Summer Baking with Turtledove London

There’s something magical about summer baking. Longer days, windows wide open, sunlight spilling across the kitchen table… and the smell of something sweet drifting through the house. At Turtledove London, we love the simple rituals of home life, and baking is one of those activities that feels timeless.

Whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon or a spontaneous after-school project, summer is the perfect time to gather little ones in the kitchen and make something delicious together.

Baking as a Family Tradition

Baking with children is about so much more than cakes and cookies—it’s about slowing down, sharing stories, and letting kids get hands-on. From cracking eggs to stirring the bowl, children love being part of the process. It’s these little rituals that create lifelong memories.

And in true Turtledove spirit, we like to keep things simple, sustainable, and joyful. Seasonal ingredients, less waste, and recipes that don’t take hours—because summer is for sunshine, picnics, and playtime too.

Easy Summer Baking Recipes

Here are three of our favourite family-friendly recipes—light, simple, and perfect for sunny days.

1. Berry Muffins

A quick bake that makes the most of summer’s seasonal fruit. Perfect for picnics or after-school snacks.

Ingredients:

• 250g self-raising flour

• 100g caster sugar

• 2 eggs

• 125ml milk

• 100g melted butter

• 150g fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a muffin tin with paper cases.

2. Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. In another, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter.

3. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently—don’t overmix.

4. Fold in the berries.

5. Spoon into cases and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden.

2. Zesty Lemon Drizzle Loaf

Light, refreshing, and bursting with citrus—this cake tastes like summer in a slice.

Ingredients:

• 175g self-raising flour

• 175g unsalted butter, softened

• 175g caster sugar

• 3 eggs

• Zest of 2 lemons

• Juice of 1 lemon

For the drizzle:

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 100g icing sugar

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a loaf tin.

2. Beat together butter and sugar until pale. Add eggs one at a time.

3. Fold in flour, lemon zest, and juice.

4. Spoon into tin and bake 40–45 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

5. Mix drizzle ingredients and pour over the warm cake. Allow to cool before slicing.

3. Chewy Oat & Raisin Cookies

Wholesome, simple, and endlessly adaptable—these cookies are brilliant for little bakers.

Ingredients:

• 125g unsalted butter, softened

• 100g light brown sugar

• 75g caster sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 100g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

• 150g rolled oats

• 100g raisins (or chocolate chips if you prefer)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line two baking trays with parchment.

2. Cream butter and both sugars until fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla.

4. Stir in flour, cinnamon, oats, and raisins until combined.

5. Scoop spoonfuls onto trays, leaving space to spread.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges but soft in the middle. Cool on a wire rack.

The Joy of Sharing

One of the best parts of summer baking is sharing. A basket of muffins for a picnic, slices of lemon drizzle loaf for the garden table, or a jar of cookies for neighbours—it’s food that brings people together. For little ones, it’s also a way to learn kindness and connection through something as simple as offering a baked treat.

Summer, Simplified

Summer baking doesn’t need to be elaborate—it’s about simple pleasures. Fresh fruit, a favourite recipe, children’s laughter in the kitchen. It’s about slowing down, being present, and creating moments that feel good.

And when the kitchen is warm and the oven’s turned off, there’s always time to take your treats outside, find a patch of sunshine, and enjoy the best part—eating together.