20 Birthday Cake Recipes To Celebrate In The Very Best Way (2024)

This adult funfetti cake is basically the birthday cake of our dreams. Three layers of tender vanilla cakes are covered with a not-too-sweet and slightly tangy buttercream. Top it off with colorful sprinkles plus a handful of candles, and you've got a classic birthday cake guaranteed to put a smile on the recipient's face!

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Gift this sweet chocolate cake filled with rich, sticky coconut, and pecan filling to truly win at your next birthday celebration. Since this cake isn't the most chocolatey, it's ideal for sweet fans. But don't worry—we still included plenty of chocolate ganache in between the layers. 😎

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A classic chocolate cake is always a good idea, but if you're looking to stun with something a little different—give this white chocolate cake a try. Layered with a white chocolate mousse and topped with a simple cream cheese frosting, this cake is oh so soft and perfectly rich. Tip: We recommend using good quality bars of white chocolate with this cake; trust us, it will really make a difference.

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Strawberry shortcake ice cream cake has everything great about the novelty bars you know and love, but in a homemade ice cream cake version! Serve this up at a summer birthday celebration so everyone can have a taste of the beloved bar.

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It doesn't get much more classic than this chocolate birthday cake. Our version adds some coffee to amp up that chocolate flavor, and sour cream to give a super-soft, moist texture. The best part? The batter all comes together in one bowl in MINUTES.

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Ground pistachios give a nutty flavor, added crunch, and an appealing, light green hue to this layered cake. Paired between layers of tangy cream cheese icing, this warming, textured cake is perfection in every bite.

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Inspired by the trio of flavors common in Italian spumoni, or molded gelato, this ice cream cake demands attention. With 6 whole pints of ice cream, it feeds a big, hungry crew.

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Calling all funfetti lovers! Meet your new favorite keto-friendly birthday cake. Finding sugar-friendly sprinkles can be a major hassle, but this clever coconut flake hack is easy, fun, and just as impressive.

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We gave the classic flourless chocolate cake an upgrade in the form of LOTS of peanut butter. The chocolate and PB combo make it even richer than the original, while being just as easy to make. The fancy stripes are optional—but who doesn't love a little extra peanut butter?!

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Classic buttercream is great and all, but have you ever had Italian meringue? The not-too-sweet frosting pairs perfectly with rich chocolate cake and lends a toasty (almost s'mores-like) flavor when torched. Make swoops with an offset spatula or pipe it on to make pretty swirls and rosettes!

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Calling all chocolate lovers! This rich cake is a step above your basic chocolate cake. Coffee is added to the batter for an extra-rich, more complex flavor, while chocolate sprinkles are thrown on top for a final touch of chocolatey goodness.

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It’s hard not to love a creamy, light slice of tiramisu, but we especially love it in cake form. Whether you’re looking for a slightly more approachable take on the Italian classic, or are just a tiramisu fanatic looking for a clever twist, this recipe will be perfect for celebrating the tiramisu lover in your life.

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Take your love of Oreos to new heights with this insane chocolate cake. Layered with Oreo crumbs and a marshmallow frosting, it's the biggest form of an Oreo yet. The secret behind the giant splash of milk on top of the cake? An easy peasy balloon trick!

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If you grew up having yellow cake for every birthday, this recipe will take you back. Ever wondered what yellow cake actually is? It's basically a vanilla cake made with extra egg yolks, which make the cake perfectly dense with a super-rich flavor. It's a step above regular vanilla cake and pairs perfectly with a thick, fudgy chocolate frosting.

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Who doesn't love a personalized cake on a birthday celebration? While it may seem difficult, this customizable cake couldn't be easier to pull off. We gave you options too, so no stressin' necessary!

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Bigger is better, especially when we're talking cookies. Tip: Don’t be shy with your cookie! Mix up the chocolate chips in the cookie dough for peanut butter or butterscotch chips instead, or if you love all things chocolate, then decorate the baked cookie with chocolate icing or a chocolate ganache glaze. 😍

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The tart sweetness of the blueberries is amplified by the zing of the citrus in this light yet satisfying cake. With three levels of fresh blueberries, this is an ideal way to celebrate spring or summer birthdays.

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Everyone should have a good red velvet cake recipe in their back pocket—and this is it. It has a decadent chocolate flavor with the creamiest cream cheese frosting, plus the combo of vinegar and buttermilk makes this red velvet cake extra-tender, light, and fluffy.

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A naked cake speaks for itself. If you're planning a simple, classy gathering (or looking for dessert that's begging to be Instagrammed), you can't go wrong with this simple statement cake. You truly can't mess up the buttercream frosting—it'll look stunning no matter what!

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Making strawberry compote is easier than you'd think. Whipping the compote into the cake batter, frosting, and filling makes this a strawberry lover's dream.

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