When it comes to celebrating birthdays, there’s nothing quite like a delicious and memorable dessert. Whether you’re planning a party at home or looking for a special treat to give as a gift, these 20 birthday recipes are sure to impress. From classic vanilla cake with buttercream frosting to creative takes on traditional treats, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our favorite birthday recipes that are perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re a fan of chocolatey goodness or light and fruity flavors, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get baking, and make your birthday memories even more special with these tasty treats.
Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Celebrate any occasion with this timeless and delicious vanilla cake recipe paired with a rich buttercream frosting. This classic combination is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
1. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Cupcakes
Rich, gooey chocolate brownies transformed into individual cupcakes, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. These fudgy treats are topped with a velvety chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt for added texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces best-quality dark or semisweet chocolate chips
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Melt butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate until melted.
4. Let cool slightly; whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and salt.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely before topping with ganache (recipe not included).
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies
Celebrate a special day with these moist and flavorful cookies filled with colorful funfetti sprinkles!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup funfetti sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in funfetti sprinkles.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Enjoy your delicious Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies!
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the iconic flavors of red velvet cake paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting. This beloved dessert is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and melted butter. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes (cake) + 5 minutes (frosting)
Birthday Cake Popcorn
Celebrate any occasion with a sweet and salty twist on classic popcorn! This recipe combines the flavors of birthday cake with a crunchy, caramel-coated treat that’s perfect for snacking or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Line a large bowl with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, water, and butter. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and stir until coated.
6. Spread popcorn mixture on parchment paper-lined surface. Let cool completely.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including preparation)
Rainbow Layered Birthday Cake
Celebrate a birthday in style with this vibrant Rainbow Layered Birthday Cake, featuring layers of moist vanilla cake, creamy buttercream frosting, and a pop of colorful rainbow sprinkles.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the frosting:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
6. Prepare frosting by beating butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
7. Assemble cake layers with frosting, finishing with a layer of frosting on top.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Oreo Birthday Cake Truffles
Celebrate a special occasion with these bite-sized Oreo birthday cake truffles that combine the classic flavors of vanilla cake, cream cheese, and Oreos. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these adorable treats ready to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
– 1 cup vanilla cake mix
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and vanilla cake mix.
2. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Dip each ball into melted milk chocolate (or white chocolate) and place on parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None required, as these truffles are no-bake!
Enjoy your delicious Oreo birthday cake truffles!
Birthday Cake Pancakes with Sprinkles
Birthday Cake Pancakes with Sprinkles: A fun twist on traditional pancakes, these fluffy treats are perfect for celebrating a special day!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with sprinkles on top (if using).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch (depending on number of pancakes)
Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Dessert
Celebrate your birthday in sweet style with this classic Strawberry Shortcake dessert, a timeless favorite that’s sure to delight both kids and adults. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for a special celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 cup vanilla cake crumbs (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
3. Split the vanilla cake crumbs in half and place one half at the bottom of a serving glass or jar.
4. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cake crumbs.
5. Top with the whipped cream.
6. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
7. Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Celebrate any occasion with these decadent treats that combine creamy birthday cake ice cream, crunchy cookies, and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint birthday cake ice cream
– 12-15 soft-baked cookies (such as snickerdoodles or sugar cookies)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Scoop the ice cream into balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Place a cookie on a flat surface and flatten slightly to create room for the ice cream ball.
3. Place an ice cream ball onto the cookie, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Dust the top of each sandwich with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time:
– No cooking required! Assemble and serve immediately.
Lemon Blueberry Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special day with this refreshing and flavorful Lemon Blueberry Birthday Cake. Moist lemon sponge cake is infused with the sweetness of fresh blueberries, topped with a tangy lemon buttercream frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and lemon zest. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.
3. Pour in melted butter, lemon juice, and blueberries; whisk until combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with lemon buttercream frosting.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Birthday Cake Cheesecake Bars
Celebrate any occasion with these scrumptious cheesecake bars infused with the sweet and festive flavors of birthday cake. Moist, fluffy cake meets creamy cheesecake in a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake batter over crust. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar and rainbow sprinkles on top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Confetti Birthday Cake Donuts
Start your celebration with these colorful donuts that are as fun to eat as they are to make! These bite-sized treats are perfect for a birthday party or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup canola oil
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon confetti cake mix (or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, oil, and baking powder; whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in confetti cake mix.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop donuts into hot oil (about 1/4 cup each).
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown; flip and fry for another minute.
7. Remove from oil with slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Chocolate Chip Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with this moist and delicious Chocolate Chip Birthday Cake!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool completely before frosting and decorating.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Birthday Cake Milkshake with Whipped Cream
Get ready to toast a special birthday with this creamy and dreamy milkshake, topped with fluffy whipped cream!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon birthday cake-flavored syrup (or substitute with a combination of vanilla and caramel syrups)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– Pinch of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, birthday cake-flavored syrup, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a glass or a metal shaker filled with ice.
3. Whip heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Top the milkshake with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (excluding chilling time for whipped cream)
Caramel Drizzle Birthday Cupcakes
Celebrate a special birthday with these moist vanilla cupcakes topped with a rich caramel drizzle and sprinkles! These irresistible treats are perfect for a party or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Caramel drizzle (store-bought or homemade)
– Sprinkles, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before drizzling with caramel and topping with sprinkles.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats
Make a festive treat that’s perfect for birthdays or any special occasion with these colorful and delicious Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 12 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
– Edible glitter or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
4. Press half of the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and enough water to form a thick paste (similar to frosting).
6. Spread the frosting over the Rice Krispie layer in the baking dish.
7. Top with the remaining Rice Krispie mixture.
8. Decorate with edible glitter or sprinkles if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tips:
– Use a lightly greased surface to prevent sticking.
– Let the treats cool and harden completely before cutting or serving.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Birthday Cake
Moist chocolate cake meets creamy peanut butter goodness in this indulgent birthday treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, peanut butter, and butter until smooth.
4. Add vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Birthday Cake Macarons with Filling
Celebrate a special birthday in style with these deliciously flavorful macarons, filled with a sweet and tangy buttercream. This recipe yields 20-25 macarons.
Ingredients:
For the shells:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1 1/2 cups (200g) powdered sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup (120ml) granulated sugar
– Food coloring (yellow, pink)
For the filling:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whipping until combined.
4. Add food coloring to the mixture and mix well.
5. Fold in the sifted almond flour mixture until combined.
6. Spoon mixture into piping bag fitted with a round tip.
7. Pipe small, round circles onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Tap baking sheet gently to remove air bubbles.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until tops are firm and lightly golden.
10. Allow macarons to cool completely before filling.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
White Chocolate Raspberry Birthday Cake
Celebrate a special birthday with this decadent white chocolate cake infused with sweet and tangy raspberries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and white chocolate chips until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Fold in the raspberries.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to celebrate birthdays in style with these 20 delicious recipes! From classic cakes and cupcakes to fun cookies and treats, there’s something for every birthday enthusiast. Try making a vanilla cake with buttercream frosting or decadent chocolate fudge brownies. Or go for something sweet and playful like funfetti cookies or rainbow layered cake. Whatever the celebration, these recipes are sure to bring joy and make any birthday special.
