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Summer showstopper recipes

Pull out all the stops this summer and impress friends and family with beautiful bakes that are surprisingly easy to master and taste as good as they look.

See all summer showstoppers

Editor's choice

Nudity isn't awfully Victorian but this jaw-dropping rustic naked Victoria sponge layer cake was made to break the rules. Stacked with five tiers of delicious sponge and scattered with fresh strawberries and raspberries, it's a recipe that'll always impress.
Rustic naked Victoria sponge layer cake
105
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This vibrantly pink berry no-bake cheesecake makes a show-stopping summer dessert, yet is incredibly easy to make as there’s no tricky baking involved – just a little bit of stirring on the hob and blitzing in a food processor.
No-bake frozen yogurt cheesecake
66
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Treat yourself with this summer-perfect dish of fresh fruit and frothy meringue.
Peach and blackberry meringue crown cake
17
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This fruity dessert has been given a lighter makeover with a no-fuss creamy yogurt filling and easy crunchy filo pastry base, so you can certainly treat yourself to an extra slice.
Apricot and orange blossom honey tart
2
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Inspired by a classic Eton mess, this elegant layered sponge cake is filled with all our favourite ingredients, from macerated strawberries and raspberries to whipped cream and crunchy meringue.
Eton mess cake
118
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This impressive layered strawberry, chocolate and vanilla cake is a must for Neapolitan ice cream lovers and makes a perfect special occasion cake, whether it's for a baby shower, birthday party or Mother’s Day afternoon tea
Neapolitan layer cake
31
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Cool down on hot summer nights with this fresh take on Turkish flavours with real wow-factor. This ice cream terrine is infused with the fragrant flavours of lemon and rose Turkish delight and crunchy pistachios
Pistachio and Turkish delight ice cream terrine
11
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A showstopping summertime bake – Pimm's-soaked sponge sandwiched with mascarpone cream and topped with fresh strawberries and cucumber
Pimm's layer cake
45
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Popular summer showstopper recipes recipes

Strawberry cheesecake tarts
1296
0 comments
Need something sweet but don’t want to cook? These strawberry cheesecake tarts are the answer. With a crumbly ginger biscuit base, Greek yogurt and soft cheese filling with strawberries and jam on top, these fruity treats are pure indulgence.
  • Serves 4
  • 20mins to prepare, 5mins to cook and 25mins to cool
  • 563 calories
Rainbow cake
870
0 comments
This vibrant, six-tiered rainbow creation is a guaranteed showstopper
  • Serves 18
  • 1 hr 20 mins to prepare and 30 mins to cook
  • 602 calories
Classic Victoria sponge
364
0 comments
Master the classics with this delicious Victoria sponge. A quintessential British bake, it features layers of light sponge sandwiched together by velvety cream and juicy strawberries
  • Serves 10
  • 70 mins
  • 435 calories
Strawberry tart
173
0 comments
A classic strawberry tart filled with luxe crème pâtissière makes a stunning pud
  • Serves 10
  • 390 mins
  • 312 calories
Grilled sea bass fillets with Mediterranean potato salad
127
0 comments
Prepare the light, delicate flavours of the Mediterranean in just 25 minutes with this sea bass and potato salad dish
  • Serves 4
  • 25 mins
  • 404 calories
Eton mess cake
118
0 comments
Inspired by a classic Eton mess, this elegant layered sponge cake is filled with all our favourite ingredients, from macerated strawberries and raspberries to whipped cream and crunchy meringue.
  • Serves 14
  • 45 mins to prepare and 30 mins to cook, plus cooling
  • 553 calories
Surprise Piñata cake
108
0 comments
Slice into this sensational vanilla celebration cake and let the hidden sweets pour out to surprise and amaze party guests
  • Serves 24
  • 240 mins
  • 346 calories
Chocolate cheesecake with almond brittle
56
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A striking-as-it-is-scrummy cheesecake, and one to serve at a special dinner party. The filling made with chocolate, soft cheese and mascarpone, sits on a buttery biscuit base, and is dramatically decorated with shards of almond brittle.
  • Serves 14
  • 285 mins
  • 696 calories
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