Cupcakes are cute, easy-to-make, hand-held treats — great for laid-back outdoor gatherings. But sometimes a plain frosted top falls flat against a sparkling summer setting. Instead, start with a Red Velvet Cupcake or Vanilla Cupcake base, and add these simple summer-inspired toppers for summer party desserts that are as jaw-dropping as they are delicious.

When the heat waves start rolling in, everyone races for the nearest snow cone stand. By using crystal sugar sprinkles, edible food coloring spray and a striped straw, you can make your very own snow cones sans the quick-melting problem.

Add a gumball beach ball to cinnamon-sugar-sanded frosting for a cupcake that really screams "pool days." Kids can help color stripes onto white gumballs with edible food markers as a fun summertime activity too.

This burger-and-fries topper nods to boardwalk lunches and grilling with the family — two of summer's most-frequent activities. You don’t have to worry about weird mustard flavors with these, though — the sour patch gummies are just as sweet as icing, and you can pick them up at most local candy stores.