Birthday celebrations are a time-honoured tradition that dates back centuries. In many cultures, birthdays were considered an important milestone and were often celebrated with grandiose parties and lavish gifts. Today, birthday celebrations are still an important occasion, but often take on a more low-key approach, with blowing candles and eating cake being the common elements.
Cakes are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making them the perfect centrepiece for any birthday celebration. People can easily customise them in a way that reflects their personality and interests. With that said, let’s look into some popular cake decorations that are sure to make more than a few heads turn at your next party.
What Are Popular Birthday Cake Decorations?
Themed decorations are always a popular choice for birthday cakes. Depending on your preferences, there are a variety of options that you can use.
Sports Cakes
This is the perfect birthday cake for sports fans. If you fit into this particular category, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a whole range of delicious sport birthday cakes for you to choose from. When your birthday rolls around, imagine celebrating that joyous occasion with a cake that proudly displays the signature colours of your favourite team. Some of them even include extra treats on the sides, such as cookie cut-outs of your team’s jersey that are paired with edible fondant logos.
For instance, if you’re a fan of the West Coast Eagles, you can get a cake that’s decorated with their classic yellow and blue colours, as well as their iconic eagle logo. Similarly, die-hard fans of Manchester United can order a cake that’s custom-made in the shape of the Red Devils crest and iced in the team’s colours. There’s surely no better way to show off your support.
But if you really want to kick things up a notch, you can get a cake that’s shaped like a soccer ball, baseball, football, or basketball. These designs are not only unique, but they also let you show off your team spirit in a fun and delicious way. For fans of individual players, it’s also possible to get sport birthday cakes that feature an image of that specific athlete. Let’s say you’re an avid Cristiano Ronaldo supporter, you can get a cake that’s adorned with an image of the Portuguese superstar. Now that’s a cake fit for a true fan!
Superheroes and Cartoon Characters
These days, it’s not just kids who are into superheroes and cartoon characters. Superhero-themed cakes are the ideal choice for both kids and adults who are young at heart. With the release of blockbuster movies like The Avengers and Star Wars, there’s been a resurgence of interest in these comic book characters and action heroes. So why not get a cake that features some of your beloved characters? These particular designs often come in the form of 3D character sculptures or 2D images that have been printed on a piece of edible paper.
Animals
Animal-lovers will adore this birthday cake decoration theme. There are several ways that you can bring animal decorations to life for that special occasion. You can use modelling chocolate or sugar paste to make 3D animal figurines to place on top of the cake. Or, you can use an image of an animal as a cake topper. Whatever application method you decide on, you’ll be able to create a truly one-of-a-kind birthday cake for your next celebration.
Flowers and Shapes
A floral birthday cake is a great way to celebrate a birthday in the spring or summertime. The vibrant colours and flowery designs are paired with abstract shapes and patterns, emphasising the juxtaposition between nature and man-made objects. Royal icing or sugar paste is often used to create life-like representations of flower petals and leaves. Fondant can also be used to create 3D shapes that will add a playful edge.
Unicorns and Rainbows
For all things mystical and magical, a unicorn or rainbow cake definitely delivers. These designs are often very colourful, with plenty of sprinkles and edible glitter to make them sparkle. Their unique look will make your cake stand out at any party.
Drip Cakes
If you’re looking to create a modern and trendy look, consider getting a drip cake. This trend has taken over in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s all about the frosting – instead of being neatly applied, it’s intentionally poured over the sides of the cake in drips and swirls. Dripping icing gives a sense of movement and flow, making your cake look irresistible. It results in a very dramatic effect and is perfect for parties with a more funky or creative vibe.
Key Considerations when Buying Birthday Cakes
There are a couple of major factors you should keep in mind when shopping for your drip, unicorn, flower, animal, superhero or sport birthday cakes.
Size
The size of the cake will depend on how many people will be present at the party and how much cake you want to serve. A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 1-2 slices per person.
Flavours
Even though birthday cakes are among the ideal gifts for anyone with a sweet tooth, you should still pay close attention to the flavours. In most cases, it’s a safe bet to go with chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, but feel free to get creative.
