20 Perfect Birthday Cake Recipe Ideas for a Sweet Tooth

What is the origin of the birthday cake?

Birthday cakes originated in Ancient Greece. Its first name, “plakous,” translates to “flat” in English. Birthday cakes back then comprised honey and nuts. These sweet delights were often enjoyed during birthday celebrations. 

If you’re not sure which type of cake to make for a birthday party, have a look at these scrumptious birthday cake recipe ideas. 

20 birthday cake recipe ideas

The following is a list of decadent recipes for your next birthday cake.

1. Apple butter spice cake

This birthday cake recipe for adults is sheer decadence. For the cake, get fine cinnamon, sour cream, chopped pecans, whole-bran cereal, eggs, apple butter, ground nutmeg, baking soda, all-purpose flour, white sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the cake with caramel sauce and a dollop of ice cream.

2. Hot chocolate cupcakes  

This birthday cake recipe is sure to add flair to your table. You’ll need large brown eggs, Hershey’s cocoa, mini marshmallows for decoration, milk, vegetable shortening, confectioner’s sugar, flour, baking soda, sugar, butter, salt, and vanilla extract to make this. 

3. Berry buttermilk shortcake 

Buy assorted berries, white sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, baking soda, low-fat buttermilk, light whipped cream, lemon juice, and heavy whipping cream. Once your cake is baked, use the whipped cream and berries as a garnish. 

4. Blueberry birthday cupcakes  

A great birthday cake recipe for kids, these little cakes are decorated with fresh whipped cream and blueberries. For the cupcake mixture, grab hold of eggs, milk, butter, salt, baking powder, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. 

5. Blueberry shortcake     

Gather flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, salt, baking powder, lemon zest, almond extract, and milk for this easy birthday cake recipe. Fill this sandwiched cake with heavy whipped cream and fresh blueberries. 

6. Chocolate angel food cake

For a taste of heaven on Earth, as the name of the recipe suggests, get a packet of almond flour chocolate muffin mix, egg whites, cream of tartar, bittersweet chocolate, and cocoa powder. You may top this with heavy whipping cream.

7. Chocolate ganache cake  

Deck your birthday party table with this for a memorable party. Buy light brown sugar, sea salt, vanilla abstract, all-purpose flour, butter, cane sugar, almond extract, and chocolate syrup. Adorn the cake with a ganache and raspberries. 

8. Chocolate peanut butter cake

This is the ideal birthday cake recipe for kids, as most kids love anything that involves peanut butter! It comprises a delicious peanut butter frosting. You can also decorate it with chopped peanuts.

9. Chocolate bourbon pecan pie  

Tirthday cake recipe is for adults. Grab hold of a bottle of Jim Beam bourbon or any other brand you prefer. You’ll also need pecan nut halves, unbaked pie crusts, chocolate chips, corn syrup, and eggs. Other ingredients to remember are salt, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and stick butter. 

10. Cranberry swirl coffee cake   

This swirl-designed birthday cake is a feast for the eyes! Ingredients for this cake include baking soda, unsalted butter, baking powder, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, cranberry sauce, eggs, powdered sugar, milk, and sour cream. 

11. Cream cheese coffee cake

If you traditionally love enjoying cake with a cup of java on your birthday, you have to try this! Whip this up with ingredients like chopped pecans, sour cream, chive and onion cream cheese, and eggs. 

12. Fresh pineapple upside down cake   

This classic cake can be served with crème fraiche. For the cake, you’ll need vanilla extract, salt, flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, flour, butter, pineapple juice, fresh pineapple wedges, dark brown sugar, and eggs. 

13. Gingerbread cake 

There’s something about gingerbread cake that makes kids go wild. For this easy birthday cake recipe, buy ground ginger, flour, confectioner’s sugar, baking powder, cane sugar, cinnamon powder, and flour. Cut this in squares, and drizzle frosting in the shape of a gift ribbon over the squares. 

14. Glazed almond pound cake

This is a delicious almond-flavored gem! To make, get butter, salt, confectioners sugar, white sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, and flour. Don’t forget to add quintessential ingredients like your slivered, toasted almonds and almond extract! 

15. Greek lemon cake 

In typical Greek fashion, this delicious birthday cake recipe comprises Greek yogurt and a range of other ingredients. Be sure to get baking soda, butter, sugar, salt, chocolate muffin cake mix, lemons, eggs, and lemon juice too. 

16. Marbled pumpkin cheesecake 

A sheer culinary delight, this birthday treat has a gingersnap crust derived from gingersnap cookies, with a mouthwatering pumpkin cheesecake filling. The cake also consists of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and finely chopped pecans. 

17. Orange-cranberry bundt cake   

This one will make vegans smile in delight. The main ingredients include orange zest, unsweetened applesauce, flaxseed, dried cranberries, powdered sugar, orange juice, and coconut oil. 

18. Quick strawberry cheesecake    

This easy birthday cake recipe requires just a few ingredients and takes approximately five minutes to prepare. Get hold of lemon zest, Greek yogurt, Graham crackers, and strawberry jam, and you’re good to go! 

19. Sam’s famous carrot cake 

To make this birthday cake, gather chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, shredded carrots, raisins, crushed pineapple, and coconut flakes. You’ll also need flour, vanilla extract, cane sugar, baking soda, and salt. 

20. White chocolate-raspberry cheesecake 

Make this restaurant-quality cheesecake in the comfort of your own home with a few simple ingredients. The main ingredients are crème filled chocolate cookies, raspberries, eggs, cream cheese, and chocolate chips for baking. 

Gather the ingredients you need for your next birthday cake recipe

There are no two ways about it. Birthday cakes can leave you spoiled for choice! Everyone has their own taste, so you can expect anything from coffee cake to cheesecake and more. If you’ve decided on a cake but are unsure where to locate your ingredients, browse Instacart to see if we deliver in your area.  

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