Now that we've officially entered the time of year when backyard cookouts and picnics are practically a weekly thing, most of us are always on the lookout for something fun and delicious to bring to share with our family and friends.

And that's why I was so thrilled when I came across this strawberry shortcake cupcakes recipe from Food & Wine. Yes -- strawberry shortcake cupcakes, which has to be one of the greatest twists ever on the classic dessert we all remember devouring every summer as kids. (And as adults too. Busted.)

When it comes time to get a cake for a birthday, party, family get-together, or just for fun, sometimes it's easier to pick one up from the supermarket or a local bakery. But what if you could be reassured that you'd be able to make one just as good -- no, better -- with an amazing, delicious recipe?

This is the cake recipe, which the popular NYC bakery, Amy's Bread, uses for their "Pink Cake," a delicate vanilla butter cake paired with heavy, super-sweet buttercream frosting. Uh, yeah. Wow. Who even needs a special occasion as an excuse to try their hand at this one?

As temperatures heat up, cooler desserts are what we all crave. That means ice cream, and lots of it. This easy ice cream cake is a great way to serve it up.

From Virtually Homemade, it's gorgeous and flavorful when topped with a delicious raspberry sauce. But there's a secret -- you start with regular old ice cream sandwiches you buy at the grocery store, so it couldn't be any easier. I know people often say that, but in this case, it's true. Layered with the raspberry sauce (or a sauce of your choosing) and a homemade creamy filling, they all come together to make one delicious and impressive dessert in a snap.

No need to add mint, or something marshmallowy, or anything fruity -- the simple deliciousness that is a chocolate pie should not be messed with. This recipe takes 15 minutes from start to finish so that in no time, you can sit back, relax, and eat yourself into a chocolate coma.

One of the easiest, but most special, ways to celebrate Mother's Day is by serving Mom breakfast in bed. And one of the best breakfast in bed foods is pancakes. Blueberry buttermilk pancakes, specifically. This breakfast treat is super easy to make, but not something you're likely to whip up every day. Go on. Give Mom what she really wants this Mother's Day: Sugary sweet, light and fluffy pancakes the minute she wakes up!

As incredible as they are, cupcakes are a rather frou-frou dessert for the most part. These camouflage cupcakes, however, are as tough as they come. They're adorable (in a rugged sort of way), delicious, and perfect for any kind of military-themed party or to just say thank you to a soldier.

This recipe from Tablespoon is incredibly easy too as she suggests you just use pre-made frosting and cake mixes. It's the technique and coloring that make them cute, and you could even top them with little green Army men for an extra kick. Be ready to be saluted big time for these.

It's almost Mother's Day, and if you're looking for the perfect desert to surprise your favorite mom with, I've got a great one for you. This crunchy chocolate malt cupcake recipe has it all going on. It's rich and creamy, but with that sweet, crunchy malted surprise. It's almost a candy bar -- only it's been baked with love.

It's also made with malted milk powder and crispy rice cereal -- that's where the crunch comes in. Top with a few chocolate malt balls and some sprinkles to make it extra fun.

When it comes to finding the perfect dessert to complement any meal, you really can't go wrong with a simple American classic. But sometimes making an entire cake or pie seems like a bit too much, especially if you aren't catering to a huge group.

And that's why this recipe for mini apple pies from Food.com will make you grin from ear to ear.

Not only are these tiny versions of everyone's favorite dessert adorable -- they're also sweet to look at, and a lot of fun for the whole family to eat too!