Cake: the most important part of a birthday.
The part we light on fire and chant around
The part we make wishes on as we make the first cut
The part that not everyone likes.
So, cake just won't work as the sweet highlight of your party, but what will? Here are 15 alternatives that make for an equally as great celebration:
1. Pie
Apple pie, peanut butter pie, chocolate mousse pie; the possibilities are endless! Key lime pie is my personal favorite and my favorite birthday cake alternative! I've had key lime pie for my past three birthdays, and I've never been disappointed.
2. Tart
Pie's close cousin! A refreshing combination of fruit or custard, stick a candle in a tart and get your happy birthday on!
3. Cookies
You can never go wrong with cookies. Chocolate chip, sugar, snickerdoodle; cut them into shapes or form them into the classic circle shape. Either way, cookies are a great mess-free way to enjoy your special day.
4. Cookie cake
A necessity for my younger sister's birthday parties. Instead of a bunch of cookies, make one giant cookie and decorate it as you would a regular cake!
5. Ice cream
Skip the "cake" part of "cake and ice cream," and go straight for the good stuff! With hundreds of brands, flavors, and other options including sorbet, dairy-free ice cream, and frozen yogurt, you can't go wrong with ice cream.
6. Ice cream sandwiches
Just like cookies, ice cream sandwiches are a relatively mess-free way to enjoy a birthday. Great for parties away from home, or if you're trying to avoid extra dishes and mess.
7. Ice cream cake
Just as my little sister insists on cookie cake, my older sister prefers ice cream cake on her birthday. It's got the variety of ice cream with the looks of a regular cake, and it tastes stellar!
8. Cheesecake
You can't go wrong with cheesecake. Go the easy route and buy no-bake cheesecake in stores, or take your time and home-make something good! Some stores sell a package of 16 slices of cheesecake, each a different flavor so that there's something for everyone.
9. Brownies
Rich, gooey, and chocolatey, brownies make just as good of a birthday dessert as cake! Heat them up for a warm sweet dessert or serve them at whatever temperature works for you.
10. Pudding
Rice pudding, chocolate pudding; great for those without teeth and those with chompers alike! Sweet, rich, and easy to whip up, making a simple cake alternative.
11. Milkshakes
You can never go wrong with milkshakes! A classic treat served great in an original flavor, chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry; also great with a twist like Twix or salted caramel pretzels. Hit up smoothies for a healthier option, or if you prefer fruity over sugar-sweet.
12. Pastries
Eclairs, cream puffs, turnovers; is this a tea party or a birthday party? With these sweet elegant treats, it can be both!
13. Donuts
What's sweet, deep fried, and single-serving sized? This birthday treat! Hit up your local Dunkin' or any other donut spot, and stick a candle in that instead!
14. S'mores
Probably more fit for a fall or winter birthday, smores are a great way to incorporate fire into your celebration. Mix it up by adding cookies, small candy bars, or other fun alternatives. I buy vegan marshmallows so that I don't have to miss out on the fun.
15. Pizza
Pizza's good no matter when you eat it! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert; pizza is the only present you really need.
Who needs cake when you've got all these other sweet options? Whatever you prefer, enjoy it on your special day and don't let anyone tell you that you can't!
