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Photo:
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL
Our grandparents taught us that the most memorable way to celebrate someone on their birthday (besides showering them with
warm wishes
) is to bake them a cake. While there are certain desserts that are associated with specific holidays and occasions (pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving,
bunny cake
on Easter,
peach cobbler
for 4th of July), anything really goes when it comes to birthday celebrations. As each year rolls around, some family members make requests that can range from « I’d love your famous red velvet cake » to « anything with peanut butter, please. » Others are more nostalgic and look forward to the same type of cake they’ve been enjoying since they were young kids. And then there are those who just want to be surprised—after all, if it’s
made-from-scratch
it’s bound to be delicious. Whether you’re celebrating someone turning 1 or 100, we have more than two dozen recipes that are sure to dazzle and delight.
01
of 25
Classic Birthday Cake
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Micah A. Leal
Hooray for homemade sheet cake that doesn’t disappoint. This recipe features the flavor and spirit of confetti cake and is finished with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles.
02
of 25
Pink Champagne Cake
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Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Kelly
Pretty in pink. Say cheers to a two-layer dessert that looks impressive but actually starts with boxed cake mix.
03
of 25
Cookie Cake
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Not everything needs to be a fancy layer cake. (And who doesn’t love a cookie cake?) This recipe is a little bit salty and a little bit sweet, and will remind us all of home.
04
of 25
1234 Cake With Chocolate Frosting
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Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
Always a go-to celebration cake, this simple recipe is just as it name implies: as easy as 1234. Plus, it includes ingredients you likely have in your pantry, which means you can pull it together without a ton of time.
05
of 25
Chocolate Poke Cake
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Stacy Allen, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke, Food Stylist: Jen Riley
Break out the 9×13 pan because this is the dream dessert for a chocolate lover. Our simple recipe is rich and fudgy and topped with fluffy whipped cream and chocolate chips.
06
of 25
Tres Leches Cake
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Ready to impress? For the person who likes a little something more than vanilla or chocolate, this popular Latin American dessert is made with a light, airy sponge cake that is saturated with three different types of milk. Perfect idea for an unforgettable day.
07
of 25
Hummingbird Cake
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Southern Living
For someone who wants a classic celebration, you can’t go wrong with this
iconic Southern cake
.
08
of 25
Peanut Butter Cake
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! This cake is made with creamy
peanut butter
frosting and crunchy peanuts, and will be a recipe worth holding onto for years to come.
09
of 25
Cookies And Cream Cake
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Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Kelly
Whip up this decadent dessert for the one who always requests a scoop (or pint!) of the rich and creamy ice cream flavor.
10
of 25
Eclair Cake
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Molly Bolton/Southern Living
Surprise that special someone with a cake inspired by the traditional pastry. This cake combines graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate ganache for an out-of-this-world treat.
11
of 25
Red Velvet Cake With White Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting
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Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones
There are cakes that shine. And then there are cakes that steal the birthday show. Enter this
classic red velvet
cake with extra rich and creamy cream cheese frosting.
12
of 25
Moravian Sugar Cake
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
No one says every cake must start with a box of cake mix. Cue the Moravian Sugar Cake, a North Carolina specialty that’s made with mashed potatoes and topped with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
13
of 25
Cheerwine Bundt Cake
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Jessica Furniss
Why make something typical when you can bake something extra fun? This showstopper puts a regional spin on everyone’s favorite Bundt.
14
of 25
Red Velvet Mug Cakes
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
For the person who loves the flavor of red velvet, but would prefer a simple, single-serving. Trust us, this mini is quite delightful.
15
of 25
Jimmy Carter Dessert
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Well, if it’s fit for a president, then we assume this will make anyone extra happy on their birthday. This layered dessert is crunchy, creamy, chocolaty, and full of peanut flavor.
16
of 25
Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake
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Courtney West
Rich, buttery, and beyond decadent, this old-fashioned caramel cake is actually easy to make and wows at every gathering.
17
of 25
Million Dollar Cake
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Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Let’s be honest, is there any better compliment than baking a cake for someone that tastes like a million bucks? This light and fluffy cake comes together easily with
boxed cake mix
and instant pudding, and has a tropical twist.
18
of 25
Key Lime Cheesecake
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Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist:Christine Keely Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Two classics—Key Lime and cheesecake—come together in one unforgettable dessert. If you are looking for something a bit different than the typical birthday cake, this recipe is perfect anytime.
19
of 25
Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Hosting a crowd? Transform the
all-time favorite
into a sheet cake so there’s plenty to go around.
20
of 25
Banana Coconut Cobbler
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A flavorful twist on the classic banana cobbler. This recipe is flavored with cardamom, coconut milk, lime, and will be a tasty surprise.
21
of 25
Ambrosia Cupcakes
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Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Giulietta Pinna; Food Styling: Ali Ramee
Made with love for the Southerner who always requests Aunt Betty’s
famous ambrosia
at every family affair.
22
of 25
Jell-O Pie
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FRED HARDY, FOOD STYLIST: MARGARET MONROE DICKEY, PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE
Welcome an old-fashioned favorite to the birthday festivities. Luscious lemon-flavored gelatin crumbles elevate this creamy no-bake pie.
23
of 25
Lemon Lush
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Citrus fans will be over-the-moon digging into this homemade treat. This dessert comes together with
cookie crust
, cream cheese filling, lemon pudding, and whipped cream.
24
of 25
Best Carrot Cake
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
There are people who like carrot cake, and then there are people who really like carrot cake. Whip up this dessert for their special day and plan on not having a crumb left in sight.
25
of 25
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
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ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL
Say hello to the easiest chocolate dessert. The best part is that you can make this moist decadent cake in one bowl.