It’s your special day, and you want to make it even more unforgettable with a decadent birthday cake that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a classic vanilla fan or a chocolate lover, we’ve got you covered with 18 mouthwatering birthday cake recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
From moist and fluffy cakes to rich and creamy frostings, each of these recipes is a game-changer for any celebration. Want to add some fun and whimsy to your party? Try our Funfetti Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles or our Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake. Looking for something a little more elegant? Our Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 18 different birthday cake recipes that are sure to impress your guests and make your special day even more unforgettable.
Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Celebrate birthdays with a timeless classic: this moist and fluffy vanilla cake paired with a rich buttercream frosting. This recipe is perfect for any celebration, from kids’ birthday parties to adults’ special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Instructions:
1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Assemble the cake by spreading frosting on each layer and decorating as desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes per cake layer
Chocolate Fudge Birthday Cake with Ganache Drizzle
Celebrate a special day with this decadent chocolate cake and velvety ganache drizzle, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. This recipe yields two 9-inch round cakes perfect for stacking or serving individually.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the ganache:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. For the ganache, heat cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
8. Drizzle warm ganache over cooled cakes and serve.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Funfetti Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles
Create a show-stopping birthday cake that’s as colorful as the celebration itself! This Funfetti Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is an easy and impressive treat for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons Funfetti cake mix
– Rainbow sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks.
6. Decorate with Rainbow Sprinkles and serve.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Celebrate a birthday in style with this decadent Red Velvet Birthday Cake paired with Cream Cheese Frosting! This classic Southern dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add red food coloring and vanilla extract; mix well.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with Cream Cheese Frosting (see below).
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Add vanilla extract; mix well.
Lemon Blueberry Birthday Cake with Whipped Cream
Celebrate a birthday in style with this refreshing and flavorful cake, featuring the perfect balance of bright lemon and sweet blueberries.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
For the whipped cream:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, lemon juice, and eggs.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. For the whipped cream, beat cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Cooking Time: 60-65 minutes
Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake
Celebrate a sweet birthday with this classic strawberry shortcake cake that’s sure to impress your guests! Moist vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream come together for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
– Whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and milk to the dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cookies and Cream Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special occasion with this moist and creamy vanilla cake infused with the classic flavors of cookies and cream. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for birthday parties or any sweet celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Fold in crushed Oreo cookies.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist and flavorful, this classic carrot cake recipe pairs perfectly with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Cream cheese frosting ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in carrots, walnuts (if using), salt, and cinnamon.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Triple Chocolate Birthday Cake
Celebrate a birthday in style with this rich and decadent triple chocolate cake. Moist, fluffy layers are sandwiched together with creamy chocolate buttercream frosting for an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with chocolate buttercream.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes per cake (75-90 minutes total)
Peanut Butter Chocolate Birthday Cake
Celebrate a birthday in style with this rich and decadent peanut butter chocolate cake. Moist and flavorful, it’s the perfect treat to mark a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth tops. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of each cake.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Black Forest Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special day with this decadent Black Forest cake, featuring rich chocolate layers, whipped cream, and cherries. This classic German dessert is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces dark chocolate, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup heavy whipped cream
– Fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and melted chocolate in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before spreading with cherry preserves and whipped cream.
7. Top with additional whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Tres Leches Birthday Cake
Celebrate birthdays with a moist and decadent Tres Leches cake, soaked to perfection in three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream). This recipe yields one 8-inch layer cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 can (14.5 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and milk.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembly:
1. Poke holes all over the cooled cake using a skewer or fork.
2. Pour condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream evenly over the cake.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pineapple Upside-Down Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with this classic pineapple upside-down cake recipe. The combination of caramelized pineapple rings and a moist, fluffy interior is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1/2 cup cherry halves (optional)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add baking powder, salt, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, and flour. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Arrange cherry halves on top of the batter, if using.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Banana Pudding Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with this moist and creamy banana pudding cake that combines the flavors of ripe bananas, vanilla pudding, and crushed Nilla wafers. This show-stopping dessert is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
– 1 cup crushed Nilla wafers
– Whipped cream and additional Nilla wafers for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
3. Beat in eggs and mashed bananas.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with vanilla pudding and crushed Nilla wafers.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tiramisu Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with this creamy and decadent Tiramisu cake, infused with the rich flavors of espresso and mascarpone cheese. This show-stopping dessert is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 8 oz heavy cream
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed coffee for about 3-5 seconds on each side.
2. In a large bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. To assemble the cake, start with a layer of ladyfingers in a 9×13-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
4. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of mascarpone on top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Matcha Green Tea Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with a unique and delicious cake that combines the vibrant green tea flavor of matcha powder with sweet and moist vanilla cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons matcha powder
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, matcha powder, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool before assembling and serving.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes (including cooling time)
Raspberry Almond Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with this delightful raspberry almond cake, featuring the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and softened butter until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
5. Fold in raspberries and sliced almonds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Coconut Cream Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with this decadent coconut cream cake that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup coconut cream, chilled
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut, milk, eggs, coconut cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweetest celebrations with these 18 decadent birthday cake recipes! From classic vanilla and chocolate fudge to funfetti and red velvet, there’s something for every taste bud. These show-stopping desserts feature creative combinations like lemon blueberry, strawberry shortcake, cookies and cream, and more. Whether you’re a fan of rich flavors or light and airy textures, this collection has it all. So go ahead, get baking, and make your birthday cake dreams come true!
