<p>Fruit cake, sponge cake or a single cupcake, we have the birthday cake recipes to make the day special. Kids will love our fun cakes from unicorns, castles and barbies to rainbow showstoppers.<br>
<br>
Heavenly <a href="/recipes/best-chocolate-cake">chocolate cake</a> and <a href="/recipes/boozy-margarita-cake">boozy bakes</a> for the adults. Even <a href="/recipes/number-cake">number cakes</a> for those who don’t mind their age. Make the birthday with nibbles galore. Scotch egg or sausage roll anyone?</p>

Birthday Recipes

Looking to bake the perfect birthday cake for family or friends? Explore Baking Mad's wide selection of birthday cake recipes to get inspiration

Birthday Cake Recipes

Allinsons-Naan-Bread-1-1-Baking-Mad-3.jpg

Bread & Dough

Cookie, Oreo & Brownie Layered Cake with a slice cut out of it. 

Cake Recipes

Top view of Rainbow Meringues in a bowl, with Rainbow Meringues scattered around next to a bag of silver spoon caster sugar

Confectionery

Side on view of a stack of vegan and gluten free chocolate chip cookies

Cookies & Biscuits

Nutella Cupcakes with glass bottle of milk in the background

Cupcakes & Muffins

2 glass jars of eton mess, raspberries, edible flowers and vanilla extract

Desserts

Bowl of ice cream, apple and slices, brown sugar packet

Ice Cream & Lollies

Icing & Buttercream

Jams & Spreads

Stack of American pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and topped with fresh berries

Pancakes, Crepes & Waffles

Pastries, Pies & Tarts

scone with strawberries and cream on a plate 

Scone and Shortcake Recipes

Sweet Sauces

Salted Caramel Cookie Traybake pieces stacked on top of each other with a hand reaching for the top piece. A bottle of milk in the background and jar of caramel sauce in the foreground

Traybake Recipes

Pop tarts decorated with biscoff, chocolate and pink icing with sprinkles. 

Air Fryer Pop Tarts

Individual Eton Mess

Mini chocolate cupcake with a bite taken out of it and the cupcake case peeled back

Tiramisu Mini Treats

Recipes

Tips & Tricks

Allinson's

A top down view of chocolate brownies next to a packet of Billington's Dark Muscovado Sugar

Billington’s

Nielsen Massey Vanilla Extract being added to Vanilla Extract Cupcakes mixture

Nielsen-Massey

Silver Spoon

Our Brands

<p>This easy chocolate cupcake recipe was created by Mary Berry, and creates&nbsp;rich, indulgent cupcakes that are easy to achieve in your own kitchen.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking for simple chocolate fairy cakes for a party or an easy chocolate cupcake recipe for everyday baking, this Mary Berry chocolate cupcake recipe is soon to be your go-to recipe for 5-star rich, gorgeously-moreish cupcakes every time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In just half an hour, this quick and easy cupcake recipe will make a delicious batch of 12 delicious chocolate cupcakes, ready to pipe with your favourite topping. We love whipping up an easy <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/salted-chocolate-buttercream">Chocolate Buttercream </a>flavoured with rich cocoa powder for a satisfying chocolatey hit! So go ahead, treat yourself to a little slice of chocolate heaven – you deserve it.</p>
<p>If you love quick and simple cupcakes, then why not give some of our other cupcake recipes a go? Try our <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-cupcakes">Chocolate Chip Cupcakes</a> for an easy twist on traditional <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/triple-vanilla-cupcakes">Vanilla Cupcakes</a>. If you’re a&nbsp;Nutella fan, our <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/nutella-cupcakes">Nutella Cupcakes</a> are always a winner for family and friends.</p>
<h3>How to make Halloween cupcakes:</h3>
<p>Turn your Mary Berry chocolate cupcakes into spooky Halloween treats with just a few easy steps! Use <em>Silver Spoon’s chocolate fudge icing sugar</em> and follow the instructions on the pack to whip up the smoothest, most delicious chocolate buttercream. For a fun bat design, top each cupcake with an Oreo for the body, and pipe black and white icing to create little bat eyes. It’s cute, creepy, and absolutely delicious!</p>
<h3>How to make Christmas cupcakes:</h3>
<p>Transform our versatile Mary Berry chocolate cupcakes recipe into adorable Christmas cupcakes. Simply add some edible eyes, a small ball of red fondant icing (or red smartie) and some broken pretzels for antlers and you have the cutest Christmas reindeer cupcakes. Alternatively, crushed up some candy canes and sprinkle on top for a simple, yet indulgent looking Christmas treat.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How to decorate chocolate cupcakes:</h3>
<p>These rich chocolate cupcakes are perfect to decorate for any occasion, all year round. Simply top with chocolate buttercream, then add Mini Eggs. Alternatively, add a quarter of a teaspoon of Hundreds And Thousands to the top of each cupcake's buttercream topping.</p>
<h3>How to make your&nbsp;cupcakes moist and fluffy:</h3>
<p>If you want your cupcakes to stay moist for longer, brush your cooled sponges with a simple sugar syrup made from two parts granulated sugar to one part boiling water. After you’ve added the sugar syrup, top the cupcakes with your buttercream icing and enjoy.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Bake Mary Berry’s Chocolate Cupcakes?</strong></h3>
<p>⭐Ready in under an hour</p>
<p>⭐Ideal for last-minute gatherings and parties</p>
<p>⭐Brilliant for getting the kids involved</p>
<p><br></p>

Mary Berry Chocolate Cupcakes

<p>Whether Victoria sponge was the first cake you ever baked or it brings back sweet birthday memories, a truly great sponge cake recipe is one you’ll use time and time again. Make this <em>the</em> go-to Victoria sponge recipe for every baking occasion!</p>

Easy Victoria Sponge Recipe

<p>This easy glace icing recipe creates smooth, glossy glace icing that's rich and spreadable, making it the very best topping for <a data-item-id="690f5b77-5fcc-59f6-95c6-f8cebf7ff34a" href="">biscuits</a>, <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/categories/cookies-and-biscuits/cookies">cookies</a>, <a data-item-id="871653dc-08b9-5901-bc1e-575c64eccc2b" href="">sponge cakes</a> and <a data-item-id="be5e00be-896a-5754-8ecb-67cdad7c88a0" href="">finger buns</a>.</p>
<p>This quick and easy icing for <a data-item-id="3bb99ae0-0582-534c-901d-78a4b8473bf4" href="">biscuits and cookies</a> also sets with a subtle, smooth sheen, making it an ideal edible ‘glue’ for decorating your baking creations.</p>
<p>We love using Silver Spoon Icing Sugar for a glossy, lump-free glace icing recipe that works every time. Using just water and icing sugar, this simple cupcake icing recipe is perfect for drizzling on cupcakes or dolloping on sprinkle sponge cake.</p>
<h3>Which bakes can I decorate with glace icing?</h3>
<p>Glace icing is a simple way to add decoration to your bakes - it’s usually drizzled over cakes, cookies, and pastries to add a sweet, shiny coating. It also works beautifully on cinnamon rolls, scones, fruit tarts, and even doughnuts. Glace icing can also be used to decorate gingerbread houses or to create intricate designs on sugar cookies.</p>
<h3>What can I use icing sugar for apart from icing?</h3>
<p>Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar or confectioner's sugar, is a versatile ingredient used for sweetening and decorating bakes. However, it has several other uses:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Sweetening: Sift icing sugar over cakes, cookies, and doughnuts for a sweet dusting and a professional-looking finish.</li>
  <li>Decorating: Use icing sugar to make royal icing for decorating cookies, cakes, and gingerbread houses. Mix it with egg whites and flavourings for a smooth, pipeable icing that hardens when dry.</li>
  <li>Thickening: Use icing sugar to thicken fruit fillings for pies and tarts. You can also sprinkle freshly-cut fruits, such as berries, with icing sugar to soak up any moisture.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Why Use Our Recipe for Glace Icing?</strong></h3>
<p>⭐Ready in minutes</p>
<p>⭐Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge</p>
<p>⭐Only uses two ingredients</p>

Glace Icing Recipe

<p>Our No Bake Oreo Cheesecake recipe is simple to make and simply delicious. No oven required; you can whip up the creamy Oreo filling and crunchy biscuit base in next to no time; the hardest part is resisting the urge to eat it all.</p>
<h3><strong>Is no bake cheesecake better than baked cheesecake?</strong></h3>
<p>This comes down to your personal preference. The beauty of no bake cheesecakes is that you don’t need an oven, just a fridge to chill or set your cheesecake. No bake cheesecake recipes can be a little less technical and quicker to make than a baked cheesecake. The consistency of both can differ too; with no-bake cheesecakes being light and airy, and the baked versions being a little denser, but rich and velvety.&nbsp;See our full collection of <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/collections/no-bakes">no bake recipes</a> here.</p>
<h3><strong>How to make sure your no bake cheesecake filling turns out firm</strong></h3>
<p>If your no bake Oreo cheesecake is too runny, you may need to leave it longer to set. To create a thick, velvety filling, ensure that you beat the whipping cream to a stiff peak consistency. This means that when the whisk is removed the cream should stand upright, forming a peak on top. If the peak droops, this is soft peak stage and your cream will need to be whipped a little bit longer. Take care not to over-beat your cream cheese, as this can cause it to separate and produce a runnier cheesecake consistency.</p>
<h3><strong>How to ensure your no bake cheesecake base remains crisp</strong></h3>
<p>When making your no bake cheesecake base, you should be sure to chill the crumb crust for at least 10 minutes to help it solidify and prevent it from turning soggy. You should also be sure to use a higher ratio of butter to crumbs for a no-bake base, as this will result in a sturdier base when refrigerated.</p>
<h2>Substitutions and Variations&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Substitutions</h3>
<p>If you're looking for a vegan and gluten free alternative, why not try our <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/raw-chocolate-avocado-cheesecake">No Bake Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake</a>? It's super easy to whip up and will impress your guests!</p>
<h3>Variations</h3>
<p>If you like this recipe, we think you'll also love our <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/chocolate-cheesecake">Chocolate Cheesecake</a>, <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/oreo-cupcakes">Oreo Cupcakes</a> and <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/oreo-brownies">Oreo Brownies.</a> We also have even more cheesecake recipes <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/categories/desserts/cheesecakes">here</a>.</p>
<h3>Reasons to make our No Bake Oreo Cheesecake:</h3>
<p>⭐No oven needed - just the fridge</p>
<p>⭐Prep takes just 20 minutes</p>
<p>⭐Can be made and stored ahead of time</p>

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe

<p>Try baking our Mars Bar cake recipe for a slice of nostalgia. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also fun and simple to make, and a perfect activity for you and your children. The chewy, gooey cereal base is blended with melted Mars Bars and topped with rich milk chocolate and white chocolate swirls. Bliss. So, gather your baking tools, put on your apron, and let's create something indulgent with this ultimate Mars Bar cake recipe.</p>
<h3>Can I melt Mars Bars in the microwave?</h3>
<p>Yes, you can melt a Mars Bar in the microwave. We’d recommend you do this on the lowest power setting though, to avoid spoiling the chocolate. Put the Mars Bars in your microwave on a low setting, and check it every 30 seconds until it is melted and smooth.</p>
<h3>Can I melt a Mars Bar on a hob?</h3>
<p>If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt your Mars Bar in a small saucepan on the hob. Chop the Mars Bar into smaller chunks to speed up the melting process. Melt your chocolate on low heat and to check it often.</p>
<h3>How to make sure your Mars Bar cakes are soft</h3>
<p>If you haven’t melted and mixed your Mars Bars, syrup and butter enough, this can cause your final bake to turn out too hard and clumpy. When melting these three ingredients together, you can use a whisk as they begin to melt to get the mixture nice and smooth.</p>
<h2>Substitutions and Variations&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Conquered the Mars Bar Cake Recipe and looking for more cereal themed bake ideas? Check out our<a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/rice-crispy-cakes"> Chocolate Rice Krispie Cakes</a> and <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/easter-chocolate-nests">Easter Nests</a> for equally fun and delicious recipes.</p>
<h3>Reasons to make our Mars Bar cakes:</h3>
<p>⭐Easy recipe for kids to follow (with supervision!)</p>
<p>⭐Can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge</p>
<p>⭐Oven-free recipe</p>

Mars Bar Cake Recipe

<p>Just imagine the delight on your guests face when you take your first slice into this delicious chocolate cake, bursting with smarties - or whatever you fancy stuffing inside! Reece's pieces? M&amp;M's? Skittles? You can make this Chocolate Surprise Cake exactly how you like it!</p>

Chocolate Surprise Cake

<p>Are you ready to indulge in a divine treat that will transport your taste buds to dessert heaven? Look no further than our irresistible carrot cake tray bake recipe! This delightful twist on a classic dessert is sure to become your new go-to for every occasion. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist and fluffy carrot cake filled with warm spices.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The heavenly aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will make it hard to resist! But what sets our carrot cake tray bake apart from the rest is the luscious cream cheese frosting slathered on top. Its tangy sweetness perfectly complements the rich flavors of the cake, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave you craving for more. Whether you want to impress your guests at a party or simply satisfy your dessert cravings, our best carrot cake tray bake recipe is a guaranteed winner. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure bliss!</p>
<p>We've opted for a classic cream cheese icing and cute little carrot decorations. Just like any carrot cake, feel free to decorate it how you'd like. We've seen versions with chopped nuts, lemon zest or pearl sugar worked into the cream cheese frosting.</p>

Carrot Cake Tray Bake

<p>Calling all Biscoff fans! This Biscoff cupcake recipe is a real game changer. Soft vanilla cupcake topped and filled&nbsp;with a beautifully light Biscoff buttercream, this recipe is definitely one you will want to save and bake time and time again.</p>

Biscoff Cupcakes

<p>Enjoy the simple things in life. Like the perfect vanilla cupcake. Make Nielsen-Massey's easy vanilla cupcake recipe, your go-to cupcake of choice. With the lightest, fluffy vanilla sponge topped with the smoothest, vanilla buttercream, you are on to a winner.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Bake Our Vanilla Cupcakes?&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p>Light and moreish, this is just what you are looking for in a fluffy vanilla cupcake recipe. You are definitely going to want to snuffle more than one of these vanilla cupcakes, for research purposes obviously…<br>
<br>
Sneak a peek at our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfNOC9Mfsog" title="How to make vanilla cupcakes">‘how to make vanilla cupcakes’</a> video for extra tips and find out below how you can make our delicious easy vanilla cupcakes from scratch!</p>
<p><br>
<strong>Tips for making the best homemade vanilla cupcakes:<br>
<br>
1. Do not overfill your cupcakes<br>
</strong>For the perfect-shaped cupcake with a lovely golden dome, only fill 2/3 to 3/4 of the way up the cupcake liner. If it's too full it looks messy and sometimes, it can even sink.&nbsp;As a rule, we say it's better to underfill rather than overfill.<br>
<strong><br>
2. Best buttercream for cupcakes<br>
</strong>We recommend using our delicious vanilla <a data-item-id="02f6382a-d0f5-58f7-8c17-0acd82570e30" href="">buttercream recipe</a>, but if you're after something a little different on top of your vanilla cupcakes, try out our <a data-item-id="9e283dc4-6386-57a3-b79f-1979ee83461c" href="">citrus buttercream</a> or <a data-item-id="e7750934-e4bf-59a0-bf85-d3283ed9b73e" href="">maple buttercream</a>.<br>
<strong><br>
3. How do I store my vanilla cupcakes?<br>
</strong>Once your cupcakes are cool, get them into an airtight container as soon as possible. Cupcakes can last for around 4 days before losing their freshness. Cupcakes with buttercream/frosting on top will need to be stored in the fridge.</p>
<p>If you loved this bake, check out our full selection of <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/categories/cupcakes-and-muffins/cupcakes">cupcake recipes</a> that will not disappoint.</p>
<p>We have our our 5-star favourite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/mary-berry-chocolate-cupcakes">Mary Berry Chocolate cupcake</a>&nbsp;recipe. Our hidden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/rainbow-pinata-cupcakes">rainbow piñata</a>, <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/strawberry-cupcakes">strawberry cupcakes</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/strawberry-and-prosecco-cupcakes">strawberry prosecco cupcakes</a> are delicious bakes. Or switch up the colour with our <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/valentines-red-velvet-cupcakes">red velvet</a>, <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/green-velvet-cupcakes">green velvet</a> and <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/pink-champagne-cupcakes">pink champagne cupcakes</a>.</p>

Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

<p>Tiffin is a firm favourite here at Baking Mad HQ. It consists of crushed biscuits, raisins and cherries mixed together and topped with a layer of chocolate and chilled in the fridge.&nbsp; This&nbsp;is a no-bake chocolate treat which is so simple to make, it is also a great introductory bake for young bakers or if you are wanting to use up any sweet leftovers that you might have after Christmas or Easter.</p>

Tiffin

<p>The simple, stripped-back naked vanilla celebration cake allows the taste to really do the talking and the velvety Nielsen-Massey vanilla buttercream says it all. Sleek and stylish. Sweet and moreish. This cake works on so many levels; ideal for bakers less confident in cake decorating or tasters who aren’t that fond of fondant.</p>

Naked Vanilla Celebration Cake

<p>There's cake then there is the Nielsen Massey&nbsp;Ultimate Vanilla Celebration&nbsp;Cake. A classic 4 layer Vanilla sponge cake, infused with a Vanilla syrup to make it extra moist, filled and covered with an indulgent Vanilla Bean buttercream. The pièce de résistance are the <a data-item-id="d4674f69-97e5-5a63-a5e9-ec22eae39bc0" href="">Rose Water Meringue Kisses</a> and <a data-item-id="2e8bf232-3c9a-5452-82aa-6ebf654124cc" href="">Macaron</a> decorations. Whilst this cake looks like a real showstopper it actually isn't as complicated as you would think (but your guests don't need to know that!)&nbsp;</p>

Ultimate Vanilla Celebration Cake

<p>Our friend Juliet Sear has developed this wonderfully tasty elderflower and lemon cake recipe for you.</p>

Elderflower & Lemon Cake

<p>What better way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary with a number cake? You can tweak this simple vanilla cake recipe by adding different flavourings if you prefer. Decorate with a selection of your favourite sweets, biscuits or even flowers to add that personal touch.</p>

Number Cake

<p>If you love our Easy Vanilla No Bake Cheesecake then take it up a notch this Easter with a generous handful of Mini Eggs! Our mini egg cheesecake recipe is an Easter show-stopper. With a generous dollop of Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Paste, this cheesecake it velvety smooth packing rich vanilla flavour with ever slice. Thanks to the flecks of vanilla pods in the paste we use, this Mini Egg Cheesecake recipe has all of the "vanillery" flavour you love from a coffee shop slice. It really is one of bakings best kept secrets!</p>
<p><br></p>
<h2>Substitutions and Variations&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Substitutions&nbsp;</h3>
<p>For a delightful&nbsp;vegan alternative of our mini egg cheesecake recipe, check out one of our favourite recipes: The <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/vegan-vanilla-cheesecake">Vegan Vanilla Cheesecake</a>.</p>
<h3>Variations</h3>
<p>Craving more Easter-themed or egg related cheesecake ideas? We also have an <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/easter-egg-cheesecake">Easter egg cheesecake recipe</a> which is a perfect excuse to use up left over Cadbury Creme Eggs! It’s a festive treat that’s sure to impress!</p>

Mini Egg Cheesecake Recipe

<p>Nothing say's school dinner's quite like a sprinkle cake. Benjamina brings you total childhood nostalgia of sticky icing, warm vanillary sponge, sprinkled in hundreds and thousands - school days suddenly feel like yesterday.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Why not try with a dollop of <a data-item-id="73a2e468-803f-406b-8199-2f6cda6a8a99" href="">Chocolate Custard</a> for the ultimate trip down memory lane. This sprinkle cake will soon be your 'go to' old school dinner cake recipe.</p>
<p><br></p>

Sprinkle Cake 

<p>A rich and scrummy moist totally vegan chocolate sponge made with oil instead of butter. This vegan treat is so light and chocolatey. Sandwich together using this luscious chocolate ganache and then dollop the top with the rest.</p>

Vegan Chocolate Cake

<p>How can you improve a brownie? Challenge accepted. We've added a layer of salted caramel to what we believe is the ultimate brownie recipe... you can practically taste it just looking at the pictures. We've used Billington's unrefined sugars in this recipe to get that depth of rich flavour we all seek in a good brownie. This recipe really pulls out all the stops when it comes to flavour, go on- you know you want to.</p>

Salted Caramel Stuffed Brownies

<p>Raise your cookie game with these super indulgent Chocolate &amp; Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies. These are best served warm so that the filling is still soft and gooey and is the perfect accompaniment to a luxurious barista style coffee.&nbsp;</p>

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies

<p>Indulge in a truly-scrumptious fusion of fluffy sponge, creamy pink buttercream, and the vibrant sweetness of summer strawberries.</p>
<p>Our sweet strawberry cake is the perfect bake for friends and family during the warmer months - delicious soft sponge meets our rich strawberry buttercream for a summertime bake which your friends and family will love. Serve with a cup of tea - or even a glass of prosecco for an decadent teatime treat.</p>