Cake or Other Dessert?

How does everyone feel about birthday cake as an adult? Personally, cake is on my list of top five favorite foods in the world, LOL, so I love having cake on my birthday. However, I know a few people who feel cake is childish and not sophisticated—they would rather have a pie or cheesecake or other fancy dessert.

If you do not like birthday cake as an adult, what would you rather have? And why?

I also love cake; however, I don’t think it’s critical for an adult birthday celebration. I have always felt that the candle was the star of the party - other than the birthday person of course! I don’t think you need to have one candle for each year, particularly if the age of the person would cause the need for a nearby fire extinguisher. One candle is enough ... a real candle, not the candle that is designed like a number. Cheesecake, cookies, pie, fruit tart or a big bowl of pudding. I love them all and my family and friends are very used to seeing candles on a variety of food items!

I enjoy cake, but I’m not committed to it as a birthday dessert either.  Putting a candle in other desserts is a great idea!  Do you have any tips for getting one to stay in something with a softer consistency like a bowl of pudding?  I can just picture flaming candle mishaps if I tried it.

I find that one of those little plastic candle holders seems to hold up the birthday candle even in softer foods like puddings. You can also put the candle in a slice of banana and put the banana on the surface of the pudding. If the banana is turning brown, just bury the banana right under the surface of the pudding.

I’m fond of cake, but also love a lot of other desserts, so any favorite “treat” is fine with me. My mom’s favorite birthday “cake” is actually lemon meringue pie. I love cheesecake so that would be a sure fire hit for me, too…

For things not conducive to sticking a candle in, I’ve gone a couple ways - use a garnish that you can place a candle in - lots of fruit (besides the banana idea) work nicely - I’ve used strawberries for example. Also, I’ve “garnished” the dessert with a cookie or mini-cupcake used as a candle holder.

Alternately, consider a wide based pillar or tea light (wrap the bottom in foil) since these aren’t going to “topple” into your dessert.

I must be a kid at heart, because I don’t think it’s a party without cake. The biggest compromise I’d be willing to make in that department is cupcakes. Even then, I have a special tower to arrange them on so that they actually resemble a birthday cake!

Hmmm, how do you feel about cupcake cakes? You know - the ones arranged and decorated together to look like a cake, but which are actually separate cupcakes underneath?

I love cake! It isn’t Mother’s Day or a birthday without cake. In fact, this philosophy has derailed more than one of my diets!

And who says cake isn’t sophisticated? I think lots of cakes look sophisticated and “adult.” For example, anything with fondant just looks polished and cool to me. Or you could try more exotic flavors… you don’t have to go with the grocery store, whipped cream topping!

Cupcakes are good too, especially since you can blow out the candles without spitting all over the entire cake. I like a pretty cake with coordinating cupcakes.

And cheesecake… YUM!!!!

I agree with the cupcake idea. I just did this for my husband’s birthday and it was a big hit! Plus there is no need to stand around and cut cake. Anyone who is interested in dessert can pick one up and is good to go! There are so many ways that the cupcakes can be decorated that they can be done in an elegant way or very simple depending on the occassion.

I think the preferences of the honoree should be considered when choosing the dessert. Most people have a favorite dessert and would probably like to enjoy it on their birthday or other party given in their honor. So “let them eat cake” if cake is what they enjoy. But, if you’re giving a party for someone who loves apple pie or chocolate chip cookies, why not serve that instead? You can always have a cake on hand for attendees who think a party just isn’t a party without cake!

I’m only 21 but I know for a fact my older siblings and parents Love their cakes come birthday time! Just make sure its the birthday boy/girls favourite cake!!