40 Birthday Cake Recipes That Will Make You a Dessert Person

Posted by Bronwyn Hope on March 9, 2016. Updated by Melissa Girimonte on April 27, 2019

A birthday party wouldn't be complete without the perfect cake. From a rich chocolate mousse dessert to classic vanilla to a cookie-layered creation, these birthday cake recipes are sure to surprise (and impress) the guest of honour... and make everyone at the table request a slice.

1 of 40

Blueberry Galaxy Cake

Reach for the stars and try your hand at this superb birthday cake. Vanilla and blueberry buttercream is layered between lemon poppyseed cake, and then finished with colourful swirls and candy stars to create an out of this world dessert. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/blueberry-galaxy-cake/22466/" target="_blank">Blueberry Galaxy Cake</a>
2 of 40

Coconut Cake

 If you’re a fan of The Barefoot Contessa, you’ve seen Ina Garten serve up some pretty spectacular dishes. But this towering coconut-encrusted creation, well...it takes the cake! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/coconut-cake/16327/">Ina Garten's Coconut Cake</a>
3 of 40

Birthday Cake Crispy Rice Treats

In a crunchy, no-bake take on a birthday "cake," crispy rice treats are made in a round pan and then topped with a fluffy marshmallow frosting. Simply add rainbow sprinkles and candles for some festive fun. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/birthday-cake-crispy-rice-treats/19047/" target="_blank">Birthday Cake Crispy Rice Treats</a>
4 of 40

Caramel Whipped Cream Chocolate Cake

This moist, fluffy chocolate cake recipe will have you skipping the trip to the bakery and heading straight to your kitchen. The decadent confection is layered with a sweet caramel whipped cream, then topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and dark chocolate curls. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caramel-whipped-cream-chocolate-cake/18083/" target="_blank">Caramel Whipped Cream Chocolate Cake</a>
5 of 40

Bee-utifully Sweet Spring Honey Cake

Celebrate that special spring baby in your life with impressive yet simple to make birthday cake. The tart apricot pairs beautifully with the sweet honey buttercream, plus the adorable marzipan bumblebees are fun to create. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/bee-utiful-sweet-spring-birthday-party/" target="_blank">Bee-utifully Sweet Spring Honey Cake</a>
6 of 40

Pinata Cake

Layers of pastel hue cake already give this dessert a decidedly fun feel. To make it part of your festivities, fill it with jelly beans for a candy-filled surprise. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/make-your-own-candy-filled-pinata-cake/" target="_blank">Pinata Cake</a>
7 of 40

Beatty's Chocolate Cake

Adding a full cup of freshly brewed coffee to the batter creates a rich, dark, chocolatey birthday cake. Finish with a luscious, buttery chocolate frosting for a celebratory dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beattys-chocolate-cake/15424/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Beatty's Chocolate Cake</a>
8 of 40

Strawberries and Cream Sponge Cake

A light sponge cake layered with a rich whipped cream and jam-covered strawberries gives this dessert a stunning look. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberries-and-cream-sponge-cake/12679/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Strawberries and Cream Sponge Cake</a>
9 of 40

Rainbow No-Bake Cheesecake

This colourful no-bake dessert was made for summer birthdays. it's a burst of sunshine for your tastebuds, featuring pastel-hued layers of strawberry, mango and lime cheesecake on a graham cracker crust with a fresh whipped cream topping. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rainbow-no-bake-cheesecake/22469/" target="_blank">Rainbow No-Bake Cheesecake</a>
10 of 40

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake is packed with all the good stuff, from pecans to pineapple to bananas, and smothered in the even better stuff: cream cheese icing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hummingbird-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/18021/" target="_blank">Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting</a>
11 of 40

Chocolate Cowboy Cake with Fudge Frosting

Giddy up to your kitchen and try your hand at this fun stampede-themed birthday cake. The rustic look is the perfect canvas for toy horse decorations and sugared rosemary grass, and the espresso-spiked fudge frosting will have you saying "Yee Haw!" Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/chocolate-cowboy-cake-with-fudge-frosting/" target="_blank">Chocolate Cowboy Cake with Fudge Frosting</a>
12 of 40

Chocolate Chip Cookie Layered Birthday Cake

If you ever wondered how to make a birthday confetti cake even more fabulous, try making it with a chocolate chip cookie base. The chewy cookie texture paired with the fluffy cake will delight and surprise your guests' tastebuds. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-chip-cookie-layered-birthday-cake/18750/" target="_blank">Chocolate Chip Cookie Layered Birthday Cake</a>
13 of 40

Cake-Mix Ice Cream Sundae Cake

Ice cream cakes are a delicious treat at a birthday bash, and making one doesn't get much easier than this recipe. Let your guests in on the fun by setting out the sundae fixings and having them personalize their slice. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cake-mix-ice-cream-sundae-cake/20450/" target="_blank">Cake-Mix Ice Cream Sundae Cake</a>
14 of 40

Birthday Sheet Cake

If you're expecting a crowd for your next birthday bash, this sheet cake will please both the young and the young at heart. Vanilla cake is topped with a chocolate frosting and a fun assortment of candies. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/birthday-sheet-cake/21115/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Birthday Sheet Cake</a>
15 of 40

Daisy Cake

This pretty daisy cake may be easy to make, but it'll command attention the moment you place it on the table. Once the candles are blown out and the kids grab one of the cupcake petals, the grownups can slice up the centre cake. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/daisy-cake/21480/" target="_blank">Daisy Cake</a>
16 of 40

Classic Devil's Food Cake

This delicious cake meets the criteria of a classic devil's food cake, with its dark, rich chocolatey flavour and delicate moist texture. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-devils-food-cake/12415/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Classic Devil's Food Cake</a>
17 of 40

Italian Cream Cake with Blueberries

Fresh blueberries and a cream cheese frosting are nestled between layers of vanilla-coconut cake, making this the perfect dessert for a birthday barbecue. Best of all, it's simple to make and easy to assemble. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/billies-italian-cream-cake-with-blueberries/16239/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Italian Cream Cake with Blueberries</a>
18 of 40

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Make this beautiful masterpiece of a cake by Bobby Flay and watch it disappear off the table in an instant! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caramel-apple-cheesecake/17145/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Caramel Apple Cheesecake</a>
19 of 40

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake

The only thing better than individual ice cream sandwiches? A giant homemade version in cake form, crafted by the queen of baking herself: Anna Olson. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cookies-and-cream-ice-cream-cake/19164/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake</a>
20 of 40

Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake

The Barefoot Contessa brings ease to decadent dishes like this fancy cake. The secret is good-quality ingredients (and a little love, too). Get this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mocha-chocolate-icebox-cake/15366/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake</a>
21 of 40

Classic Vanilla Cake with Caramel Pastry Cream

You can never go wrong with vanilla. However, it is the caramel pastry cream that is really the icing on this cake (pun intended)! The plain base makes it the perfect canvas for colourful fondant or fresh flowers. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-vanilla-birthday-cake-with-caramel-pastry-cream/12496/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Classic Vanilla Cake with Caramel Pastry Cream</a>
22 of 40

Maple Crêpe Cake with Maple Glazed Pecans

This cake, featuring layers of maple pastry cream and crêpes, is a wonderful way to treat the birthday boy or girl at breakfast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-crepe-cake-with-maple-glazed-pecans/15439/" target="_blank">Maple Crêpe Cake with Maple Glazed Pecans</a>
23 of 40

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake

Nothing beats chocolate and peanut butter, except for maybe this no-bake frozen chocolate peanut butter mousse cake. It's perfect for that special someone who eats peanut butter straight from the jar. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/frozen-chocolate-peanut-butter-mousse-cake/14632/" target="_blank">Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake</a>
24 of 40

Raspberry Mascarpone Black Forest Cake

Decadent doesn't even begin to describe this ganache-covered chocolate cake stuffed with mascarpone filling and raspberry sauce, topped with fresh raspberries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raspberry-mascarpone-black-forest-cake/15205/" target="_blank">Raspberry Mascarpone Black Forest Cake</a>
25 of 40

Ombré Rose Cake

Sure, you can bring them flowers, or you can treat that special birthday someone to a gorgeous cake covered in icing roses. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/how-to-make-a-pink-ombre-rose-cake-35755/" target="_blank">Ombré Rose Cake</a>
26 of 40

Triple Layered Confetti Cake

When it comes to birthdays, there's nothing more iconic than a confetti cake. This triple layered confection is not only tasty, its white buttercream frosting is the perfect canvas for multi-coloured candles. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/triple-layered-confetti-cake/20519/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Triple Layered Confetti Cake</a>
27 of 40

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you're craving carrot cake for your next birthday, this delightful recipe is here to satisfy. It's lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and whipping heavy cream into your cream cheese makes an extra fluffy frosting. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/food-network-kitchens-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/21503/" target="_blank">Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting</a>
28 of 40

Rich Chocolate Mousse Cake

A decadent patisserie-style glazed mousse torte to enjoy on a special occasion. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rich-chocolate-mousse-cake/12417/">Anna Olson's Rich Chocolate Mousse Cake</a>
29 of 40

Chocolate Berry Cake with Italian Buttercream

This delicious chocolate cake doesn't skimp on the buttercream. Iced in an ombré petal style, it's also a treat for the eyes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-berry-cake-with-italian-buttercream-/16620/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Chocolate Berry Cake with Italian Buttercream</a>
30 of 40

Chocolate-Mint Love Cake with Mint Ganache

Valerie's love cakes are simple, delicious, and a fun twist on the traditional birthday sheet cake. The creamy ricotta and mascarpone filling really complements the classic combination of chocolate and mint. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-mint-love-cake-with-mint-ganache/22383/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Chocolate-Mint Love Cake with Mint Ganache</a>
31 of 40

Flourless Chocolate Cake

This show-stopping cake is favoured with a touch of coffee and topped with a healthy smear of crème fraîche and a mountain of red berries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/flourless-chocolate-cake/11552/" target="_blank">Sophie Dahl’s Flourless Chocolate Cake</a>
32 of 40

Ultimate Chocolate Cake

What makes this chocolate cake the ultimate? Layer after layer of moist chocolate cake with rich chocolate icing. Plus, a hint of espresso helps bring out the deep chocolate flavour. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ultimate-chocolate-cake/2635//" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Ultimate Chocolate Cake</a>
33 of 40

Red Velvet Cake

This decadent red velvet chocolate cake from Anna Olson is coated in a silky cream cheese frosting that's also inserted in the middle for a tasty surprise. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/red-velvet-cake/12416/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Red Velvet Cake</a>
34 of 40

Dump Truck Birthday Cake

This dump truck cake is great for any kid's (or kid at heart's) birthday! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dump-truck-birthday-cake/8631/" target="_blank">Dump Truck Birthday Cake</a>
35 of 40

Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake

With this recipe, Ree will help you bake a show-stopping dessert for your birthday celebration. Made with four chocolate cake layers filled with freshly sliced strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate hazelnut spread, you won't be able to resist a second piece. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-chocolate-layer-cake/20070/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake</a>
36 of 40

Anna Olson's Boston Cream Pie

This pie (which is actually a cake) is inspired by the widely popular doughnut we all know and love. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-boston-cream-pie/12763/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Boston Cream Pie</a>
37 of 40

Chocolate Blackout Cake

This heavenly birthday treat features six sweet, cocoa-kissed layers of cake and lots of rich chocolate cream cheese frosting. It's truly a chocolate lover's dream. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-blackout-cake/10902/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Chocolate Blackout Cake</a>
38 of 40

Spring Celebration Carrot Cake

This moist layered cake is just what carrot cake lovers will adore. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and fresh ginger make this cake irresistible. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spring-celebration-carrot-cake/18016/" target="_blank">Spring Celebration Carrot Cake</a>
39 of 40

8-Layer Peanut Butter Cake

This eight-layer, vanilla sponge tower is frosted with a buttery chocolate frosting, and layered with powdered peanut butter cups. The finishing touch is chunks of peanut butter cups arranged on top and at the base of the cake. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/8-layer-peanut-butter-cake/10769/" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford's 8-Layer Peanut Butter Cake</a>
40 of 40

Chocolate Ganache Cake

This Ina Garten recipe will help you make a rich, indulgent cake that's ready in less than two hours. It's the perfect way to end an elegant birthday soiree. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-ganache-cake/20579/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Chocolate Ganache Cake</a>
Start Over

Next Gallery