84 summer cake recipes

Puree of apricots made from dried apricots simmered tender, blended smooth with honey and orange zest. A three-ingredient sauce for desserts, cakes, custards, or spooning over yogurt.

Moist date cake with a bubbly brown sugar and coconut topping baked right on. Dates simmered in water create natural sweetness, while the toasted coconut layer adds caramel crunch.

Rum butter sauce simmers a glossy syrup of sugar, lemon juice, butter, brandy, and both light and dark rum into a holiday dessert sauce. Pour warm over mince pie, pound cake, or steamed pudding.

Flourless chocolate cake studded with dried mission figs simmered in dark rum. Dense, fudgy, and boozy with deep cocoa flavor. Serve chilled with soft whipped cream for a dinner party dessert that feels effortlessly sophisticated.