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Birthday Dessert Ideas That Are Not Cake
These delectable desserts are an awesome alternative.
Jul 29, 2025
You’ve witnessed it countless times. You’re at a birthday party. At some point, the guest of honor is seated at the center of a table so everyone can serenade her. The lights are turned down, and out comes a birthday cake with lit candles. Everyone sings “Happy Birthday” out of tune. The candles are blown out. The cake gets sliced and handed out.
Serving cake at a celebration has been the norm for thousands of years. It’s a custom that dates back to ancient Greece, where people baked moon-shaped cakes for the goddess Artemis and topped them with candles to mimic the glowing night sky. Then, in a case of anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better, the ancient Romans put their spin on cakes that were served to leaders and for special occasions – but only for the wealthy.
It wasn’t until the 15th century in Germany when bakeries started selling simple birthday cakes with candles. Eventually, German immigrants brought the tradition to America.
Why does every celebration, specifically birthday parties, have to include a cake? Talk about the ultimate case of wash, rinse, repeat. I’m not talking about hopping on the latest social media trend. Who can keep up with them anyway? Just try something different. That’s all. Considering a candle can be easily placed in just about any baked good, I just ask that you keep an open mind. Keep reading for nine delicious birthday dessert ideas that are not cake.
READ MORE: Celebrate Your Birthday With a Delicious Dessert Bar
Pies
The phrase “easy as pie” doesn’t actually come from baking a pie, which can be a bit of work. It’s all about how simple and enjoyable it is to eat pie. That easy, comforting vibe is exactly what makes pie such a great option for birthday parties.
For anyone who’s not a fan of frosting or wants something less sugary, pie brings a different kind of sweetness with fresh fruit (think apple and peach and berry), creamy fillings, or rich, nutty flavors. And let’s be honest: Few desserts beat the combo of pie and ice cream. The warm, flaky crust with the gooey filling and cold, creamy ice cream is the perfect mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Cookies
“C is for cookie, that’s good enough for me.” Wise words from the one and only Cookie Monster, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Cookies are an awesome alternative to birthday cake because they are easy to serve, no cutting or utensils required, and they work for just about any crowd. Plus, if you are into presentation, cookies can be stacked, arranged into towers, or decorated to match your party theme, making them a fun and unexpected centerpiece.
One of the best parts about serving cookies is the options. So, even if you have a party with picky or fussy eaters or guests with dietary restrictions, you can serve a whole mix of flavors. The Deluxe Signature Cookie Basket includes 12 different varieties, while the Artisan Macarons come with six different types, including salted caramel and pistachio.
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are basically mini cakes in disguise, which makes them a perfect alternative to a traditional birthday cake. They have all the fun and sweetness of cake but come in convenient, individual servings, so there is no need for slicing or extra plates. Guests can just grab one and enjoy.
The best part about serving cupcakes is that you can mix and match flavors, fillings, and decorations, so there is something for everyone. Plus, cupcake towers or displays make an awesome centerpiece that feels festive and fun without the hassle of cutting and serving a big cake.
The Birthday Belgian Chocolate-Dipped Cupcakes include 12 delicious buttercream-infused chocolate and yellow cupcakes with Belgian chocolates and candy toppings. And for the unicorn lover in your life, the Mythical Unicorn White Chocolate-Dipped Cupcakes are a magical way to celebrate your little one’s special day.
Brownies
When you bite into a great brownie, one that’s fudgy, flaky, and packed with rich chocolatey flavor, it can be life-changing. They’re also super easy to cut into squares, serve, and eat without needing forks or plates. All that just slows me down.
And let’s not forget about brownie à la mode, the ultimate dessert combo where a warm, gooey brownie meets a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream.
READ MORE: Cookie or Cake: What Is a Brownie?
For the ultimate brownie bash, go with the Assorted Brownie Gift Box, which is packed with a delectable selection of brownies, including fudge, caramel fudge, and peanut butter-frosted buckeye. And while not quite a brownie, but definitely a close relative, try the Birthday Cake Blondie, topped with vanilla buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles, perfect for any birthday celebration.
Feel like baking your own brownies? Here are a couple of recipes to try.
Cake pops
They might look like little lollipop-style cakes, but cake pops are actually made from already-baked cake mixed with frosting and rolled into bite-sized balls, so they’re more like truffles than actual cake.
Wait, truffles on a stick? I’m sold!
But technicalities aside, cake pops are an awesome alternative to birthday cake. They bring all the sweetness and flavor of cake in a fun, mess-free, single bite. You can decorate them to match any party theme with colors, sprinkles, or fun designs, making them both tasty and festive. They’re easy to eat, great for all ages, and bring a playful twist to the usual birthday dessert.
If the stick isn’t your thing, they also come atop ice cream cones.
Ice cream
Do I really need to sell you on ice cream? It’s the best. Name a kid who doesn’t love it, I’ll wait.
Whether you scoop it up or stack it into a cake shape, ice cream is an awesome alternative to birthday cake because it’s cool, customizable, and pretty much loved by everyone. (You're still trying to name a kid who doesn't love ice cream, aren't you?) You can go with classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or mix it up with cookie dough, salted caramel, or whatever your crowd loves. Let’s not forget about the toppings, like sprinkles, sauces, and candy. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? A build-your-own sundae bar!
Need more convincing? I have five words for you: Ice cream sandwich making kit.
READ MORE: Where Did Rocky Road Come From?
DIY dessert kits
Kids’ birthday parties are all about the activities, and dessert kits turn treat time into a fun, hands-on experience.
Instead of just serving dessert, everyone gets to make their own, adding an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the party. The Happy Birthday Cupcake Party Kit has everything you need to get the party started, from candles to cupcakes. Or, if you’re like me and have a special place in your heart for chocolate chip cookies, you’re going to love Cheryl's cookie dough.
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Strawberries and chocolate are always a winning combo because they bring together two irresistible flavors in one perfect bite. You get that rich, smooth chocolate paired with juicy, sweet-tart strawberries, and the contrast is hard to beat. The crisp chocolate shell with the soft, juicy fruit inside makes for the best kind of texture, and the sweetness of the chocolate – including dark chocolate – balances out the berry’s fresh, bright flavor.
Chocolate-dipped apples
If you’ve never had a candy apple, you’ll want to keep reading. Chocolate-covered apples might not be the first dessert that comes to mind, but that’s exactly why you should give them a try.
The combo of apple and chocolate works because it brings together two totally different flavors and textures that balance each other perfectly. You get the crisp, juicy crunch of the apple with its natural sweetness and hint of tartness, all wrapped in smooth, rich chocolate that adds sweetness and a creamy finish. It’s unexpected, but seriously delicious. They also make for great goody bag gifts.
If you still want to serve cake at your next soiree, I won’t judge you, at least not publicly. Here are my recommendations.
AUTHOR
Nick Budabin is an Emmy Award winner who has been working in media for over 20 years. Nick has worked with numerous celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart and has produced content for Vice, Vox, MTV, A&E, TLC, Bravo, and more. Nick is the director of two feature-length documentaries: Chi-Town and Great White Summer. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids.
