15 Birthday Cake Recipes for Every Age

Are you ready to make someone's birthday super special? You're looking for the perfect birthday cake, and you've come to the right place! We have 15 amazing recipes that are easy to make and fun to eat.

From classic vanilla to decadent chocolate, we have cakes for all kinds of birthday styles. You can choose a cake that's as simple or as fancy as you like, and make it extra special with your own decorations. Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, we have a birthday cake recipe that's just right for you!

1. Classic Vanilla Bean Cake

Classic vanilla bean cake is a timeless dessert favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Gradually add the sugar to the butter and beat until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add to the batter, beating until well combined.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

Indulge in a rich, mocha-flavored chocolate layer cake.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.

3. Rainbow Layer Cake

Vibrant rainbow layer cake perfect for celebratory occasions.

Ingredients

• 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 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Food coloring
• Confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease six 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, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among six bowls and add a different food coloring to each.
6. Pour each colored batter into a prepared pan and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling the layer cake.
9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, creating a rainbow effect.
11. Frost the outside of the cake with a thin layer of frosting and decorate as desired.

4. Cartoon Character Cake Designs

Create a fun and colorful cartoon character cake for your kid's birthday party.

Ingredients

• 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 vanilla extract
• Food coloring
• Fondant or buttercream frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with vanilla extract.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating with cartoon character designs.
7. Use fondant or buttercream frosting to create the desired character design, such as Mickey Mouse or SpongeBob SquarePants.
8. Add details like eyes, nose, and mouth using small amounts of frosting or edible markers.

5. Simple Buttercream Frosting Recipes

Rich and creamy frosting for any birthday cake.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Beat the butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
3. Beat in the salt and vanilla extract.
4. Add the milk or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
5. Beat the frosting for an additional 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.

6. Elegant Red Velvet Cake

Indulge in a rich, velvety cake with a subtle cocoa flavor and distinctive red hue.

Ingredients

• 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 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in red food coloring and vanilla extract.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Beat in cocoa powder until well combined.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Moist Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese

Moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic dessert combination.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and eggs until well combined.
4. Add the grated carrots and chopped walnuts to the sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
12. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

8. Strawberry Shortcake Recipes

A classic dessert featuring sweet strawberries and moist cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and eggs, then add to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
7. Split the cooled cake into two layers using a serrated knife.
8. In a large bowl, mix together the sliced strawberries and a little sugar to taste.
9. Spoon some of the sweetened strawberries over the bottom cake layer, then top with the top cake layer.
10. Dust the top of the cake with confectioners' sugar and serve with additional strawberries, if desired.

9. Tiramisu Cake for Adults

Tiramisu Cake for Adults is a creamy, coffee-infused Italian dessert.

Ingredients

• 12-16 ladyfingers
• 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Dip ladyfingers in coffee for 3-5 seconds on each side.
2. In a large bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and egg yolks.
3. Add cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Combine the whipped cream with the mascarpone mixture and mix gently.
6. To assemble the cake, start with a layer of ladyfingers, followed by a layer of the mascarpone mixture.
7. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of mascarpone mixture on top.
8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours before serving.

10. Lemon Lavender Pound Cake

Lemon Lavender Pound Cake is a rejuvenating dessert with citrus and floral flavors.

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 grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup dried lavender buds
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Stir in the lavender buds and milk.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Moist chocolate cupcakes filled with peanut butter flavor and topped with creamy frosting.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Whipped cream and peanut butter cups for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Whisk in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Allow cupcakes to cool completely in the pan.
10. Beat peanut butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth.
11. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
12. Top cooled cupcakes with a dollop of peanut butter mixture and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
13. Garnish with whipped cream and a peanut butter cup.

12. Beautiful Floral Cake Designs

Delicate floral designs adorn this beautiful cake.

Ingredients

• 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 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Food coloring
• Fresh flowers

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
9. Once the cakes are cool, use food coloring to tint the frosting to desired shades.
10. Arrange fresh flowers on top of the cake to create the floral design.

13. Rich Espresso Chocolate Cake

Rich Espresso Chocolate Cake is a mocha-infused dessert perfect for coffee lovers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup strong brewed espresso
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to cocoa mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Pour in brewed espresso and whisk until smooth.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
8. Fold melted chocolate into cake batter until well combined.
9. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

14. Funfetti Cake for Kids

Colorful funfetti cake perfect for kids' birthday parties.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup funfetti sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, 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 whisk until just combined.
5. Add the softened butter and whisk until smooth.
6. Fold in the funfetti sprinkles.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate as desired.

15. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Indulge in a rich, mocha-flavored cake with a velvety salted caramel frosting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, whisking until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of salted caramel sauce on top.
10. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
11. Spread the melted chocolate over the caramel sauce, then top with the second cake layer.
12. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Conclusion

You'll be the icing on the cake, making birthdays sweeter with these 15 recipes. Like a masterpiece unfolding, your creations will be a canvas of colors, flavors, and designs, a symphony of sweetness that will leave a lasting impression, a taste of perfection that will linger, a celebration to remember.