31 Birthday Cake Ideas to Celebrate
Time to make a wish! These birthday cake ideas will satisfy any guest of honor or partygoer—from chocolate fanatics to layer cake lovers.
At Taste of Home, our editors and culinary crew have made plenty of birthday cakes over the years both at home and in our Test Kitchen—and they’ve dressed up many more with these birthday cake decorating ideas.
Recipe after recipe, slice after slice, one cake always rises to the top for our pros: Sandy’s Chocolate Cake. This treat is wonderfully chocolaty and the frosting is supremely smooth.
But there are lots of recipes worth celebrating! Here are some more favorite birthday cake ideas to stir up for someone special.
1/31
Sandy’s Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I drove more than four hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you’ll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 685 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
2/31
Vanilla Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
There's a reason this vanilla cake recipe is the best. Adding creamy vanilla bean paste into the moist, rich cake batter creates a power-packed vanilla flavor that can't be bought in stores. Try spreading vanilla buttercream frosting on top to finish it off. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 399 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
3/31
Rainbow Birthday Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
How fun is this rainbow birthday cake? It will add a festive touch to any celebration. Be sure to use gel food coloring for the most vibrant look. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 793 calories, 42g fat (26g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (77g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
4/31
Berry Chantilly Cake
If I was asked to name my favorite show-stopping cake, Chantilly cake would rank high on the list. It features fresh summer berries and an airy vanilla cake. It’s one of my favorite birthday cake ideas to share with my friends. —Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer
Speaking of show-stopping, you might like to take a look at these 50th birthday recipe ideas for a special celebration.
5/31
Strawberry Mascarpone Cake
If you’re looking for new birthday cake ideas, try this berries and cream naked cake. The cake is so fluffy and the strawberries add a fresh fruity flavor. Cream cheese is a good substitute if you don’t have mascarpone cheese handy. —Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois
6/31
Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake
Want birthday cake ideas that aren’t quite cake? Try this pull-apart cupcake cake! It makes portioning out individual servings easy and you can get creative with the decorations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
7/31
Favorite Coconut Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
When I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I turn to. My guests are glad I do! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 400 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
8/31
Pineapple Pudding Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It’s so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 151 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
9/31
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Nutrition Facts:
1 cone: 445 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
10/31
Peanut Butter ‘N’ Jelly Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for some creative birthday cake ideas, look no further! I made this fun and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cake for my son’s first birthday. He just turned 33, and he still has to have his favorite treat. —Linda Graybill, Sebring, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 434 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
11/31
White Texas Sheet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake gets better the longer it sits, so I try to make it a day ahead. My mother-in-law introduced this deliciously rich sheet cake to me. With its creamy frosting and light almond flavor, no one can stop at just one piece! —Joanie Ward, Brownsburg, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 409 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/31
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 482 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
13/31
Margarita Tres Leches Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I ever had tres leches cake I felt as if I were in heaven. I have made it at home using several techniques and flavors, and this margarita twist on the classic is my favorite. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 345 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
14/31
Vertical Carrot Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This vertical spin on a cherished classic is packed with spices and sure to impress. The brown butter cream cheese frosting truly makes the vertical cake over the top! —Mark Neufang, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 445 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
15/31
Oreo Mousse Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Oreo mousse cake is so simple to put together, but it tastes as decadent as fancy restaurant desserts. Have fun garnishing it as you like using crushed or whole Oreos, additional whipped cream rosettes or chocolate shavings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 402 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
16/31
Best Red Velvet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s just not just for Christmas, but birthdays too. This is different from other red velvet cake recipes I’ve had; the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 595 calories, 34g fat (21g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/31
Sugar Cookie Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband requested a giant sugar cookie for his birthday. I wanted to do something a bit more exciting than birthday cookies, so I came up with this sugar cookie cake. The secret to a dense yet cakelike texture is to make sure you don't overbake the cake. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/31
Lemon Lover’s Birthday Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about this pretty dessert—and it sure doesn’t last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? —Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 658 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 101g carbohydrate (76g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
19/31
Layered Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream
From the Recipe Creator:
This yellow cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, but the tender cake with flavorful chocolate buttercream is truly perfect for any occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 593 calories, 33g fat (21g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
20/31
Cookie Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This oversized cookie cake recipe is so easy and quick that I just might make it instead of traditional cookies from now on. I don’t miss portioning out dough or shuffling pans in and out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. —Lisa Kaminski, Taste of Home Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 861 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 132g carbohydrate (104g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
21/31
Cherry Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve had the recipe for this chocolate cherry cake for years—it’s a chocolate lover’s delight! It’s so easy to make, and is perfect for cupcakes and bake sale treats, too. I get many requests for the recipe. —Ann Purchase, Panama City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 187 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/31
Million Dollar Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you’re short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 319 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
23/31
Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 361 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
24/31
Layered Princess Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This magical princess cake will make any party feel special. Whether you’re having a birthday party, princess party or baby shower, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 881 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 135g carbohydrate (115g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
25/31
Hummingbird Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 777 calories, 35g fat (6g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 113g carbohydrate (85g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
26/31
Heavenly Praline Cake
Not all birthday cake ideas need to be layered. A well-made Bundt cake like this one will steal the show! I love how the frosting are filled with the fabulous flavor of caramel. The candied pecans are almost a dessert by themselves!—Jennifer Rodriguez, Midland, Texas
27/31
Strawberry Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Every year I make this special strawberry jam cake for the Relay for Life cake raffle. It has raised lots of money for a good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 586 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 331mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (74g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
28/31
Chocolate Ganache Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 970 calories, 65g fat (30g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
29/31
Lemon Sheet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon pie filling lends a splash of citrus flavor to a convenient cake mix, and a rich cream cheese frosting gives it sweetness. My family likes this lemon sheet cake cold, so I cut it into squares and freeze it before serving. —Alyce Dubisar, North Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 205 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/31
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a healthy eater most of the time, but this apple spice cake is worth the splurge! You can add a cup of raisins to the batter before baking if you’d like. —Jennifer Owen, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 574 calories, 33g fat (9g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
31/31
Banana Pudding Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make cakes, and my family loves banana pudding. One day while brainstorming in the kitchen, I came up with this banana pudding cake recipe to combine the two. My family and friends can’t get enough of it! If you are pressed for time, you may substitute whipped topping for the homemade sweetened whipped cream. —Tiffany Barbee, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 417 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
