Easy and Elegant Birthday Cake Decorations

Cake decorating can be intimidating, even for seasoned bakers, especially when the local bakery cakes are so intricate and beautiful. But purchasing a cake can get pricey and often isn't necessary unless you're pressed for time. With just a few simple techniques, you can easily create a gorgeous birthday cake that will make the guest of honor feel truly special and leave a lasting impression on everyone at the party. Begin with a basic frosted box cake and use these easy decorating tips to create stunning cakes for all ages in minutes. Feel free to mix and match these ideas for an even more elaborate look.

Natural Flowers

Few things are as charming as fresh flowers. For a simple yet stunning cake, place a large single bloom like a hydrangea, sunflower, or peony at the center. For a more subtle touch, sprinkle delicate rose or peony petals across the cake. For those feeling creative, go all out with a full floral arrangement on top. While most flowers are just for decoration, certain varieties like nasturtium, violets, and rosa rugosa are edible and make delightful cake adornments.

Fresh Fruit

Not only does fruit add freshness and beauty, but it also makes the cake seem lighter. Top your cake with fresh berries, lemon, orange, or kiwi slices, or even canned cherries. You can simply pile the fruit on top or get creative by arranging it in patterns—such as a ring of strawberries with mixed berries in the center, or concentric circles made from various fruits.

Sweets

Everyone has a favorite candy, and adding it to a birthday cake is a fun way to personalize the dessert. You can spell out a special message with chocolate candies, crumble your favorite candy bar on top, or simply scatter candy pieces across the cake for a sweet and indulgent decoration that will have everyone’s mouth watering.

Sprinkles

Adding sprinkles to a cake is almost always a guaranteed success. Simply cover the cake with sprinkles for an instant colorful effect. For a playful touch, opt for rainbow sprinkles, or for a more refined look, try chocolate sprinkles. Specialty shops offer sprinkles in every color imaginable, making them perfect for matching the guest of honor's favorite team or personal interests.

Playthings

Few can replicate detailed items like trucks, castles, or TV characters in icing, so instead of risking unrecognizable cake decorations, purchase (or repurpose from around the house) small toys that reflect the birthday person's interests. Miniature versions of favorite characters, vehicles, sports figures, and other beloved toys make perfect cake toppers.

Chocolate Coating

The same hard chocolate shell often used on ice cream can be applied to cakes as well. After frosting your cake, pour the chocolate shell over it, letting it drip down the sides to your desired thickness. Then, place the cake in the refrigerator to let the shell harden, creating a rich and indulgent appearance.

Fondant Shapes

Fondant, once reserved for skilled bakers, is now widely available in craft stores, pre-colored and rolled into sheets. Simply use cookie cutters, silicone molds, or other shaping tools to create fun shapes like polka dots, stars, or flowers, and arrange them on your already frosted cake for a decorative touch.