37 Fantastically Fun Birthday Cake Ideas

There is no denying that the best thing about your birthday is a birthday cake.

It is the one day of the year when you can eat whatever cake that you want, and nobody can tell you “no”. It is your birthday, so you get a free pass to eat whatever you want.

When it comes to your birthday one of the most exciting things is choosing which style of birthday cake that you want.

Sometimes you can’t go wrong with a classic flavor, but there are now all sorts of different delicious and fun flavors that you can choose from. 

In this complete guide, we’ll be taking a look at 37 different fantastically fun birthday cake ideas.

So, if you are searching for your next birthday cake, you are in the right place. Keep on reading to find out more. 

1. Rainbow Surprise Inside Cake

On the outside, this cake might look simple. But as soon as you cut it, you’ll be in for a delightful surprise.

The great thing about this cake is that you can fill the center with whatever chocolates or sweets that you like.

We’d recommend opting for a colorful sweet as this will really contrast the plain white exterior of this cake (see also ‘18 Cakes that Come from Italy‘).

If you want a cake that is fairly easy to make, but still super fun, then this is the recipe to follow.

2. Funfetti Cake

Alternatively, if you want a cake that is a little prettier, we would recommend checking out this funfetti cake recipe.

Funfetti cakes have become all the rage in recent years, and it is easy to see why. This cake is great if you want a simple, yet beautiful cake that is also nice and easy to make.

With this recipe, the bulk of the decoration happens when you are baking the cake, so assembling it is straightforward. It is a great choice if you don’t want to overwhelm yourself with an elaborate cake.

3. Mango Charlotte Birthday Cake

Mango Charlotte cheesecake isn’t the traditional style of birthday cake that you might think of. However, the great thing about it being your birthday is that you can eat whatever you want.

So, if you fancy a cake that isn’t a traditional cake, that’s fine! All you have to do is pop a candle in and any cake will become a birthday cake.

Mango Charlotte cheesecake is delicious, and this no-bake recipe is easy to make. You can’t go wrong with this super fun cake. 

4. Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is a traditional cake recipe, and it is a popular choice for birthday cakes, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun.

Red velvet cake is a great cake for a birthday because you really can make it your own.

This chocolate cake looks so much more fun than a regular chocolate cake, and you can really make it your own with the chocolate that you use to decorate the top of the cake.

If you love chocolate cake, then a red velvet cake might be the perfect birthday cake for you. 

5. Marble Cake

Marble cake is interesting, and it is a type of cake that is a little less well-known than some of the other recipes we have looked at in this guide so far.

Marble cake is aptly known as marble cake because it uses two different batters: a light batter, and a dark batter.

These two batters are lightly blended together before baking to create a marble effect in the finished product. It is utterly delicious, and the perfect flavor for a birthday cake. 

6. Cookies And Cream Cake

Cookies and cream is one of the most elite pairings out there, and you might think that there is no way to make this flavor combination better.

But that’s where you’re wrong! If you love cookies and cream, then you will love these cookies and cream cakes even more.

It is the perfect combination of smooth and chunky, and has a delicious flavor and texture. Another great filling for a birthday cake. 

7. Rainbow Cake

If you want to surprise the person whose birthday it is, then you should consider a rainbow cake.

Just like the rainbow surprise inside cake that we looked at earlier, you will be in for a real treat when you cut into your rainbow cake.

When you make this cake, you can use a wide variety of different food coloring to create the rainbow effect inside. This cake might not look like much on the outside, but on the inside it is beautiful. 

8. Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Lemon flavored cake isn’t for everybody, but if you are a fan of lemon flavored things, you will love this lemon poppy seed cake recipe.

Everybody knows that the lemon poppy seed muffins from Starbucks are insane, and this cake recipe tastes almost identical.

This cake is light and moist, and the flavor combination is fun in its own way. If you want a nice, simple cake where the flavor speaks for itself, this is a great recipe to choose.

9. Chocolate Fudge Cake

Speaking of moist cake, if you love a moist cake, then you will love this chocolate fudge cake recipe.

This cake is soft and tender with a strong chocolate flavor which perfectly contrasts the fudge flavor of the sauce.

Birthday cakes are traditionally eaten cold, but why not heat this cake up for a gooey taste sensation. It’s your birthday, you can enjoy your cake in whichever way you please! 

10. Banana Cake

Banana bread has become a bit of a craze in recent years. If you love banana bread, so much so that you would like to have it for your birthday cake, this is the recipe for you.

It tastes exactly like banana bread, but looks that much nicer for your birthday. It has a simple topping that will complement the flavor of the cake perfectly.

This is another recipe where the flavor is at the heart of the fun. 

11. Cheesecake

When you think about a birthday cake, it is traditional to think of a sponge cake. However in recent years, more and more people are choosing to use a cheesecake as their birthday cake instead.

Cheesecake is absolutely delicious, and it comes in a wide range of flavors.

From vanilla cheesecake to strawberry cheesecake and even biscoff cheesecake, there are lots of different options.

But for your birthday, we would recommend this delicious birthday cake cheesecake recipe. 

12. Chocolate Drip Cake

In recent years, when it comes to birthday cake, it is all about the decoration.

One birthday cake decoration style that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the chocolate drip cake.

This is the style of cake that often features on Instagram where the chocolate sauce is delicately dripped down the side of the cake, and it looks amazing.

This birthday cake is guaranteed to be a hit, so it is definitely one to think about. 

13. Black Forest Cake

As a flavor combination, black forest works incredibly well. Most of the time, you will find this flavor combination in a gâteau, but it works incredibly well in a cake too.

So, if you love Black Forest gâteau, why not check out this black forest cake recipe. You won’t regret it!

14. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pineapple upside down cake is a cult classic. So why not turn this classic retro cake into your birthday cake? This soft and buttery cake is incredibly delicious and full of flavor.

It looks nothing like a traditional birthday cake, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

If a pineapple upside down cake is what you like, then that’s what you like, so why not treat yourself on your birthday. 

15. Key Lime Cake

You’ve heard of key lime pie, now take a look at key lime cake. If you love the flavor of key lime pie, then this cake recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

It is simple and straightforward to make, and it is also perfect for the summer months (see also ‘28 Stunning Summer Cake Recipes‘).

If your birthday occurs during the warmer months of the year, we would definitely recommend considering this super fun cake recipe. 

16. Kit Kat Bucket Cake

Some cakes are fun because of their flavor, others are fun because of their appearance, others are both. This Kit Kat bucket cake is one of them.

This cake is absolutely perfect for celebrations with a chocolate cake right at its heart and a variety of toppings surrounding it.

The Kit Kat pieces form a bucket, and the top of the cake is covered in M & Ms. It is every chocolate lover’s dream.  

17. Giant Cupcake

Another birthday cake style that is super fun is the giant cupcake. Everybody loves cupcakes, and this cupcake simply cannot be beaten.

The giant cupcake is a birthday cake style that is designed to look just like a giant cupcake (see also ‘28 Valentine’s Day Cupcake And Muffin Recipes For Someone Special‘). This cake is even more exciting as it has a surprise hidden in the center.

It is designed to look exactly like a cupcake inside a cupcake case. You can decorate it whatever color you would like, and it will be perfect for celebrating your birthday. 

If you’re a fan of cupcakes, you might want to explore easy cupcake recipes to enjoy these delightful treats more often!

18. Number Cake

Alternatively, if it is a big birthday that you are celebrating, then you should consider a number cake.

Number cakes are great because you can decorate them however you want and really make them your own.

From icing flowers to fruit or chocolate, there are all sorts of different things that you can use to decorate your number cake. 

Sometimes, when it is your birthday, you don’t want to acknowledge just how old you are, and that’s fine.

But, if you want to throw a big bash for your 21st, 50th, or 70th, a number cake is perfect. This style of cake is also great for children’s birthdays. 

19. Cupcakes

If you want a fun birthday cake for a big party, then sometimes a single birthday cake isn’t enough.

Cutting the cake for guests can be a bit of a pain, so you might want to consider buying cupcakes instead.

These simple cupcakes are delicious, with a nice, light sponge. The cake is moist, and you can decorate them however you want, so they are the perfect option if you are sticking to a theme. 

20. Ice Cream Cone Cakes

Speaking of cupcakes, then another great birthday cake idea is these individual ice cream cone cakes. These cakes are totally unique, and they look really fun.

The sponge itself is delicious, and it is really easy to give everybody a “slice” of this cake. Top it off with a wafer, and your guests won’t be able to believe that it is cake, not ice cream.

21. Ferrero Rocher Cake

If you are a big fan of a certain type of chocolate, then you might want a birthday cake that is centered around that.

One type of chocolate that seems really fancy is Ferrero Rocher, and that is why they work so well on a birthday cake.

If you love these hazelnut chocolates, then you will love this birthday cake recipe.

22. Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Another craze in recent years is cookie cakes. These types of cakes are essentially large cakes that look exactly like cookies.

They are the perfect, fun birthday cake option for all the cookie lovers in your life, and a sure fire way to make it feel like a party.

23. Vegan Birthday Cake

A lot of people now follow a vegan lifestyle, and for these people it can be difficult to find a birthday cake recipe that suits their needs.

Especially a fun recipe. This birthday cake recipe is completely vegan, and it is super fun too with sprinkles for good measure. It is quick and easy to make, and delicious too – the perfect option for any vegans. 

24. Broken Biscuit Cake Stack

Some of the best birthday cakes on this list are cakes which you don’t have to cut. This broken biscuit cake stack is another super fun option on this list.

These cakes are incredibly moreish, and totally delicious. Simply stack them in a neat fashion, and they will be the perfect showstopper for your birthday party, and a unique and fun birthday cake.

25. Unicorn Cake

You’ve probably already heard of the unicorn cake by now because this super fun style of cake has become really popular.

This cake is truly beautiful, and perfect for anyone of any age. You only have to take a look at this cake to see why it has become so popular. 

26. Butterfinger Cake

Some of the funnest recipes on this list are chocolate cake recipes, and that is also true of this Butterfinger cake. This is a cake recipe that can make a really fun birthday cake because of the flavor.

Getting enjoyment out of food is one of the best feelings in the world, so if you want a really fun taste experience, you should consider using this butterfinger recipe for your birthday cake. 

27. Coconut Cake

Another really fun flavor is coconut. Coconut isn’t for everybody, but if you love this flavor, then you will love this cake.

Like many of the cakes we have looked at in this guide, this is another recipe that looks plain and simple on the outside, but tastes delicious on the inside, and it is one that you need to try. 

28. Root Beer Float Cake

However, if you would prefer a recipe that looks fun on the outside, then you need to check out this root beer float cake recipe.

The root beer flavor is infused into the sponge of the cake, and a nice simple icing gives this cake a delicious finish.

Decorate it however you want for a fantastically fun birthday cake that your guests will love.

29. Atomic Cake

You only need to take a look at the name of this cake to find out how great it is, they don’t call it the atomic cake for nothing!

With pudding, three layers of cake and a mixture of strawberries and bananas, this cake is a taste sensation. Don’t believe us? Just try it.

30. Ding Dong Cake

Simply the name of this cake is enough to show just how fun it is.

This super fun birthday cake consists of chocolate sponge with a delicious vanilla filling. It is amazing to look at, and incredible to eat too.

31. Hamburger Cake

In terms of cakes with a fun appearance, there are very few cakes that are better than the hamburger cake.

This cake is perfect for those who love both sweet and savory because it really does look like a hamburger. If you’ve ever seen Is it Cake then you will love this recipe.

32. Gravity Defying Sweetie Cake

Some cakes can defy expectations, and this is one of them. This gravity defying sweetie cake is unlike anything that you will have seen before, and it is guaranteed to have your guests in awe.

This really is one of the funnest cakes on this list, and a great choice for your birthday.

33. Castle Cake

If you are searching for a fun birthday cake for a child’s birthday, then this castle cake might be perfect.

The sponge in this cake is plain and simple as all the fun is in the decorations. It is a real showstopper, and one that your child is going to love.

34. Volcano Cake

Alternatively, if you are ready to push the boat out a little, and not afraid of a challenge, you should consider this volcano cake.

This cake is a birthday cake and a science project all rolled into one. It is delicious, it is fun, and it is educational – the perfect birthday cake for your little one.

35. Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut butter in itself is nice and fun, and that is what makes this cake so great. This cake is full of flavor, and you have a lot of freedom when it comes to decorating it because it tastes fantastic. 

36. Keto Birthday Cake

If you are following a keto diet, then look no further than this keto birthday cake recipe.

Just like those following a vegan diet, there are very few cakes out there that are suitable for those following a keto diet, and even fewer fun cakes.

This cake is simple yet fun in its own special way, and it is one that you are going to love.

37. Cookie Dough Cake

Finally, we have this incredibly fun cookie dough cake. Cookie dough is one of the best treats in the world, and that is why this cake is so amazing.

If you love Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream, you will love the flavor of this cake, and you can make the outside as fun as you want!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Choose A Birthday Cake?

When you look at all the incredible cakes in this list, it can be difficult to choose which style of birthday cake is right for you.

After all, there are a lot of delicious and fun flavors to choose from. So how do you choose?

To narrow your choices down, it is important to consider who the birthday cake is for. Some cakes will be more appropriate for adults, while others will be better for children.

Once you have done this, it is a good idea to consider if there is a theme for the party which the cake is going to be displayed at.

If there isn’t, consider things such as hobbies, favorite color, and age when choosing a birthday cake for somebody. 

When Should You Make A Cake?

Preparing for a birthday party is often very stressful. So, if you are making your own birthday cake, you might be wondering if you can do this in advance.

Especially if the cake that you have chosen has intricate icing and decorations. 

Ideally, you should only make your cake a couple of days before the party.

If you want to make your cake further in advance then you could freeze it, and defrost a few days before the party, ready for decorating. 

How Long Do Birthday Cakes Last In The Fridge?

How long a cake will last in the fridge depends on the filling.  If the cake is filled using chocolate sauce or ganache, then it will last for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge.

But if the cake contains any fresh toppings or fillings, such as fresh cream or fruit,  it will need to be consumed in 2 days.

Summary

No matter how old you are, it is always nice to celebrate your special day with a birthday cake made especially for you.

Check out the guide above for 37 different delicious and fun ideas.