Spring’s Not Over Yet! 15 Late Spring Cakes To Bake Before Summer Arrives
Before the berries get too ripe and the citrus gives way to stone fruit, it’s time to celebrate what spring still has to offer. These cakes are fresh, light, seasonal, and just a little indulgent—perfect for a picnic, brunch, or sunny afternoon tea. Bake one (or three) before summer fully kicks in.
1. Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Imagine a sunny picnic with friends, where a Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake takes center stage. This delightful dessert captures all the classic shortcake flavors in a convenient, no-fuss format.
Fluffy cake layers are smothered with airy whipped cream and topped with juicy, vibrant strawberries. Each bite is a burst of spring freshness that pleases the crowd.
It’s the quintessential party cake, bringing together the sweetness of ripe berries with the comforting taste of vanilla. Perfect for sharing at any springtime celebration, this cake is both nostalgic and utterly scrumptious.
2. Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake
Brighten your day with the sunny essence of a Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake. Its citrusy notes are both refreshing and invigorating, a true reflection of late spring.
The cake’s dense texture is generously flecked with crunchy poppy seeds, adding a delightful crunch to every slice.
A zesty lemon glaze drizzled over the top adds an extra zing, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether for brunch or an afternoon tea, this cake is a vibrant treat that embodies the essence of spring’s cheerful spirit.
3. Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
Witness the transformation of tart rhubarb into a caramelized masterpiece with the Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake. This dessert is a late-spring showstopper, perfect for celebrations.
The vanilla cake base perfectly complements the tangy rhubarb, creating a balance that delights the palate.
As the cake bakes, the rhubarb softens and sweetens, leaving behind a gorgeous, glossy top. It’s a visual feast as much as a culinary delight, with the rhubarb’s vibrant colors shining through. A slice of this cake is nothing short of a springtime revelation.
4. Honey Lavender Snack Cake
Picture a tranquil afternoon with a slice of Honey Lavender Snack Cake in hand. This cake is lightly floral, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
The subtle sweetness makes it an ideal companion for a cup of tea, providing a moment of calm and indulgence.
Lavender infuses the cake with a gentle, aromatic fragrance, while honey adds a natural sweetness that isn’t overpowering. It’s a cake that whispers springtime elegance, offering a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
5. Strawberry Basil Olive Oil Cake
Discover the intriguing combination of flavors in a Strawberry Basil Olive Oil Cake. Fresh strawberries bring a juicy burst to this earthy cake, while basil adds a surprising herby twist.
The olive oil provides a moist, rich texture that enhances the cake’s complexity, making each bite a delightful exploration of taste.
It’s a cake that’s as much about its visual appeal as its flavor, with vibrant strawberries and fresh basil leaves gracing the top. Perfect for those who appreciate a unique culinary experience, this cake is a celebration of spring’s bounty.
6. Buttermilk Berry Sheet Cake
Indulge in the soft, tangy delight of a Buttermilk Berry Sheet Cake. This cake is generously dotted with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, offering a medley of flavors in every bite.
The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that complements the sweet berries, creating a harmonious blend that pleases the palate.
Perfect for gatherings, its no-fuss sheet cake format makes it easy to serve and enjoy. With a touch of whimsy, this cake invites everyone to savor the freshness of late spring’s berry bounty.
7. Carrot and Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Reimagine the classic carrot cake with a spring twist by adding sweet pineapple to the mix. This Carrot and Pineapple Cake is a moist, flavorful delight that’s sure to impress.
The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy layer that complements the cake’s sweetness, creating a perfect balance.
Decorated with nuts, this cake not only tastes divine but also looks inviting. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors, where the familiar meets the exotic, offering a refreshing take on a beloved classic.
8. Orange Almond Cake
Experience the fragrant allure of an Orange Almond Cake, where whole oranges are transformed into a dense, flavorful dessert.
Made with almond flour, this cake is naturally gluten-free, offering a unique texture that’s both rich and satisfying.
The natural oils from the oranges infuse the cake with a vibrant aroma, while the almond flour adds a nutty depth. It’s a simple yet sophisticated cake that captures the essence of spring, perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that’s both wholesome and indulgent.
9. Matcha Vanilla Marble Loaf
Delight in the visual and culinary artistry of a Matcha Vanilla Marble Loaf. This loaf cake captivates with its elegant green tea swirl, adding color and earthy notes to a light vanilla base.
Each slice is a work of art, where the marbling effect creates a beautiful contrast and a unique flavor profile.
Perfect for tea time, this loaf offers a refined taste experience that caters to those who appreciate the subtleties of matcha and vanilla. It’s a cake that balances tradition with innovation, offering a refreshing take on the marble loaf.
10. Lemon-Raspberry Yogurt Cake
Savor the delightful combination of brightness and berry goodness in a Lemon-Raspberry Yogurt Cake. Greek yogurt lends a tender crumb to this cake, making it irresistibly moist.
The tangy lemon adds brightness, while the juicy raspberries provide bursts of fruity flavor, creating a harmonious blend.
Adorned with a lemon glaze, this cake is a feast for the senses, both visually and in taste. It’s an ideal dessert for spring gatherings, offering a celebration of fresh ingredients that capture the essence of the season.
11. Elderflower and Lemon Drizzle Cake
Discover the enchanting flavors of an Elderflower and Lemon Drizzle Cake, where each slice is infused with subtle floral sweetness.
The elderflower adds a unique twist to the classic lemon drizzle, creating a cake that’s both refreshing and intriguing.
Soft and moist, this cake is a perfect centerpiece for a spring brunch or afternoon tea. The elderflower’s delicate aroma mingles with the zesty lemon, offering a sophisticated taste experience that lingers long after the last bite.
12. Strawberry Cornmeal Cake
Embrace the rustic charm of a Strawberry Cornmeal Cake, where the slight graininess of cornmeal provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of strawberries.
Whole strawberries peek through the top, creating jammy pockets of fruit that burst with flavor.
This cake is all about texture and taste, offering a unique experience that’s both hearty and indulgent. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary, ideal for those who love a bit of rustic elegance in their desserts.
13. Almond-Rhubarb Coffee Cake
Enjoy a leisurely morning with an Almond-Rhubarb Coffee Cake, where tart rhubarb and sweet almond streusel create a delightful flavor combo.
The crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the tender cake offers a comforting base.
Each bite is a blend of textures and tastes that make this cake a standout choice for lazy mornings or afternoon coffee. It’s a cake that celebrates the best of spring, with rhubarb providing a tangy contrast to the sweet almond notes.
14. Coconut Lime Snack Cake
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with a Coconut Lime Snack Cake. This cake is all about capturing sunny vibes without rushing into summer.
Coconut milk adds richness, while lime zest provides a refreshing tang, making each bite light and invigorating.
The cake’s simple elegance makes it an ideal snack or dessert for any occasion, offering a small taste of the tropics right at home. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the lingering days of spring, with flavors that promise a gentle transition to summer.
15. Vanilla Bean Chiffon Cake with Berries
Experience the airy elegance of a Vanilla Bean Chiffon Cake, where lightness and flavor go hand in hand.
Topped with fresh berries, this cake is a visual delight, offering a burst of color and taste.
The chiffon cake’s delicate texture pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries and blueberries, creating a harmonious blend that’s ideal for spring celebrations. It’s a cake that embodies grace and simplicity, a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-made chiffon.