31 Indulge-Worthy Birthday Cake Alternatives

Let’s be honest: A birthday cake’s spongy texture with layers of frosting and sprinkles isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Thankfully there are tons of nontraditional birthday cake alternatives to suit all sweet tooths. 

Cake isn’t the only dessert to eat on your birthday. Making a batch of brownies or creating a s’mores bar for all to enjoy are great options. You can even make confetti waffles as an alternative to birthday cake!

From traditional to the most unique birthday cake alternative ideas, we have you covered with 31 sweets to choose from in no particular order. Don’t forget to print out one of our birthday cards to write a personalized message to your friends and family.

1. Birthday macarons

Take your celebration to the next level with these macarons. The creamy center and crispy exterior make a delectable birthday dessert. Add food coloring to match your birthday macarons with your party’s color scheme.

Contains: Dairy

2. Chocolate chip cookie cake

Swap regular cake batter with a chocolate chip cookie cake to create this delicious treat. Enjoy the crispy edges and chewy center full of chocolate chips.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

3. Celebration brownies

Brownies are an easy-to-make birthday cake alternative full of sweetness. The mix between cake, chocolate and sprinkles not only looks the part, but tastes incredible.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

4. The ultimate birthday cupcakes

If you’re not feeling a traditional birthday cake this year, why not make celebration cupcakes instead? These sprinkled treats are easy to make and are perfect for all ages. Grab the whole family and let everyone decorate their own cupcakes.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

5. Ice cream cake

For those with summer birthdays, a slice of ice cream cake may be the perfect special treat. While this recipe calls for chocolate cake, you can swap the cake mix for your favorite flavor. Make sure to choose an ice cream flavor that complements the cake mix.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

6. Rice crispy treats

Rice crispy treats are perfect if you’re looking for birthday cake alternatives that are festive and simple to make. You only need a few ingredients to create these sweet treats. One bite is never enough — indulge in the burst of sweetness for your next celebration!

Contains: Gluten and dairy

7. Confetti waffles

Get into the celebration spirit bright and early with these confetti waffles. Don’t forget the whipped cream and extra sprinkles to add on top! You can also make a large batch of these waffles for a breakfast potluck.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

8. Chocolate mousse trifle

Trifles make the perfect birthday dessert since they taste delicious and look like you spent hours in the kitchen. After trying a bite with the layers of mousse, cream and brownies, you’ll want to make this dessert for every occasion.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

9. Sprinkle donuts

Sprinkle donuts are an excellent substitute for cake that are sure to boost serotonin. These birthday treats are soft, fluffy and full of sprinkles. Try stacking the donuts to replicate a cake — and don’t forget to add a candle in the donut hole!

Contains: Gluten and dairy

10. Crepe cake

Take your unique birthday cake ideas to the next level with crepes. The layers of thin crepes with whipped cream are light yet so satisfying. Add fresh strawberries or powdered sugar on top to jazz it up.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

11. Confetti trifle

Confetti trifle is the perfect treat to make for someone who doesn’t like chocolate. You’ll wish every day was your birthday after trying one bite of pudding, sprinkles and whipped cream. You can also try fruit trifle.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

12. Peanut butter ice cream pie

Make someone’s peanut butter dreams come true with this ice cream pie recipe. Cut down on time and use a premade pie crust — just add the filling to complete your celebration treat. 

Contains: Gluten and dairy

13. Sprinkle cookies

Take your old-fashioned sugar cookies to the next level with endless sprinkles. While you’re making the sugar cookie dough, add in 1 cup of sprinkles. Bake them to perfection and give them as a gift for any occasion.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

14. Confetti cinnamon rolls

Add some color to your birthday with these cinnamon rolls. Add 1 cup of sprinkles into your cinnamon roll filling to create the confetti version. Don’t forget to add more sprinkles on top after you drizzle the icing.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

15. Birthday cake pops

Cake pops are a tasty and easy dessert to make for all occasions — they’re even a great option for class parties. Mix up the colors of the frosting and toppings to match your birthday party’s theme. You can also purchase ready-made cake pops to cut down on time.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

16. Birthday s’mores

You don’t have to wait until the temperature drops to make s’mores for your birthday. Set up a build-your-own s’mores bar with graham crackers, marshmallows and your favorite chocolate bars.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

17. French silk pie

Spoil your loved ones with this French silk pie. The rich chocolate filling paired with a slightly crispy pie crust and whipped cream is irresistible — one slice is never enough!

Contains: Gluten and dairy

18. Boozy birthday cake shots

Replicate the taste of birthday cake with these boozy shots. This birthday cake cocktail is perfect for a 21st birthday or any celebration. Although these boozy shots are sweet, make sure to drink responsibly.

Contains: Dairy

19. Candy bar cookies

Can’t decide between a cookie or candy bar? Blend the two to create the ultimate candy bar cookies. The best part about this birthday cake alternative is that they’re gluten-free.

Contains: Dairy

20. Yogurt parfaits

Celebrate your birthday bright and early with these yogurt parfaits. You can even add sprinkles to make them more festive! These low-calorie treats also make an excellent brunch activity — set up a build-your-own parfait bar for all to enjoy.

Contains: Dairy

21. Birthday cake milkshake

Celebrate your favorite person’s birthday with this milkshake recipe. Don’t be shy about adding sprinkles, and taste the cake batter with every sip!

Contains: Gluten and dairy

22. Ice cream sundaes

Make every day feel like your birthday with this ice cream sundae recipe. The toppings are limitless when it comes to ice cream sundaes — you can choose chocolate syrup, crushed cookies or rainbow sprinkles for your toppings.

Contains: Dairy

23. Lemon poppy seed tart

Create a heavenly dessert for a birthday party with this lemon poppy seed tart recipe. Enjoy the zest of the lemon and sweetness of the blueberries for a refreshing and delicious dessert.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

24. Raspberry meringue pie

This raspberry meringue pie can brighten anyone’s birthday. Enjoy the thick layer of sweet whipped cream mixed with tart raspberries and lemon.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

25. Churros

Did you know churros are a birthday cake alternative? You can enjoy this all-time favorite treat for every occasion. Add some confetti to your churros with chocolate syrup and sprinkles.

Contains: Gluten and dairy

26. Chocolate-stuffed meringues

Indulge in these chocolate-stuffed meringues instead of classic birthday cake. There is nothing tastier than the rich chocolate ganache paired with the crispy shells.

Contains: Dairy

27. Fruit pizza

Create this refreshing fruit pizza for your birthday celebration. This recipe swaps the traditional cake or pie crust with watermelon as the base. Add your favorite seasonal fruit like blueberries, blackberries or peaches.

Contains: Dairy

28. Frozen fruit popsicles 

Cool down your birthday party with refreshing frozen fruit popsicles. These easy-to-make treats are packed with your favorite fresh fruit — think strawberries, mangoes or raspberries — blended with yogurt or juice for an ice cream alternative. Simply pour into molds, freeze and voilà! You’ve got a healthy, colorful dessert that’s perfect for both kids and adults.

Contains: Dairy

29. Chocolate-covered strawberries

Indulge your guests with decadent chocolate-covered strawberries at your birthday celebration. These elegant treats are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply dip fresh strawberries in melted dark, milk or white chocolate, and let them set. For extra flair, add a drizzle of contrasting chocolate or sprinkle with nuts or shredded coconut.

Contains: Varies (depending on chocolate)

30. Assorted candy buffet

Set up an assortment of your favorite candies — gummy bears, chocolates, licorice or sour treats — in jars or bowls for guests to mix and match. It’s a fun, interactive dessert option that’s sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Contains: Varies (depending on candy selection)

31. Frozen yogurt parfaits

Your guests will love frozen yogurt parfaits. Layer creamy frozen yogurt with fresh fruit, granola and a drizzle of honey for a refreshing and healthy dessert. Try different Greek yogurt recipes and customize them with toppings like nuts, chocolate chips or coconut chips to make these parfaits a hit at your celebration.

Contains: Dairy

Printable birthday cake cards

Pair your birthday cake alternatives with one of these printable birthday cards. Choose one of the designs below and customize your birthday message.

Final thoughts on birthday cake alternatives

Now that you’re a rockstar on birthday cake alternatives, it’s time to prepare for your upcoming celebration. Start by thinking about certain dietary restrictions and personal preferences. You can choose birthday churros, sprinkle donuts or even lemon poppy seed tarts.

If you find yourself running out of time, you can always buy ready-made birthday desserts or the ingredients to make your own with Instacart. Place your order today and receive your groceries right to your doorstep.