All I want for my birthday is a FUN birthday cake. Who can relate? There are countless fun birthday cake ideas to make, recipes to try, cool designs to try, simple cakes, and birthday cake themes for women! Whether you’re wanting to make a simpler cake or something more elaborate, there are 38 perfect birthday cake ideas here to inspire you and create!

And in the recipe card at the very bottom, we’ve included the MOST popular chocolate cake in the world, which is Ina Garten’s chocolate cake she adapted from the Hershey’s black magic chocolate cake made in a bundt pan. Ina changed it to a layered cake and added a chocolate espresso frosting. We’ve included the easy Hershey’s version in a recipe card for you at the bottom of the post.
Fun Birthday Cake Ideas
Fun birthday cake is just a must to a complete celebration, even for adults. No, it’s not about how much frosting there is on a cake or how much filling there is. What makes a birthday cake a fun cake is the color, design, flavor, and overall appeal. Many birthday cakes are simple but it’s fun to do something out of the ordinary that’s delicious and everyone will remember! Go extra this year and do something nice that’s totally different. What’s a cake that will fit the theme of the party? Are you wanting a cool design that’s probably too pretty to eat? Are you going for the aesthetic look? There are so many things to factor when creating the perfect fun birthday cake for adults!
If you’re looking for more Fun Birthday Cake Ideas then be sure to read our posts on Food Ideas for Parties, Galentine’s Day Party Ideas, Graduation Party Food Ideas
Recipes for Cakes for Birthdays
If you’re looking for the best birthday cake RECIPE, here are 17 amazing, fun birthday cake ideas to try! They are all pretty “extra” ideas but that’s what makes the birthday cake process fun. Get ready to be inspired with some crazy but cool cake ideas and great recipes to go for. With plenty of layers, color, flavor, and texture, there are endless ideas here!
Shag Cake
Image source by preppykitchen
This is a super fun cake if you want to create a cake with layers and something visually striking and easy. It looks complicated but it’s not! This birthday cake idea will absolutely set the mood and fun for everyone. If you like the shag look for a birthday cake definitely try this!
Triple Stack Donut Cake
Image source by sprinklebakes
Is there anything better than a stacked donut cake?? I donut think so…;) If you’re someone who loves donuts or just want a super fun birthday cake idea this is perfect! This pairs great with a jar of sprinkles. This will absolutely bring smiles to any party!
Brownie Birthday Cake
Image source by livinglocurto
Who else loves their brownies and just needs a whole stack of them as a birthday cake? This is a creative way to get your chocolate dose, add something fruity with the strawberries, and still have a cake-like appeal. Yummy!
Strawberry Pop Tart Cake
Image source by cookiesandcups
Are you one of the those who appreciates pop tarts just as much as you did when you were younger? Strawberry pop tarts make for the best addition to a birthday cake. Drizzled with a fruity syrup, this cake is a hit! You can do this another flavored pop tart as well and have the same idea.
Fun and Fabulous Birthday Cake
Image source by findyourcakeinspiration
Here to inspire you for some super funky cake! Your cake doesn’t have to make sense as long as it’s fun and fabulous. Go for a cool pattern that’s colorful and different! This can start with any basic cake that just has a cool aesthetic look to it!
Rainbow and Gold Cake
Image source by sugargeekshow
I love this combo! Little would you know the entire inside of the cake is rainbow colored! This is a perfect fun birthday cake idea. It isn’t just for looks, it tastes amazing too and is fun to slice when you can see all the pretty colors.
Layered Cake
Image source by bakerbettie
This is the most basic, easy layered to make for beginners, and looks cool! Leveling the cake, filling, and coating, it’s a super easy recipe and tastes so good. I love the lavender color for a birthday color, so pretty!
Hearts and Bows
This isn’t a cake recipe but instead is a decorating idea. Take your favorite cake recipe, spread vanilla frosting on the outside, and add cute black hearts and hand tied mini bows.
Idea from Pinterest
Watermelon Layer Cake
Image source by sugarhero
This is the ultimate summer cake and will have you wanting more! Includes layers of watermelon, chocolate chips and just the best watermelon experience for something fun and unexpected! How can you not want to try it?
Milk Bar Birthday Cake
Image source by sweetestmenu
This is the homemade version of the popular Milk Bar Birthday Cake which originated from New York. “With three layers of soft funfetti cake, dreamy vanilla buttercream and crunchy cookie crumbs, it’s perfect for Birthdays, parties and celebrations!”
Rainbow Poke Cake
Image source by thefarmgirlgabs
Full of flavor, plenty of fun color, moist and delicious, here’s another great rainbow birthday cake idea! This is a perfect cake for any birthday and special occasion, and something everyone will love.
Homemade Strawberry Cake
Image source by kitchenfunwithmy3sons
A simple but super tasty and easy cake to make! If you love strawberries you’re in. This fluffy, fun cake is made with homemade frosting and is perfect for a birthday or weekend treat.
Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Image source by victoriastrader
One of the most classic cakes. This Bundt cake may just be what you need for your birthday. It’s so yummy! I have a cake similar to this made for every birthday and is my favorite kind of cake, all of it is devoured. Also makes for a great post birthday breakfast!
Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Image source by mykidstime
Summer in a slice! If you’re an ice cream fan this is exactly want you’ll want to try. It’s the perfect amount of strawberries, ice cream, and cake! This is a light and fluffy vanilla sponge with strawberry ice cream and lots of extra strawberries for some extra yum.
Sweet Almond Cake
Image source by butternutbakeryblog
Such a yummy combo and aesthetically pleasing. You can’t go wrong with fun birthday cake ideas that include sweet layers of white almond cake with almond butter cream and a white chocolate cake dip!
Birthday Crumble Cake
Image source by sprinklesforbreakfast
Adding a good birthday crumble to a basic cake is the easiest thing and makes for a fabulous cake! How can you not want to eat this all up? It’s such a birthday mood and adds flavor to the birthday cake.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Image source by lifeloveandsugar
All the layers and toppings of peanut butter, Reese’s peanut butter, dripping in chocolate. It’s rich, tasty, and one of the most fun birthday cake ideas. If you like a lot of rich flavors and layers this might be the birthday cake for you!
Oreo Cake
Image source by sugarspunrun
For the ultimate Oreo lover… this beautiful black and white cake is so good! Easily made from scratch and so fun. You will love this Oreo cake birthday recipe!
Simple Cakes
Birthday cake but make it simple and easy! Not all birthday cake needs to be fancy to be fun. Here are five simple, fun birthday cake ideas that are cute, delicious and easy to make! Sometimes simple cakes are the best and you still get the festive, yummy cake you’re wanting.
Pink Frosted Cake
Image source by lifeloveandsugar
The perfect simple and sweet cake! A basic frosted cake with sprinkles that’s super cute for a birthday. This is a great look for decorating a cake without having to add too much and still achieve the birthday look.
Classic Chocolate Birthday Cake
Image source by bravojenny
If you don’t make a habit of baking much or are not sure where to start to make a birthday cake, start with this classic! This is a perfect, fun birthday cake idea to have in your recipe box as a go-to. Everyone needs just a good classic chocolate recipe handy. Start with the frosting and filling and take it from there- definitely add some sprinkles!
Easy Frozen Birthday Cake
Image source by unoriginalmom
This has to be one of the easiest, simple but fun birthday cake ideas. To go off the movie Frozen, this is the perfect cake. And I mean who isn’t a fan of Frozen? This gives a variety of colors and is so easy to make. The hardest part will be washing dishes 😉
Funfetti Cake
Image source by butternutbakeryblog
Let’s be real, no birthday is complete without a Funfetti cake. Moist, loaded with sprinkles and vanilla extract, I don’t know how you look at this cake and not get excited. It brings you all the birthday vibes!
Scratch Pink Velvet Cake
Image source by iscreamforbuttercream
A birthday cake made for a princess. Or who says you can’t feel like a princess eating this? Made from scratch with a yummy flavor, this simple fun birthday cake idea is a must-try!
Cake Designs + Fun Cake Images
Birthday cake designs are everything. If you’re a cake fanatic or just want a super cool birthday cake to make with a wow factor keep scrolling! Here are 10 absolutely amazing cake designs from scratch that you don’t want to miss and are so fun!
Leopard Cake
Image source by bestcakedesign
This might be one of the coolest cakes I have ever seen. A leopard cake are you kidding me? Dripped with pink frosting and cookies on top, that takes the cakes on most cakes I think! You feel so bougie with this fun birthday cake idea.
Vodka Cake Design
Image source by bestcakedesign
Have yourself a mix of sweets and booze with the super fun birthday cake idea! The vodka cake is a birthday mood, I don’t care how old you are. Find fruity or sweeter vodkas that pair well with the flavor of cake you’re going for. The design alone makes me want to make this cake!
Dark Chocolate Brownie & Red Velvet Gold Cake
Image source by chicpursuit
How good does this sound??? I’m getting elegant pretty vibes. This cake is gorgeous and the design is so unique! If you’re into the cool gold appeal and want to do something totally different this cake is a fun one! This fun birthday cake idea will instantly draw eyes.
Too pretty to eat pink cake
Image source by Pinterest
You know that cake that’s too pretty to eat and everyone just wants to stare at it? That would be this cake! The design that went into this birthday cake is unreal and who knows how long it takes but it’s amazing. If you’re feeling inspired and want to try something more complex and creative give this one a whirl!
Painted Buttercream Cake
Image source by reddit
If you’re wanting to go for a cake with a cool texture and has a unique pattern this one is definitely a stand-out! Have you seen a more artsy looking cake? With the touch of little gold edible beads, you can have a lot of fun with the design!
Bubble gum Cake
Image source by cakedbykatie
Bubble gum bubble gum in a dish how many pieces….does it take to make a super scrumptious cake?! Want to impress your party guests? This will do it! The ultimate bubble gum cake.
Clinkers Cake
Image source by taste
The ultimate layer cake fit for any birthday. This includes two tasty layers of vanilla cake and a Clinkers-studded cheesecake. This amazingly designed cake makes for a fun birthday cake idea!
Doughnut Sprinkle Cake
Image source by cloudykitchen
The CUTEST doughnut cake designed cake!! The design of this is simple yet creative. What’s better than a ton of little doughnuts to cover the cake? This gives you different flavors as well. This cake will surely get you in the birthday mood!
Flamingo Cake
Image source by letterify
You don’t even have to love flamingos to love this cake! Ugh, it’s so cute. You can make the base of the cake very simple and put more emphasis on the design. Going with a lighter cake color with help the flamingos to stand out even more. Adorable!
Butterfly Cake Design
Image source by bestcakedesign
Butterflies are a trend and make for one of the cutest appeals to a birthday cake. Whether that’s the birthday theme or you just want a fun butterfly cake, this cake is stunning. With the light green icing it feels like you’re jumping into spring!
Theme Birthday Cakes
Often times with birthdays it’s fun to go with a theme and create a cake that goes with the theme. If your birthday is on a holiday you can make a cake that resembles the holiday, the cake can be decorated to relate to a movie or any theme that jumps out to you. Here are five really cool themes for fun birthday cake ideas!
St Patrick’s Day Cake
Image source by cakebycourtney
Tell me your birthday is on St Patrick’s Day without telling me it’s on St Patrick’s Day. Cute little rainbows to cover the cake is the perfect touch for a birthday cake and relates to the holiday without being overly festive. Of course, it is a birthday so you can be as festive and creative with it as you want!
Tropical Themed Summer Birthday
Image source by parrtieswithacause
This pineapple cake is THE cake for a tropical-themed birthday party! It’s adorable, easy to make, and all pineapple sweetness. You can also serve ice cream as a side in a cutout pineapple for fun! This is the cutest summer cake!
Bottle Theme Cake
Image source by bestcakedesign
Bottle theme, bottle service! Who says adults can’t have fun cakes too? This is the perfect cake for literally any birthday and is simple. Just make sure you have enough room to build a bottle into the cake! Such a cool idea for a bottle theme birthday.
Glamping Party Theme Cake
Image source by thebash
Not camping but glamping, a whole smores cake! Maybe you’re having an outdoor party and it’s camp-themed. This is the most fitting cake and something everyone will enjoy! Don’t forget to add a dysfunctional s’more at the top.
Take Flight Birthday Cake
Image source by edibledreamworks
For those traveling on their birthday or are just obsessed with traveling, OR work for an airline, here is the coolest birthday cake! Take flight with this “take flight” birthday cake for the ultimate traveling mood.
Common Questions
What type of cake is best for birthday?
If you’re wondering what type of birthday cake is best for the recipient, definitely make something that the birthday girl or boy will love! Try to find out their favorite flavor. Something that keeps well at room temperature and doesn’t need to be stored will be a good choice. Although, if you’re transporting a cake that’s another consideration, and a cheesecake or simple bundt cake might be the way to go.
Some of our favorite cake ideas for birthdays are birthday cakes, a classic chocolate cake, cheesecake, red velvet cake, or a bundt cake.
What is the most popular birthday cake flavor?
Salted caramel is the MOST popular birthday cake flavor, according to the Internet, it’s a great cake flavor that is sweet but not too sweet. Some people find chocolate cake to be too heavy and rich but a vanilla cake to be too simple, salted caramel is a fantastic alterative and always is a crowd pleaser.
Salted caramel is a flavor for everyone and is a great contrast with chocolate or vanilla. You can never go wrong with a salted caramel cake. It’s like candy but in a cake!
More Birthday Ideas
- Best 18th Birthday Ideas for Girls
- Food Ideas for Parties
- Gift Basket Ideas for Women
- Galentine’s Day Party Ideas
- Graduation Party Food Ideas
37 FUN Birthday Cake Ideas (Black Magic recipe + more!)
Make a popular black magic birthday cake, it's a classic well loved recipe all will enjoy. Be sure to check out all 37 birthday cake recipes and ideas in our post!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and make sure your oven rack is in the center. Grease and flour a bundt pan, two 9 inch round cake pans, or one 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl combine the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- Add the eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat the batter for 2 minutes on medium speed using an electric mixer. Pour the thin batter into the prepared cake pan/pans.
- Bake the cake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes (a bundt cake will take longer since it's more dense), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool the cake for 10 minutes, then remove the cake from the pans and finish cooling it on a wire rack.
- Frost the cake with store-bought frosting or your favorite frosting recipe.
Notes
To make the chocolate cake in the image, you'll need to double the recipe, use 3 different size cake pans like a 10", 8", and two 6" cake pans. Spread the layers with your favorite chocolate frosting recipe and garnish the top with freeze-dried raspberries and chopped pistachio nuts.
Be sure to pin the Fun Birthday Cake Ideas post for later on Pinterest so you can get back to it!
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Fantastic birthday cake ideas! The creativity and variety showcased here are perfect for adding a fun and memorable element to celebrations.