25 Summer Cupcakes That Will Take You to a Tropical Island

This list of summer cupcakes highlights the freshest flavors of the season. They feature the bright tastes of citrus, berries, and tropical fruits.

Summer cupcakes are designed to be airy and moist, often incorporating ingredients like fresh berries, lemon zest, or tropical fruits that add a natural sweetness and tang.

Here are some of the best summer cupcake recipes that capture the essence of the season.

Lemon Lime Soda Cupcakes

These light and airy sweet treats are perfect for your summer dessert spread.

The main ingredients include a cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and a unique addition of lime gelatin for that extra zing.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Lime Soda Cupcakes

Peach Cupcakes

These cupcakes use cake flour for an extra soft crumb and are filled with a sweet peach jam.

They’re easy, creamy, and refreshing. Pair them with sparkling peach iced tea to enhance the peach flavors.

Get The Recipe: Peach Cupcakes

Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Lemon and raspberry are a magical dessert combo.

The frosting, a creamy blend of butter, vanilla, and raspberry or lemon extract, adds a luxurious texture. Serve them chilled with a garnish of fresh raspberries and mint leaves.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

The natural acidity of lemons can cut through the sweetness of cupcakes, creating a nicely balanced flavor.

Try this recipe featuring strawberries and lemon zest. It also includes buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

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Lemon Curd and Elderflower Cupcakes

These treats are a wonderful choice for a summer garden party.

They offer a soft, spongey texture and sophisticated flavors. For an elegant presentation, arrange them on a vintage cake stand and garnish with edible flowers.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Curd and Elderflower Cupcakes

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

These carrot cupcakes blend the rich flavors of carrot and cinnamon in a wonderfully moist treat.

They are made with a combination of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a spice mix that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Get The Recipe: Carrot Cake Cupcakes

S’mores Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a creative spin on the beloved s’mores, featuring a graham cracker topping and chocolate frosting.

They’re also topped with marshmallow creme, mini chocolate chips, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Get The Recipe: S’mores Cupcakes

Mint Julep Cupcakes

Summer gatherings aren’t complete without one-of-a-kind desserts.

These cupcakes are infused with the refreshing taste of mint and a hint of bourbon. Serve them alongside a cold mint julep or iced tea to keep with the Southern summer theme.

Get The Recipe: Mint Julep Cupcakes

Paleo Black Forest Cupcakes

Check out these black forest cupcakes for a guilt-free treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

They marry chocolate’s rich taste with cherries’ sweetness, all while adhering to paleo dietary standards.

Get The Recipe: Paleo Black Forest Cupcakes

Hummingbird Cupcakes

These hummingbird cupcakes offer a burst of tropical flavors!

They include bananas, pineapple, and cinnamon. Pair them with a simple iced tea or a pineapple-infused cocktail.

Get The Recipe: Hummingbird Cupcakes

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes

These zucchini-infused creations are a perfect way to sneak some veggies into your dessert.

The rich chocolate flavor is enhanced by instant coffee granules, and the ganache is made with semi-sweet chocolate and a touch of orange extract.

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes

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Blueberry Filled Cupcakes with Basil Buttercream

Let the fresh, vibrant flavors of these blueberry cupcakes brighten your summer days.

They have a sweet blueberry compote center and are crowned with a uniquely aromatic basil buttercream. Pair them with an herbal iced tea to enhance their flavors.

Get The Recipe: Blueberry Filled Cupcakes with Basil Buttercream

Chocolate Cupcakes with Blackberry Sauce

These cupcakes are deep, dark, and moist, with dark chocolate, baking soda, yogurt, whipping cream, and vanilla extract.

Serve them with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the intense chocolate notes.

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Cupcakes with Blackberry Sauce

Gluten-Free Coconut Cupcakes

Imagine biting into these coconut cupcakes, where every mouthful is a burst of tropical bliss.

They include coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut extract, and Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract. These treats are also suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Get The Recipe: Gluten-Free Coconut Cupcakes

Limoncello Cupcakes

These limoncello cupcakes are refreshing and invigorating treats.

They combine the tangy taste of limoncello with the sweetness of lemon. The texture is moist and fluffy, with main ingredients including limoncello liqueur and lemon zest.

Get The Recipe: Limoncello Cupcakes

Cannoli Cupcakes with Raspberry Filling

Prepare the most sophisticated summer cupcakes in around an hour.

These treats blend the mouthwatering flavors of ricotta cheese and chocolate chips with a sweet raspberry filling.

Get The Recipe: Cannoli Cupcakes with Raspberry Filling

Sourdough Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Here’s a delightful twist on traditional vanilla cupcakes.

They have a unique tangy taste from the sourdough combined with the sweet flavor of vanilla. Serve them with a sprinkle of crushed almonds and a drizzle of honey.

Get The Recipe: Sourdough Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Key Lime Cupcakes

These desserts offer a bright and zesty lime taste with a moist and fluffy texture.

To make them, mix the cupcake batter with key lime juice and zest, bake until light and golden, and top with a key lime-infused frosting.

Get The Recipe: Key Lime Cupcakes

Beach Cupcakes

Bring the fun of the beach to your next summer party with these cupcakes.

They are designed to look like a beach scene, with a sweet vanilla flavor and a light, fluffy texture. Decorate them with candy seashells for a whimsical touch.

Get The Recipe: Beach Cupcakes

Vegan Raspberry Cupcakes

These vegan raspberry cupcakes are fun, light, and easy to make.

They include soy milk, apple cider vinegar, sunflower oil, baking soda, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a striking summer display.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Raspberry Cupcakes

Orange Soda Creamsicle Cupcakes

Looking for desserts you can serve at pool parties or casual get-togethers? Try these cupcakes!

They boast a refreshing citrus flavor thanks to the orange soda used in both the cake and frosting.

Get The Recipe: Orange Soda Creamsicle Cupcakes

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Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

There are hundreds of strawberry cupcake recipes you can try, and this one is among the easiest and tastiest.

Key ingredients include cake flour, sour cream, eggs, and frozen strawberries.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

These lemon meringue cupcakes can bring a zesty twist to any summer gathering, delivering a burst of lemony goodness in every bite.

You’ll love the fluffy, lightly toasted meringue topping. Serve them with a garnish of lemon zest and some fresh raspberries on the side.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Stuffed Cotton Candy Cupcakes

Ready to add a touch of whimsy to your summer parties? Prepare these cupcakes featuring a fun surprise center and delightful cotton candy flavor.

They’re made with vanilla cake mix, cotton candy extract, and actual cotton candy for filling.

Get The Recipe: Stuffed Cotton Candy Cupcakes

Peach Streusel Cupcakes

Peaches are a standout choice for summer cupcakes.

This one offers an irresistible sweet and slightly spiced taste. The texture is a lovely combination of soft cake and crunchy streusel.

Get The Recipe: Peach Streusel Cupcakes

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Focus on seasonal ingredients that highlight the bright flavors of summer.

Think about using citrus fruits or tropical options like mango and pineapple. These fruits can be mixed into the batter, used as a filling, or even as a garnish on top.