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17 Easy Birthday Cake Ideas That Are as Creative as They Are Pretty

These confections are anything but boring.

By and Chloe Gorman
three layer coconut angel cake covered with toasted coconut on a white cake standpinterest
Brian Woodcock

If you’ve been searching for the perfect birthday cake for a loved one, look no further! We’ve rounded up some of our best birthday cake ideas to celebrate the occasion. They range from classics to extra festive layered beauties and everything in between. No matter what you choose, the birthday boy or girl on the receiving end of one of these confections is sure to love it.

1

How to Ice a Layer Cake

preview for How to Ice a Layer Cake

First, brush up on your cake icing skills!

2

Dolly's Donut Coconut Bundt Cake

dolly's coconut bundt cake on a white plate
Brian Kennedy

Not only is this cake covered in festive icing and sprinkles, it also has a surprise ribbon of chocolate filling running through the middle. Sounds like a party!

Get the recipe for Dolly's Donut Coconut Bundt Cake.

3

Turbinado Shortcakes with Strawberries and Whipped Cream

turbinado shortcakes with strawberries and whipped cream
John Kernick

Strawberry shortcakes might not be what you immediately think of when it comes to birthday cakes, but they're a delicious option that shouldn't be overlooked!

Get the recipe for Turbinado Shortcakes.

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4

Red Velvet Cake

high angle view of red velvet cake slice served in plate
Jerry Deutsch / EyeEm//Getty Images

Its classic and vibrant color and light cocoa flavor make this cake a festive option for any birthday celebration.

Get the recipe for Red Velvet Cake.

5

Coconut Angel Cake

three layer coconut angel cake covered with toasted coconut on a white cake stand
Brian Woodcock

For a light, airy, elegant cake that still feels decadently celebratory, look no further.

Get the recipe for Coconut Angel Cake.

6

Speckled Malted Coconut Cake

three layer speckled malted coconut cake with speckled light blue frosting
Brian Woodcock

Confession: We love the flavor of malted milk balls. And this robin's-egg decorated cake is just full of that great malt flavor.

Get the recipe for Speckled Malted Coconut Cake.

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7

Cookies and Ice Cream Cake

flour layers of chocolate chip cookie and chocolate vanilla and mint ice cream fillings
Brian Woodcock

Let's be honest—you really can't wrong with cookies and ice cream. With giant chocolate chip cookies and three kinds of ice cream, this cake is fun for the whole family.

Get the recipe Cookies and Ice Cream Cake.

8

Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake

raspberry pink velvet cake with raspberries meringue cookies and flowers around the top
Brian Woodcock

You've no doubt heard of red velvet cake, so we think you'll love pink velvet—red velvet's sassier cousin. This confection is fruity, fun, and the prettiest of blush hues.

Get the recipe for Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake.

9

Froot Loops Cake

froot loops bundt cake with white glaze on top and decorated with froot loops
Brian Woodcock

Cereal lovers, this one's for you. Froot Loops add a nice, crunchy texture, a zippy, fruity flavor, and a splash of color, making this cake a great option for kids.

Get the recipe for Froot Loops Cake.

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10

No-Bake Cheesecake

no bake cheesecake cut into slices with berry toppings and edible flowers
Brian Woodcock

Looking for a last-minute birthday cake idea, or just love cheesecake? This no-bake, berry-topped version is probably the easiest and most delicious you'll find.

Get the recipe for No-Bake Cheesecake.

11

Candy Cane Cake

candy cane layer cake with white frosting and peppermint bark around the outside on a light pink cake stand
Brian Woodcock

Whether you're throwing a birthday party around the holidays, or just love peppermint, you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't love this cake. This recipe is chock-full of the minty perfection, with each layer of frosting containing candy canes.

Get the recipe for Candy Cane Cake.

12

Vanilla Sheet Cake with Chocolate-Cinnamon Filling

vanilla sheet cake with chocolate cinnamon filling and chocolate frosting on top
Brian Woodcock

A classic sheet cake gets an upgrade with a zesty cinnamon addition to the frosting.

Get the recipe for Vanilla Sheet Cake.

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13

Apple Cinnamon Cake

three layer apple cinnamon cake on a wooden cake stand with sugared pecans on top
Brian Woodcock

When thinking of a recipe for a fall birthday, we think it's best to look to the season for inspiration. Apple and cinnamon are two flavors that scream autumn, and this dessert uses both (note the chunks of fresh fruit inside!).

Get the recipe for Apple Cinnamon Cake.

14

Blue Bell Ice Cream Bombe

ice cream bombe covered in white sprinkles with three sparkler candles on top
Brian Woodcock

Simply layer Blue Bell ice cream—chocolate, pistachio-almond, strawberry, and chocolate chip—in a large bowl to create this bombshell of a birthday cake.

Get the recipe for Blue Bell Ice Cream Bombe.

15

Lemon-Coconut Cake

lemon coconut cake covered in white frosting with sugar daisies around the outside on a white cake stand
Christopher Shane

Just add candles to this daisy-covered cake and it'll fit right in at a spring birthday party.

Get the recipe for Lemon-Coconut Cake.

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16

Strawberry Limeade Cake

three layer strawberry limeade cake with strawberry frosting between the layers and strawberries on top
Brian Woodcock

This brightly colored cake will please kids and adults alike with its sweet-tart flavor combo.

Get the recipe for Strawberry Limeade Cake.

17

Easy Chocolate Party Cake

easy chocolate party cake
bhofack2//Getty Images

This classic birthday cake is easy to make and clean up since the recipe only requires one bowl. Plus chocolate cake lovers will adore it!

Get the recipe for Easy Chocolate Party Cake.

18

Pink Ombré Cake

pink ombré cake with white frosting between the layers and plastic bird and flower decorations
Kat Teutsch

Leave this colorful cake unfrosted so you can see the ombre layers peek through. Swap the butter and milk for your favorite vegan options to make this stunner completely vegan!

Get the recipe for Pink Ombré Cake.

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