Delicious Alternatives to Birthday Cake

by Rob J. Quality Links

Whether they don’t like the texture or want to cut back on sugar, here are some delicious alternatives to a birthday cake that will be a new party favorite.

Less Sugar or Healthy Options

For some, the need to cut back on cake is not a welcome one, but a necessary one. Perhaps they have a medical condition like diabetes or are participating in a restrictive diet. Either way, you don’t have to despair, because there are lots of fun alternatives that offer less, or no sugar at all.

One idea is to make a raw dessert or fruit cake. These are composed of fresh produce and are sure to please. You could also go savory, like making a pizza cake, mashed potato and bacon cake, macaroni and cheesecake, or pasta cake. Some other recipes include a gluten-free waffle or pancake tower with honey and fresh fruit, or a layered dessert with yogurt and granola.

Share and Share Alike Options

When baked goods are called for but cake isn’t an option, some shareable separates could be just what the occasion calls for. A doughnut tower, cupcake conglomeration, or cake ball arrangement can be both festive and easy to distribute. A stack of pre-cut brownies, popcorn balls, chocolate-covered fruit, or rice cereal treats are great alternatives as well. A bonus to these options and finger food is that you won’t have to worry about slicing or serving up cake and forks won’t be necessary. Single serving or prepackaged ideas can also be preferable if you are trying to take COVID-19 precautions and want to minimize shared food and utensils.

You could make the party a cookie or cupcake exchange, where each guest brings a few to share and everyone can take different options home as parting gifts.

Delightful Texture Swaps

For those who don’t like the texture of cake, the delicious alternatives are plentiful. Carvel cakes made of ice cream, a decadent cheesecake, a tower of delicate crepes, homemade pie, festive cookie and ice cream sandwiches, exquisite creme brulee, or elegant tiramisu are tasty substitutions that everyone will love. If you are running short on time you can find Carvel birthday cakes that come beautifully decorated, so they are ready to serve right out of the box.

Serving Carvel cakes that are made out of ice cream will have the added benefit of staying fresher in the freezer longer than a baked cake and can be a cooler choice for summer birthdays. Another pro to an ice cream cake is that there is no cake frosting, which can be loaded with fat. It won’t dry out like cake does, and has a smoother texture for those with tactile sensitivities.