17 Best Birthday Desserts (That Aren't Cake!)

ice cream cone cupcakes — The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Are you looking for unique ideas for birthday desserts that go beyond the typical frosted cake? Whether you're over birthday cake, are looking for something easier, or simply want to try something new, browse our recipe collection of festive desserts you can serve at parties for kids and adults.

Birthday Cake Shot

01 of 17

Unicorn Doughnuts

The Spruce / Pete Scherer

Delight kids and adults at parties with these magically colorful doughnuts. All you need to transform classic cake doughnuts into something fantastically fun is a piping bag, decorations, and your own inner unicorn imagination.
02 of 17

No-Bake Lemon and Ricotta Cheesecake Bars

Elane Lemm

Not a baker, but want to create a special dessert for birthdays and bake sales? These easy, creamy, fluffy lemon cheesecake bars are full of wonderfully zingy citrus flavor, and don't require turning on the oven.
03 of 17

Pear Frangipane Tart

William Reavell/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images

A classic French pear tart is a wonderful way to celebrate the seasonal fall fruit. Infused with the flavor of pears and almonds and decorated with glazed fruit, it makes a festive treat for any birthday honoree who prefers pies to cake. Serve warm topped with whipped cream.
04 of 17

Funfetti Cake Bars With Chocolate Glaze

Anita Schecter

Get the party started with these delicious cake bars exploding with colorful rainbow sprinkles. They make a great dessert option at a birthday party for kids— or anyone who is young at heart.

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05 of 17

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

The Spruce/Kristina Vanni

Ice cream cone cupcakes with swirled chocolate and vanilla frosting are a fabulous idea for any kids birthday party. They are as easy to make as regular cupcakes, and each junior guest will enjoy getting a piece of "cake" they can hold in their hand.
06 of 17

Strawberry Shortcake

Driscoll's

Classic strawberry shortcake is a wonderful way to celebrate fresh berries at their summer best. It makes an elegant alternative to birthday cake and is sure to please fruit fanatics and whipped cream lovers alike.
07 of 17

Croquembouche (Cream Puff Tree)

CCO Creative Commons

When it's a very special occasion and nothing but the best will do, this stunning French dessert is sure to wow the crowd. Create a master chef-worthy tower of cream puffs in less than two hours with this classic pastry recipe that requires time and effort, but delivers an incredible result.
08 of 17

Chocolate Cupcakes With Malted Milk Frosting

The Spruce/Diana Rattray

Malted milk powder and vanilla flavor the creamy frosting for these moist and fudgy chocolate cupcakes. They taste like your favorite malted-chocolate movie treat in cake form and are easy to bake and decorate in about 30 minutes.

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09 of 17

Classic Baked Alaska

Diana Rattray

Baked Alaska—a vintage confection of ice cream, fruit preserves, and sponge cake covered with a dome of golden baked meringue—was invented at New York City's Delmonico's restaurant over a century ago. Make it at home in only 20 minutes (yes, really!) with this must-know recipe.
10 of 17

Champagne White Chocolate Truffles

Elizabeth LaBau

Raise a glass to creamy, melt-in-your-mouth champagne truffles. With a delicate flavor from bubbly, they are elegant orbs of dessert perfection, gilded with edible gold leaf for a spectacular presentation. You can use any sparkling wine, but a rosé grape will enhance the candy's richness.
11 of 17

Pina Colada Ice Cream Sandwiches

The Spruce

Boozy, beachy ice cream sandwiches bursting with the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut and topped with maraschino cherries are an inspired dessert idea for grown-up birthday parties in summer.
12 of 17

Tiramisu Cheesecake

The Spruce/Kristina Vanni

Create a magical marriage of two classic desserts with this indulgent recipe that takes Italian tiramisu ingredients—including coffee liqueur, chocolate wafers, mascarpone cheese, and ladyfingers—into a rich and creamy cheesecake that is fancy enough for any celebration.

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13 of 17

Easy Red Velvet Trifle

Elaine Lemm

What could make an indulgent trifle with layered custard, cake, fruit, jam and whipped cream even better? Using thick slices of soft red velvet cake for the sponge, that's what! This dessert looks impressive but takes only 30 minutes to assemble and bake, making it ideal for last-minute get-togethers.
14 of 17

White Chocolate and Raspberry Crème Brûlée

Getty Images

You won't believe how easy it is to create individual, restaurant-style creme brûlées at home. This recipe guides you through the steps of creating a silky custard, topping it with fruit, and creating the signature caramelized sugar crust—all in less than 30 minutes.
15 of 17

The Perfect Banana Split

The Spruce

Fully loaded soda shop-style banana splits are an excellent birthday treat for Riverdale-loving teens, nostalgia-prone adults, and ice cream lovers of all ages. Make them for your parties with our must-know recipe.
16 of 17

Frosted Chocolate Cake Brownies

Diana Rattray

Everyone loves brownies, and these scrumptious treats deliver the full handheld cake experience, complete with creamy chocolate frosting. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest taste.

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17 of 17

Guinness Black and White Chocolate Mousse

Westend61/Getty Images

Elegant gatherings call for stunning desserts that not only taste divine, but look impressive, too. You won't go wrong with these layered white and dark chocolate mousse confections that get an outstanding flavor and richness from Irish stout beer.

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17 Best Birthday Desserts (That Aren't Cake!)

Frosted Chocolate Cake Brownies