If there’s one thing you can rely on to brighten up a birthday (besides getting gifts, of course) it’s a deliciously decadent cake. And while you can always get a birthday cake to go, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a homemade version. From towering layer cakes to one-bowl wonders, these tasty treats all have a few things in common: they’re fun, festive, and require at least a few candles.

The history of Birthday cakes can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome where cake-like desserts were served at special celebrations. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that this custom became more widespread, as ingredients were cheaper and bakeries began selling pre-baked cakes for convenience.

Today, we love to indulge in Birthday cakes in all shapes and sizes, with different fillings, frostings and decorations. Many bakeries have even started offering custom Birthday cakes for those who want to make their loved ones feel extra special on their big day.

While the most popular desserts for Birthdays include chocolate and vanilla, there are so many options to choose from. You can even opt for a gluten-free cake if you need to. But no matter what you choose, the most important factor is the taste. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choice of Birthday cake.

Start with a great recipe. Choose a deliciously moist and flavorful cake and pair it with the perfect frosting. A buttercream frosting is a classic option, and it can be decorated with rainbow jimmies for a special touch. Another popular frosting is a whipped cream frosting, which is light and airy. It’s easy to make and can be topped with fresh fruit, edible flowers, or even hand-drawn messages of well wishes.

You can also go for a more colorful and creative frosting such as an Italian meringue. Made with beaten egg whites and sugar, the texture of this frosting is smooth and it can be colored with food coloring to suit any theme.

Finally, you can also try a vegan chocolate cake or a carrot cake made with natural ingredients. A natural version of a traditional favorite, these recipes are sure to impress your friends and family.

One of the most important aspects of a Birthday cake is the candles. The tradition dates back to the 1880’s when folklore researchers collected this superstition from a middle class Swiss household: “A birthday-cake must have lighted candles arranged around it, one candle for each year of life; and before the cake is eaten the person whose birthday it is must blow out all the candles.”

So next time you make a Birthday cake, whether it’s a simple yellow cake or something more extravagant, don’t forget the candles! And make sure you blow them all out in one breath before digging into the sweet treat. Who knows, your wish might just come true! Birthday cakes