40 Awesome Birthday Cake Ideas That Will Make Your Day
If you’re lucky, you’ll live to be 80, 90, or even 100 years old. While this is great for many reasons, it makes it difficult to come up with unique birthday cake ideas year after year.
I’m afraid I don’t have 100 birthday cake ideas for you.
However, I’ve compiled a list of 40 of my all-time favorite selections for delicious, stunning birthday cakes. Some of these, like the coconut cake, are rather common.
Others, such as the pirate ship cake, are a little more out of the ordinary and may necessitate some basic baking and cake decorating skills.
Still, there’s something on this list for everyone’s interests and cooking abilities, so keep reading to find the perfect birthday cake for yourself or a loved one this year.
BIRTHDAY CAKE IDEAS FOR GIRLS
1. MALTED MILK PINATA CAKE
Pinatas can be a lot of fun, but they can also be messy and even dangerous depending on who is swinging the stick. Instead, make a malted milk pinata cake with this recipe.
2. BUTTERCREAM FLOWER CAKE
This delicious cake is delicious, but it’s also stunningly beautiful. And, yes, I know how it appears, but believe me when I say it’s not nearly as complicated as you think. The instructions in this recipe will show you exactly how to make these beautiful, colorful flowers and swirls.
3. GIANT CUPCAKE CAKE
This giant cupcake cake will be a huge hit if you’re making dessert for someone who wants a cake but prefers cupcakes. It’s pretty, colorful, and each one contains a delightful confetti-like surprise.
4. ICE CREAM CONE CUPCAKES
Another fun, exciting, and one-of-a-kind single-serving birthday cake idea are these ice cream cone cupcakes. Each ice cream cone contains a confetti-filled cupcake. Then simply ice it and sprinkle it with sprinkles. They’re adorable, festive, and simple to make.
Alternative Recipe Video: Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas
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5. UNICORN CAKE
Unicorn cake is a great choice for kids because it is colorful and entertaining. You can decorate the cake in any way you want, but the top of this one is a good place to start. These are great for kids’ birthday parties because they adore unicorns, and they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
6. BIRTHDAY CAKE POPS
Do you want a birthday cake that people can eat whenever they want and throughout the entire party? These birthday cake pops are ideal for celebrations because everyone enjoys cake and everyone enjoys pops.
BIRTHDAY CAKE IDEAS FOR MOM
7. ATOMIC CAKE
So, why is this multicolored, layered cake referred to as an atomic cake? Of course, because it’s the bomb! It truly is the cake for everyone, regardless of their preferences. The bottom layer is chocolate cake, followed by yellow or banana cake, and topped with a white (or strawberry) layer.
8. PINEAPPLE DREAM CAKE
You’ll love the pineapple dream cake if you like cakes that are as moist as they are fluffy. It’s buttery, juicy, and oh-so-tropical. The light, whipped cream frosting is just the icing on the cake.
9. BANANA CAKE
This is another extra moist, extra fluffy, extra simple cake that requires little effort but delivers big flavor. It’s light, sweet, and full of banana flavor. That’s difficult to top.
10. LEMON CAKE
If you like cakes that are sweet, tart, and zesty all at the same time, you’ll love this lemon cake recipe. It takes a little more than an hour to make, like most cakes, but your prep time should be no more than 10 minutes. The ingredient list is also fairly standard.
11. CHEESECAKE
This cheesecake has a delicious crumbly crust and a rich, velvety smooth cheesecake filling. It’s that unique combination of tart and sweet that only cheesecakes can master. It’s sure to be a hit whether served plain or with berries, chocolate sauce, and other toppings.
12. BUTTERFINGER CAKE
This recipe transforms the classic Butterfinger candy into a delectable cake that no one can resist. You’ll need a lot of candy bars to pull this off, so plan ahead of time. This is another good adult birthday cake idea because it will bring back childhood memories while tasting just as good.
BIRTHDAY CAKE IDEAS FOR BOYS
13. HAPPY LION BIRTHDAY CAKE
Try the happy lion birthday cake if you’re looking for an adorable birthday cake idea for one of your favorite kids. It’s so adorable that you won’t want to eat it, but it’s far too tasty to pass up. It’s just as simple to make as the hamburger cake, despite its appearance.
14. BUCKET OF M&MS KIT KAT CAKE
I adore this stunning cake, which would be ideal for a child’s birthday party. It appears to be something you’d pay a lot of money for at an upscale bakery, but it’s actually surprisingly simple to make and only requires four ingredients.
15. PIRATE SHIP CAKE
Without a doubt, the pirate ship cake is one of my favorites when it comes to themed cakes. It does, however, require some time and skill to create. However, as long as you have the right cake decorating tools, it’s not as difficult as you might think.
16. LITTLE MONSTER CAKE
This monster cake is nothing to be afraid of, thanks to the use of cake mixes to save time and easy-to-follow instructions.
17. ART ATTACK JELLY POKE CAKE
This cake will make your day brighter. Jelly and fresh-baked cake, topped with buttercream, chocolate treats, and lollipops
18. CHOC-ROCKS DINOSAUR CAKE
Lizards that leap! The kids will go crazy for this chocolate-rock sensation. Chocolate sauce, chocolate crackles, and chocolate cake topped with toy dinosaurs and trees will transport you back in time.
BIRTHDAY CAKE IDEAS FOR ADULTS
19. CREPE CAKE
What could be better than a delicate, delectable crepe? What about 15 thin, delicious crepes sandwiched between 15 layers of sweet cream? With a handful of your favorite berries on top, you’ll feel like you’re eating breakfast and dessert all at once.
20. CHOCOLATE CAKE
If I’m going to have chocolate cake, I want chocolate cake – not white cake with chocolate frosting, marble cake, or yellow cake with chocolate between the layers. I’d like to have chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, and chocolate layers in between. That is exactly what you will get from this Hershey’s chocolate cake.
21. COCONUT CAKE
The coconut cake in this recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s light, fluffy, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and shredded coconut. There are no artificial flavors like pineapple, raisins, or strawberries. It’s pure, unadulterated coconut joy.
22. KEY LIME CAKE
This simple, elegant cake is ideal for any classy lady (or gentleman) looking for something simple, sweet, and just a tad sour for her birthday celebration. It’s full of citrus flavor and is cool and refreshing, making it ideal for those with summer birthdays.
23. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CAKE
When you can have both cake and cookies, why choose? The best of both worlds is combined in the chocolate chip cookie cake. It’s sweet, chocolatey, dense, and oh-so-rich. And, of course, it’s delicious with a tall glass of milk.
24. PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
Making pineapple upside-down cake has never been easier with Duncan Hines’ Signature Pineapple Supreme cake mix. It’s so simple that you can make it in under an hour.
BIRTHDAY CAKE IDEAS FOR FATHER
25. DING DONG CAKE
It’s also not difficult; it’s just a little time-consuming. And once you bite into that sweet, fluffy chocolate cake with the chocolate ganache frosting and creamy vanilla filling, you won’t mind the extra time you spent making it.
26. CHOCOLATE DRIP CAKE
If you’re looking for a lovely, elegant cake that looks professional but only takes about 5 minutes to decorate, the chocolate drip cake is for you. After you’ve made and iced your cakes, you’ll combine melted chocolate chips with heavy whipping cream and squeeze the mixture along the edge of your cake, allowing it to drip down the side.
27. BLACK FOREST CAKE
If the thought of black forest cake doesn’t make you sigh with delight, you’ve never had it. The ingredients for the cake layers are fairly standard: eggs, sugar, flour, butter, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. It only takes a few minutes to prepare two of them and have them ready to go.
28. OREO CHEESECAKE
Another great option for a quick last-minute birthday cake is Oreo cheesecake. There is no cooking required, and it can be ready in about 15 minutes. You’ll only need Oreos, butter, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and Cool Whip.
29. BROWN BUTTER CAKE WITH VANILLA-HONEY FROSTING
Does Dad prefer to keep things simple? Then you’ll love this Father’s Day cake! A delicious light vanilla honey frosting coats a simple brown butter cake. To decorate, press M&Ms into the frosting or use fun sprinkles!
30. NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE
This caramel-covered cheesecake is unquestionably decadent! A classic Father’s Day cake that we know Dad will adore!
UNIQUE CAKE IDEAS
31. HAMBURGER CAKE
This hamburger cake may appear to be complicated and intricate, but it is made with only five ingredients and various colored food dyes. The “buns” are layers of yellow cake. The hamburger patty is a chocolate-iced chocolate cake layer, with dyed and shaped fondant lettuce, cheese, and condiments.
32. VEGETABLE GARDEN MINI CAKES
These adorable, delectable, and one-of-a-kind mini cakes in the shape of garden vegetables are a delightful treat for spring and summer entertaining.
33. CHOCOLATE TOMBSTONES SNACK CAKES
Delicious and eerie. Yes! The red marshmallow filling dripping from these glazed chocolate tombstones will enchant both adults and children. Make plenty of these snacks because they will disappear quickly!
34. CHOCOLATE SKULL CAKE
This dessert will keep your guests talking about your party long after it has ended. This glazed chocolate skull cake is both spooky and delicious, with ganache oozing out the top and a butcher knife stuck in the side.
35. FLAMINGO CAKE
With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to this hottie who’s ready to party! This Flamingo Cake is a fun and festive way to celebrate any age’s birthday, retirement, or to bring to a summer barbecue.
36. OWL TREE
I’ve been “cooking” since I was three. Now I prepare meals for my two teenage sons and decorate cakes for family and friends. This was created for an online contest. It was hilarious!
BIRTHDAY CAKE IDEAS FOR BOYFRIEND
37. MILK AND OREOS CAKE
With this insane chocolate cake, you can take your love of Oreos to new heights. It’s the biggest Oreo yet, layered with Oreo crumbs and marshmallow frosting. A simple balloon trick turns a bowl of melted white chocolate into a large splash of milk on top of your cake!
38. CARAMEL APPLE CAKE
This is a next-level autumn cake. This cake is stunning, with a spiced cake topped with a layer of caramel and then caramel apples. Perfect for any fall celebrations you have planned.
39. RED VELVET CAKE
Everyone should keep a good red velvet cake recipe on hand, and this is it. It has a decadent chocolate flavor and the creamiest cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted. The addition of vinegar and buttermilk to a red velvet cake makes it extra tender, light, and fluffy.
40. PEANUT BUTTER CUP BLISS SHEET CAKE
Come on now, if you aren’t already convinced that a sheet cake is the best thing to bring to a party. Get out when topped with our incredible peanut butter frosting.
PrintRed Velvet Cake Recipe (Birthday Cake Ideas)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
The best Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is fluffy, soft, buttery, and moist, with the perfect velvet texture! Super simple to make, with a few helpful hints and recommendations for the best results! You’ll go insane for a second slice!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) caster sugar (or fine white granulated sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon extra for dusting
- 2 1/2 tablespoons (45ml) red food colouring (liquid, not gel)
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (20ml) white vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups (350g) plain cake flour, sifted (or all purpose/plain flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (bi-carb soda)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 14 ounces (400g) cream cheese (not spreadable), at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners (or icing) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional — adds subtle hint of lemon)
Instructions
For cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F | 175°C. Grease two 8-inch cake pans gently with butter or nonstick oil spray and dust with 1 tablespoon sifted cocoa powder.
- Cream together the butter and sugar till pale in color. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough mixing.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the oil, remaining cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until combined. To incorporate, stir the color mixture and vinegar into the creamed sugar mixture.
- In a separate basin, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. To the wet ingredients, add half of the dry ingredients and half of the buttermilk; mix thoroughly. Continue with the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese, butter, and vanilla should be combined until creamy and lighter in color (about 3-4 minutes). Mix in the icing sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy (if frosting is too thin, add more icing sugar and beat again until reaching your desired consistency).
- If using, stir in the lemon juice.
Assemble the cake:
- Place 1 cake, flat-side down, on a serving dish/plate. Trim the cake’s top dome to make a flat bottom afterward. Spread roughly 1 1/2 – 2 cups of frosting equally over the top of the cake.
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the top and edges of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- To decorate, crumble trimmed cake pieces.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Before baking, combine 1 cup full cream milk and 1 teaspoon vinegar to produce your own buttermilk. Allow 5-10 minutes for the milk to sour.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 607kcal
- Sugar: 66g
- Sodium: 128mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: birthday cake ideas, red velvet cake recipe, easy red velvet cake recipe, cake recipe, red velvet cake
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cake is best for a birthday?
Top 8 Cakes for Birthday Parties
Cake of the Black Forest
Cake with Chocolate Truffle Cream
Cake with Pineapple
Vanilla Fruit Cake with Cream
Cake with Kit Kats
Cake with Blueberry Glaze
Caramel Cream Cake Heaven
Traditional Almond Cake
Which cake is very tasty?
The Top Eight Most Popular Cakes:
Cake for coffee.
Cake with Bananas
Cake with funfetti sprinkles.
Cake with pineapples turned upside down.
Lemon Pound Cake
Cake of the Black Forest.
Cheesecake.
The cake is vanilla.
What is a healthy alternative to cake?
Alternatives to Baking Birthday Cakes That Aren’t Too Expensive:
Baked Oatmeal with Funfetti Cake Batter
Lemon Cheesecake No-Bake.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting on a Paleo Chocolate Cake
Non-traditional Banana Breads from GoNanas.
Birthday Stack of Apple Donuts
Sandwiches with Crackly Banana Bread and Ice Cream.
How many layers of cake are in a tall cake?
A tall cake is simply a two-tiered cake. The top and bottom tiers are simply the same size.
Does a 3 layer cake need dowels?
It’s a 6-inch cake with three 2-inch-high layers of cake. Typically, the three layers can be stacked on a single cake board/circle, as shown below. A 6 or 7-inch cake does not necessitate the use of an internal support dowel. They can still support their weight as long as they have a sturdy cake board beneath them.
How can I make my cake rise higher?
How to Raise a Cake Higher:
Stick to the recipe.
Include a leavening agent.
Cream the butter and sugar together.
Fold the ingredients together rather than mixing them.
Fill the Cake Pan completely.
Avoid adjusting the batter setting too quickly.
Check the temperature of the oven.
What flavor should smash cake be?
Smash cakes can be any flavor you want, but because toddlers aren’t used to foods with strong flavors, most parents choose simple flavors like vanilla or chocolate. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a delectable vanilla cake (from scratch) and then turn half of it chocolate!
Can you lose weight eating cake?
The truth, according to experts, is that you can lose weight and eat cake at the same time if you “cheat” on your diet in a healthy way. According to David NW, removing a person’s favorite foods can be the death knell for a diet.
What cake is red velvet?
Red velvet cake is a vanilla cake with a few tablespoons of cocoa powder and red food coloring mixed in. It is popular in the southern United States. Vinegar and buttermilk add acid to the batter, adding tanginess that balances out the standard sweet cream cheese-butter frosting.
Can you lose weight eating cake?
The truth, according to experts, is that you can lose weight and eat cake at the same time if you “cheat” on your diet in a healthy way. According to David NW, removing a person’s favorite foods can be the death knell for a diet.
Is wedding cake enough for dessert?
If you’re planning on getting a wedding cake large enough to feed all of your guests, it’s fine to only offer one dessert option. Depending on how many guests you have and how you want your cake decorated, this can be a money saver.