45+ Creative Birthday Cakes
Updated: Jan. 14, 2022
From cute critter cupcakes to candy-topped cakes, surprise the guest of honor with one of these fun birthday cake recipes.
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Birthday Cake Pancakes
I try to make special foods for my kids, especially on their birthdays. To transform plain ol’ pancake mix, I add cake mix and sprinkles. Frosting closes the deal. —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
I created this recipe based on our family's love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Red heart-shaped sprinkles make them fun for Valentine's Day. Vary the color to match the occasion. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
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Unicorn Cake
This magical unicorn cake tastes as good as it looks. Baking in smaller pans creates impressive height, and a few simple decorating tricks turn it into a showstopping dessert. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
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Raspberry Cake
Jazz up plain cake with raspberry gelatin and frozen berries. Spread with a light, fruity whipped topping (or this whipped topping substitute), the festive results make a cool and refreshing dessert. —Marion Anderson, Dalton, Minnesota
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Owl Tree
I have been “cooking” since I was 3 years old. Now I cook for my two teenage sons and bake decorated cakes for family and friends. I came up with this for an online contest. It was a hoot! —Tammy Baker, Bowling Green, Kentucky
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Confetti Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
This simple and tender cake has been celebrated in my family for years. Dressed up with tinted frosting and confetti, it becomes pure party fun. — Karen Berner, New Canaan, Connecticut
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Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake
This luscious cake is really versatile for all-year fun. I've changed the design on top to a heart for Valentine's, a pumpkin for autumn and a tree for Christmas. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
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Chocolate Cream Cupcakes
My favorite hockey team the Boston Bruins inspired these cupcakes. Add a love note on top using a little white icing. —Alisa Christensen, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
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Carrot Sheet Cake
We sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we sold all 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove South El Monte, California
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Brainy Cake
My Godson and I made this cake after fun day at the science museum. We've made it several times now, and we get a kick out of experimenting with the frosting colors. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
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Mini Pumpkin Cakes
I saw these cute cakes at a local grocery store and decided to make my own version at home. They’re a hit at any fall gathering. —Jennifer Dorff, Waukesha, Wisconsin
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Football Cake Pops
My son loves football! For his eighth birthday, I made cake pops with a rich chocolate cake center and a yummy peanut butter coating. These are sure to be winners at parties, bake sales and sports-watching events. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, WV
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Mama's Spice Cake
Whenever I get a craving for a tasty old-fashioned treat, I make this cake. Great cooks in my family have been baking it for generations, and their families have been enjoying the wonderful spice flavor and rich frosting. —Nancy Duty, Jacksonville, Florida
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Spooky Gelatin Bubble Cupcakes
It's so much fun to make these and decorate with them! Bubbles can be made weeks ahead. Turn them into orange pumpkins, multi-colored balloons -- whatever! —Sarah Thompson, Taste of Home Culinary Director
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Banana Split Icebox Cake
A friend showed me how to make a traditional icebox cake with just cream and graham crackers. I make it special by adding fruit. —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
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Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes
The recipe for these filled and frosted cupcakes was handed down by my mother-in-law, who taught this fledgling cook what to do in the kitchen. She's no longer with us, but baking these treats reminds me of our good times together. —Judie Heiderscheit, Holy Cross, Iowa
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Cherry Nut Cake
My grandmother made up this recipe for her children. Using Ozark-grown cherries and walnuts, she invented one they all liked. Granny always used cream from the dairy farm near her home, but the half-and half works well and is easier to find. —Diana Jennings, Lebanon, Missouri
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Jack-o'-Lantern Cake
I pieced two fluted tube pan cakes together to make this gap-toothed grinner that will make the best-ever centerpiece at your Halloween party. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
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Strawberry Muffin Cones
This is a delightful, fun way to serve a cupcake. I share these with the neighborhood kids and they love the ice cream cone look and ease of eating. Adults who try them say snacking on them makes them feel like kids again. —Barb Kietzer, Niles, Michigan
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Pineapple & Macadamia Nut Cake
This delicious cake is one of my own invention. It's been a huge hit among family and friends and even inspired fierce bidding at a local charity auction! —Greta Kirby, Carthage, Tennessee
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Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolaty Frosting
I begged my aunt for this recipe when I was 16 years old, and it's still my very favorite. The silly monster eyes give these devilish cupcakes some Halloween fun! They are always on my husband's short list for special desserts. —Dawn Koestner, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
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Lemon Meringue Angel Cake
I've been told that this dessert tastes exactly like a lemon meringue pie and that it's the best angel food cake anyone could ask for. I'm not sure about all of that, but it is delightful to serve, and each slice is virtually fat free. —Sharon Kurtz, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
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Autumn Tree Cake
You can decorate this special cake any way you like for Halloween or the colorful autumn months. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Doughnut Hole Cake
This is the easiest, most impressive cake I’ve ever made! You can use chocolate, lemon or strawberry cake mix in the place of red velvet if you prefer. —Robert Pickart, Chicago, Illinois
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Candy Land Cake
My friend asked me to make her son's 5th birthday cake, and when I asked her what he wanted on it, she said, "Oh, just put on gobs and gobs of candy." Instead of piling on candy haphazardly, I thought it should look like the Candy Land board game. The birthday boy, his friends and family members loved it! —Pen Perez, Berkeley, California
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So-Easy-It's-Spooky Bat Cake
This gorgeous dessert starts with a boxed cake mix. Then it’s an easy and magical trick to make the bat silhouette with cocoa. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
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Eyes On You
Look out! This crazy cupcake only has eyes for you. Don't worry though, he's delicious! —Karen Tack, Riverside, Connecticut
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Peter Rabbit Cake
No bunny will be able to resist a slice of this adorable dessert. Baked and decorated ahead of time, the coconut-topped cake makes an eye-catching fitting finale to any Easter feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Moist Lemon Angel Cake Roll
Tart and delicious, this pretty cake roll will tickle any lemon lover's fancy. Its feathery, angel food texture enhances its guilt-free goodness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Reindeer Cake
Whether you turn this cake into a reindeer or decorate it with your own creative vision, it’s a three-layer stunner that will command center stage at your next holiday get-together. Embrace your baking prowess! —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, IA
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Patchwork Quilt Cake
This cake has a great homemade flavor and tender crumb. Be sure to pile on the buttery frosting, which adds a burst of vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Peanut-Filled Devil's Food Cupcakes
This recipe features a luscious peanut butter filling surrounded by devil's food and then iced with a rich layer of ganache. They're to die for! —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
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Homemade Butterfly Cake
Impress guests by making an adorable and delicious cake. It is actually easy to put together.—Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
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Dump Truck Cake
Gearing up to host a construction-themed birthday? This hauler will get your party on a roll! Using packaged cake mix, easy-to-mix frosting and basic loaf pans instead of a special mold to form the truck's shape, we made this cake speedy. You can pave the way for your own big rig, too, by following these simple instructions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Lady Bug Chocolate Cupcakes
Who wouldn't smile when they see these fun little treats sitting on the kitchen table? They're as much fun to make as they are to eat! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Miniature Castle Cakes
You can easily make several of these pretty palaces with a boxed cake mix, canned frosting and a few common confections. Grab a goblet of milk and enjoy one with your prince of princess. &dmash;Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Rainbow Cake with Clouds
Some cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
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Sunshine Cake
I took this cake to the county fair for 4-H and easily brought home a purple ribbon. For a quicker lemon filling, use a cup of lemon curd from a jar. —Leah Will, Bel Aire, Kansas
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Treasure Chest Birthday Cake
Swashbucklers of all ages were eager to seize a chocolaty piece of this birthday cake, although some guests thought it was too cute to cut! Folks were impressed with this edible pirate's treasure chest and loved the rich chocolate icing. —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee
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Red Velvet Crepe Cakes
It's well worth the time to make this beautiful and delicious cake. Each moist layer is separated by a rich and creamy filling. Treat your family on special occasions with this cake. —Crystal Heaton, Alton, Utah
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