Top 10 birthday cakes for adults
Discover gorgeous birthday celebration cakes catered to a grown-up palate, from booze-infused bakes to showstopping sponges and layer cakes.
No matter what your age, birthday celebrations call for truly spectacular bakes. Try our top eight tempting birthday cake recipes for adults, from tasty chocolate and caramel creations to boozy bakes.
Check out our collections of birthday cakes and party food recipes for more inspiration. Also check out our reviews section for plenty of gift ideas, including the best hampers, letterbox gifts, baking gifts and more.
Looking for the ultimate personalised gift? Put together a customised My BBC Good Food cookbook filled with your loved one's favourite recipes, or why not treat them to one of our online cookery courses?
Chocolate & raspberry birthday layer cake
Try a twist on the classic Victoria sponge with this cocoa-rich creation. The sponge cake is super easy to make and we've sandwiched it with whipped double cream, budget-friendly frozen raspberries and raspberry jam for extra flavour.
Get the recipe: chocolate & raspberry birthday layer cake
Prosecco cake
Raise a toast – with a slice of cake! We've added fizz to the sponge cake and buttercream in this clever recipe. If you can find them, pile on prosecco-flavoured sweets, popcorn and lollies for good measure.
Get the recipe: prosecco cake
Easy caramel cake
Simple to make, yet showstoppingly beautiful, this bake makes the most of basic ingredients and is a great way to use up any caramel sauce or dulce de leche you have lurking in the cupboard. One for the sweet-toothed!
Get the recipe: easy caramel cake
Pistachio, courgette & lemon cake
We love a traybake, and this one is packed with plenty of zesty flavour. Coarsely grated courgettes and ground up pistachios make it beautifully moist, yet light in texture. Drizzle over lemony icing and lemon curd for a fuss-free decorative touch.
Get the recipe: pistachio, courgette & lemon cake
Easy vegan chocolate cake
You'd never guess that this intense, chocolatey sponge cake sandwiched with an indulgent frosting doesn't contain dairy or eggs. The secret ingredient? Avocado – it adds plenty of richness for a super-fudgy texture.
Get the recipe: easy vegan chocolate cake
Gin & tonic cake
Baking for the gin lover in your life? What better way to celebrate than with this incredible cake. Believe it or not, we've infused the actual cake batter with gin, tonic water and crushed juniper berries for a uniquely grown-up flavour. Decorate with cucumber ribbons, lime wedges and lemon sherbets and get set to impress.
Get the recipe: gin & tonic cake
Luscious lemon & raspberry sandwich
This gluten-free cake is a cross between a Victoria sponge and a lemon drizzle, boasting a lovely light texture and a gorgeous whipped cream filling. Fresh raspberries add a beautiful pop of colour.
Get the recipe: luscious lemon & raspberry sandwich
Mocha & hazelnut cake
Coffee, chocolate and hazelnut work in blissful harmony in this indulgent birthday bake, filled with a rich espresso buttercream and topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache. Finish with a simple scattering of toasted, chopped hazelnuts and get ready to light those candles.
Get the recipe: mocha & hazelnut cake
Banana & choc bundt cake with peanut caramel drizzle
Dust off that bundt tin and roll up your sleeves to create this beautiful bake, worthy of any birthday. It's the ideal recipe to use up overripe bananas, finished with an irresistible silky smooth peanut and caramel topping.
Get the recipe: banana & choc bundt cake with peanut caramel drizzle
Coffee & walnut cake
This classic flavour combination is difficult to beat, and we've made this recipe even more special by sandwiching with a thick, creamy mascarpone frosting. Just add candles and get ready to sing!
Get the recipe: coffee & walnut cake
Enjoyed this? Now try...
Cake decorating ideas
Birthday cakes for kids
Best ever boozy cake recipes
Our most creative cake ideas
How to make an anti-gravity cake
Common cake problems... solved
How to make cake: top 10 problems fixed
Our best ever vegan cake recipes