If you're wondering what to bake up for that next birthday celebration, we've got you covered! In this post you'll find recipes for all of your favorite birthday cakes--from the ones you grew up with to the ones you fell in love with as an adult.
Welcome to my Birthday Month!
My birthday is in January, and this year I plan to celebrate all month long! With that in mind, I decided to compile enough cakes in my list to last the whole month. (Hey, a cake a day? What's not to love about that?)
No matter when you celebrate your birthday, there's something in this lineup for you.
Why do we Celebrate Birthdays with Cake?
The tradition of birthday cake goes back hundreds, if not thousands of years. It’s rooted in ancient celebrations. The Greeks started it by making round honey cakes with candles to honor Artemis. After that, the Romans got in on the game. They baked up sweet cakes for all sorts of special occasions.
Fast forward to Medieval Germany, where kids’ birthdays were made extra special with candle-topped cakes. (Candles for the win! That's a tradition that still holds true today.)
Back in those days sugar was pricey and hard to find. But as that changed, cakes became a must-have for everyone, not just the rich folks. These luscious delicacies came to symbolize joy, sweetness, and togetherness. I don't know about you but I love that moment at a birthday party when everyone sings and the candles are blown out. There's something pretty magical about it.
What's Your Favorite Birthday Cake?
I've always loved birthday cake but I do have some favorites. Top of the list is Italian Cream Cake. Second to that is German Chocolate Cake with my Mama's Homemade Coconut Pecan Frosting. After that? Well, I'm pretty crazy about my Strawberry Lemonade Cake. Oh, and my White Cake with Strawberry Filling.
I could go on and on. But I'm pretty sure you have your favorites, too. And I'm guessing you'll find them in the list below. No matter which one you choose (or when you bake it) I hope your 2025 birthday is a day to remember! I'm sure mine will be!
Without further ado, let's get those birthday cake recipes!
Best Birthday Cake Recipes
Enjoy these delicious and popular cake recipes, perfect for your big day!
Best Italian Cream Cake (doctored cake mix)
Experience the classic flavors of coconut, pecans, and tangy cream cheese frosting in this show-stopping Italian Cream Cake. Watch our quick video reel to see each step of the process, from whipping up the fluffy batter to creating the luscious icing.
Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe
Treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate experience with this decadent, multi-layer cake. Each bite delivers a burst of cocoa flavor, paired with a velvety frosting that’s guaranteed to impress. Watch our quick reel to see how simple it is to create a show-stopping dessert at home.
The Most Delicious White Cake from a Box (Doctored Cake Mix)
Get ready for the fluffiest, most flavorful white cake ever! With this simple doctored cake mix, a few extra ingredients transform an ordinary box into a bakery-worthy masterpiece. Watch our quick reel to see how easy it is to whip up moist layers perfect for birthdays, weddings, or everyday sweet cravings.
Delicious Angel Food Cake from Scratch
Experience the light, airy delight of homemade angel food cake with this simple yet impressive recipe. Whipped egg whites and minimal ingredients create a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for a summertime dessert or any special occasion. Watch this cake rise to soft perfection and enjoy it topped with fresh fruit or sweet whipped cream.
Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Mention the words “red velvet cake” and southerners begin to swoon. We’re so addicted to this cake we can’t imagine life without it. If you’re a fan of this rich cocoa-infused delicacy, you’re going to love this post. I’m about to offer you a “from scratch” version that’s simply irresistible.
Traditional German Chocolate Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic German Chocolate Cake, featuring moist chocolate layers and a luscious coconut-pecan filling. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this timeless dessert delivers rich flavor in every bite.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake from a Box Mix
t's so easy to turn a yellow cake mix into this easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake! One can of sliced pineapple rings, 1 cup of brown sugar, some maraschino cherries, and the usual ingredients for a boxed cake mix. . .and you're good to go. Talk about an easy dessert!
The Ultimate Lemon Chiffon Cake
Experience bright citrus flavor and an airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with this Ultimate Lemon Chiffon Cake. Perfect for spring gatherings or when you crave a zesty dessert, this show-stopping cake delivers tangy sweetness in every bite.
Easy Orange Chiffon Cake from Scratch
Delight in the fresh, citrusy flavor of this Orange Chiffon Cake—fluffy, moist, and irresistibly light. Perfect for springtime gatherings or whenever you crave a bright dessert, this cake pairs tangy orange zest with a tender crumb for a memorable treat.
Mama’s Traditional Mandarin Orange Cake
If you love the bright, fresh flavors of mandarin oranges and the light, fluffy texture of a yellow cake, then I’ve got the recipe for you. This traditional Mandarin Orange cake will give you flashbacks to the good old days. . .in all the best ways!
Old-Fashioned Pound Cake (with whipping cream)
Treat yourself to the classic taste of an Old-Fashioned Pound Cake—rich, buttery, and perfectly moist. Using simple pantry ingredients, this timeless recipe delivers a tender crumb that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Strawberry Lemonade Cake (doctored cake mix)
The tartness of the lemon cake. The sweetness of the strawberry. The tang of the lemon curd. The delicious balance of strawberry preserves and fresh strawberries. And, on top of it all--homemade whipped cream, stabilized with lemon pudding. Yes, please! This Strawberry Lemonade cake is visually stunning and (truly) one of the best cakes you'll ever put in your mouth.
Screwball Cake with Glaze Frosting
If you’re looking for the world’s simplest chocolate cake, this is the recipe for you! It comes together in no time at all, and is completely egg and milk free!
Simple Tres Leches Cake (Doctored Cake Mix)
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of Tres Leches Cake—a fluffy sponge soaked in three types of milk for a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit (or a dusting of cinnamon), this beloved Latin American treat offers rich flavor in every bite.
Traditional Coconut Cake (with Cream of Coconut Frosting)
Coconut cake is a popular offering in the south, but there’s no reason why we need to limit it geographically! This luscious cake is perfect for families across the globe and great for Christmas, Easter, and every day in-between!
Orange Raspberry Pound Cake
If you love the texture of a luscious pound cake but the light, bright flavors of citrus and berries, you're going to be crazy about this new recipe.
Easy Carrot Bundt Cake with Frosting in the Mix
If you love carrot cake but you don’e have time to make one from scratch, this doctored cake mix is going to blow you away. There are some very surprising ingredients in the mix, and they all come together to form the best carrot cake ever!
Caramel Butterscotch Pound Cake
Indulge in the sweet richness of this Caramel Butterscotch Pound Cake, blending classic pound cake texture with warm caramel and butterscotch flavors. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night at home, this moist, buttery treat is a true crowd-pleaser.
The Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake (with Chocolate Mayonnaise Frosting)
If you're looking for a rich, moist cake, loaded with flavor, you've come to the right place. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise cake is a southern favorite guaranteed to please everyone on your guest list. And this yummy recipe takes things a step further, adding a rich chocolate frosting with mayonnaise in it, as well!
Southern Hummingbird Cake from Scratch
Here in the south we love our sweets and we're particularly fond of this traditional fruity cake. It you love a rich, full cake loaded with nuts and fruit, this is the recipe for you!
Luscious Brown Butter Walnut Cake with Maple Glaze
This rich yellow cake, loaded with browned butter, toasted walnuts, and vanilla extract will make you swoon. The addition of sour cream makes it sturdy and moist and the milk adds a luscious texture. The brown butter maple glaze on top? Well, that's just the icing on the cake! (Literally!)
Kentucky Butter Cake
Learn to create a stunning ombre effect on your cake with this simple step-by-step guide. From choosing the perfect color shades to blending them seamlessly, you’ll achieve a gradient look that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Easy Black Forest Bundt Cake (doctored cake mix)
If you love the flavors of chocolate and cherries you're going to adore this easy Black Forest Bundt Cake. It's one of the simplest cakes you'll ever make and best of all it starts with a box of cake mix.
Aloha Carrot Cake from Scratch
If you’re looking for the perfect Carrot Cake to serve your guests this Easter, have I got a great one for you! This “from scratch” recipe is rich, moist, and covered in tangy cream cheese frosting!
German Chocolate Pound Cake (with canned frosting inside)
If you love a terrific German Chocolate cake but the idea of making one from scratch sounds overwhelming, do I have the perfect recipe for you!
White Almond Sour Cream Cake
If you love a rich white cake with a hint of almond flavor, this is the perfect recipe for you. Whether you’re making a wedding cake, an anniversary cake, or a simple dessert for your family, this is going to be a terrific option!
Chocolate Pound Cake with Sour Cream
If you love a rich chocolate cake but enjoy the weight of a pound cake, this is the recipe for you! It comes together in just a few short steps and starts with a box of cake mix!
The Perfect Texas Sheet Cake
Savor a taste of the Lone Star State with this classic Texas Sheet Cake—moist, chocolatey, and topped with a rich glaze. Whether you sprinkle on pecans or enjoy it plain, this easy-to-make dessert serves a crowd and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Poppy Seed Cake with Orange Glaze
If you love a luscious poppy seed cake but enjoy a hint of orange flavoring, you're going to flip over this simple homemade cake. It's truly perfect, inside and out.
Banana Berry Chiffon Cake from Scratch
If you love banana bread but you’re looking for something lighter, fluffier, and with a hint of berry flavor, this is the recipe for you! This simple from scratch banana chiffon cake is simple and foolproof!
How to Ombre a Cake (Easy Ombre Technique)
Learn the ombre technique in this simple post.
If you're interested in seeing my gallery or birthday cake designs follow this link. Here are a few fun samples. You can use any number of the recipes listed above to make these tiered cakes.
Decorating Tips and Tricks
Check out these posts to help with all-things-decorating. You want that birthday cake to be beautiful!
That’s it for this post, friends!
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe.
If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!
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About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.