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From Memorial Day to July 4th, summer is ripe with celebration-worthy occasions. One way to take your seasonal get-together to the next level? Standout desserts. While pies and cookies will always have a place in our hearts (and stomachs), it’s cupcakes that are currently capturing our attention.
Whether you’re looking for inspo for your next soiree, or are simply craving some eye-candy, these creative, fruit-infused confections are sure to satisfy. From key lime to watermelon, we’ve rounded up 10 pretty desserts that scream summer.
Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
This recipe by Simply Whiskey packs the flavors of a nostalgic summertime beverage into a super cute cupcake. Pro tip: Use a piping bag and decorating tip to pipe the strawberry lemonade buttercream for a fancy, swirl effect. Garnish with a lemon wedge and striped paper straw.
Key Lime Cupcakes
If you like key lime pie, you’re going to love these tangy treats by Life Love Liz, packed with bright citrus flavor. The perfect balance of tart and sweet, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Watermelon Cupcakes
These watermelon cupcakes by The First Year are super cute and surprisingly simple to make. Green food coloring gives these cakes their vibrant hue. Kool Aid-infused buttercream and mini chocolate chips finish these wonderfully whimsical creations.
Pina Colada Cupcakes
Take your tastebuds on a tropical getaway with pina colada cupcakes from Life a Little Brighter. These vacation-worthy confections have chunks of pineapple baked inside. And like their namesake cocktail, they’re garnished with shredded coconut, pineapple, and maraschino cherries.
Peach Cobbler Cupcakes
For a fresh twist on a traditional peach cobbler, look no further. We’re keen on these peach-filled cakes from The Chic Site, topped with bourbon-spiked cream cheese frosting and graham cracker crumble.
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
Garnish and Glaze suggests baking blueberries right into the batter. The lemon cream cheese frosting is zesty, without being overpowering, and blueberry rosettes, accented with mint and lemon peel, are a festive finishing touch.
Raspberry Lime Mojito Cupcakes
These grown-up baked goods from Gluten-Free Palate blend mojito flavors—rum, mint, lime, and raspberries—for a colorful treat that will transport you to Havana. Added bonus: These gems are gluten-free.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Strawberry shortcake screams summer. This fun, fête-ready recipe by Chocolate with Grace—an easier-to-eat twist on a classic—combines yellow cake mix, fluffy vanilla buttercream, and ripe strawberries.
Kiwi Cupcakes
These kiwi cupcakes by The First Year are simply scrumptious. Vanilla cake batter gets a mega moisture-boost from sour cream. But the real star is the buttercream, infused with kiwi puree. Wash ‘em down a refreshing mocktail.
Blackberry Cupcakes
These beauties by Garnish & Glaze would be perfect for a bridal shower. Wondering what gives this frosting its pretty purple hue? Butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and blended blackberries—no food coloring necessary.