into cake batters, or you could even use it in your glazes.
We’re loving combinations like lemon and blueberry, lemon and lavender, lemon meringue and even pink lemonade, all ideal for the warm weather and sunshine!



2. Strawberries
Whether you're enjoying them by the punnet, in a dessert or in a glass of Pimm's, strawberries are THE classic summertime fruit.
There's nothing like the taste of a perfectly ripe strawberry. There's so much you can do with this sweet fruit, the options are endless. If you want some help narrowing down your choices, why not try a strawberry mousse cake? This chilled cake is ideal for the hotter months, especially when you don't want to turn the oven on. Or, if you're hosting a get-together or summer party, some mini strawberry galettes would be the perfect bite-sized treats. If you want something more traditional, you can enjoy a classic twist on strawberries and cream by pairing it with a lighter Chiffon cake, rather than the usual sponge or a dense genoise.

Want to know a secret? If you really want to bring out the flavour of your strawberries, roast them! This is also the case with rhubarb, which is why both foods work so well together in desserts. You can pair them together with a delicious pavlova, or include in them in a tasty cheesecake or tart.



3. Earl Grey
Don’t fancy your usual cup of tea in the summer heat? Fear not! You can still enjoy the perfumed flavour, though this time in a cake of any kind. Keep the flavour standalone, or combine it with citrus fruits or lavender and honey.


4. Peaches
If you can't get your peaches out in Georgia, pick-your-own farms and supermarkets will be able to help you out. Peaches are perfect by themselves in desserts, but they also pair really well with a number of other stone-fruits, like plums, cherries and pears.

Enjoy your peaches in some quick and easy summer tortes, galettes or cakes with a delicious scoop of ice-cream on the side. Or get your cheesecake on and make a creamy peach cobbler, the perfect way to celebrate the season. You could also bake a batch of peach cheesecake bars, perfect for sharing or pop them in the fridge to chill and enjoy over a few days.



5. Margarita
It's nothing new, but a Margarita is always going to be a hit in the summer, especially when it's baked into a cake. Make your own fabulous desserts with all the flavours of a Margarita – it’s a perfect accompaniment to drinks or as a luxurious dessert. It will go down a treat! This summer, we'd recommend chilled cheesecakes, cupcakes and layered cakes, which is perfect if you're looking for something a bit more special.



6. Elderflower
Fragrant and refreshing, the delicate flavour of elderflower is super seasonal. Usually enjoyed in ice cold drinks, why not experiment and add some to your next bake? We have been loving the elderflower and rhubarb combination recently, but there's so much more you can pair this delicate flower with. Mix into buttercream or glazes, add to ice-cream and serve alongside a dessert, or fold a little elderflower cordial into your cake batter to really enhance the flavour of your summer bake.


7. Oranges
Orange or even orange blossom is a great ingredient to use in your desserts over summer. Despite being a tangy citrus fruit, oranges have a much sweeter taste, unlike its sister fruit the lemon. It's brings a sharp but sweet flavour to recipes, and just screams "SUMMER" to us.


Even though everyone knows chocolate and oranges are a perfect pairing, we've actually been favouring the solo flavour of the oranges this summer – the light and refreshing taste does wonders on your palate and leaves you wanting more. No-bake cheesecakes and simple loaf cakes are easy to enjoy with friends and family over the summer holidays, but we personally can't get enough of sweet orange shortcakes (a fun twist on the American strawberry shortcake) and dreamy orange creamsicle cakes. Nothing says summer quite like a creamy, cooled treat!


8. Matcha
If you're a green tea lover then you're going to love this! Not only does it add a pop of colour to your creations, but it's an easy way to add that earthy green tea flavour to your baked goods. It also contains many antioxidant properties, so it's the perfect way to make a recipe healthier. Maybe that's why it's become so popular over the last few year! Matcha also seems to be paired with anything – from mango and berries, to Oreo and almond.


The matcha flavour really stands at the front, but never overpowers. It also compliments creamy textures, so cheesecakes and bakes covered in buttercream are preferred. And if you're feeling a little adventurous, have a go at a matcha panna cotta. Extremely easy to make, this dessert delivers that wow-factor.



9. Coconut
Something you need to know is that summer desserts don’t have to be light and fruity. An ingredient that does this best is the coconut. Coconuts pack a rich, creamy decadence in each bite, whilst making you feel like you're on holiday at the same time. Nothing against plain coconut, but we'd encourage you all to experiment with coconut combos in your baking this season. Personally, we're loving the addition of lemons, pineapples and strawberries. They all add a bit of sharpness and depth to an otherwise smooth and one-flavour cake.



10. Almonds
Elevate your summer desserts with almonds. You may not have thought this, but almonds add that extra bit of texture and a subtle creamy flavour to all your bakes. Whether you include them in the mixture as frangipane or sprinkle over as a decorative garnish, they definitely make a different to the end result. And what's great is almonds work with almost everything: pair with citrus fruits, berries, stone fruits and even rhubarb. For summer, we'd suggest delicate frangipane tarts, light sponges and other flaky pastries.


