A non-baker’s guide to perfect birthday cake, part 2

Baking a birthday cake for a loved one may feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to the kitchen. But with a few simple tips and a bit of creativity, you can create a cake that looks beautiful and feels personal—without stressing over perfection. Check out part one for a better understanding of part two.

Keep It Cool

A chilled cake is the secret to neat frosting. Always cool your cake completely before decorating, and if possible, keep both the cake and frosting in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. Unless you live somewhere very cold, this step will save you from melting cream and messy layers.

The Frosting Formula

My go-to frosting is a combination of mascarpone and whipping cream. When the mixing bowl and cream are well-chilled, the result is a light, stable, and delicious treat. My daughter once asked for “extra sprinkles,” so I scattered heart sprinkles over the top—and honestly, nothing brings more joy than a cake covered in cheerful colors.

Tools that Make a Difference

You don’t need a drawer full of equipment to decorate a cake well. I only own two piping tips, and they’ve been more than enough. A sturdy disposable piping bag is a must, though—it makes clean-up easy and ensures your frosting flows smoothly.

Get Creative with Toppers/toppings

One of the easiest ways to make a homemade cake stand out is with interesting toppers. For my son’s birthday, I asked him to draw his favorite characters, cut them out, and tape them to toothpicks. They became the most adorable handmade toppers! Another year, we went for a space theme, so I made the planets of the solar system and placed them around the cake. Nowadays, you’ll find endless options online and in shops, but there’s a special charm in making your own. This year, my daughter requested sprinkles on her cake, so I scattered heart sprinkles over the top—and honestly, nothing brings more joy than a cake covered in cheerful colors.

Embrace Simplicity

At the end of the day, homemade cakes are about joy, not perfection. Even with a few roadblocks along the way, I can guarantee that if you follow these steps, you’ll end up with a decent frosted birthday cake that will be remembered long after the candles are blown out.

Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: NA
serves: NA

Mascarpone Whipped Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

Mascarpone cheese (chilled) 450 g
Whipping cream (chilled) 150 ml
Icing sugar (sifted) 350 g
Vanilla extract 10 ml

Method

Place the mascarpone, whipping cream, and vanilla in a chilled mixing bowl.
Beat on medium speed until smooth and slightly thick.
Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. This quantity is enough for a double-layered medium-sized cake.

This frosting pairs beautifully with sponge cakes, chocolate layers, or even cupcakes. It holds shape well for piping and tastes luxurious without being overly sweet.