I remember a birthday cake my mom made for me when I was a little girl, featuring a beautiful Barbie sticking out of a giant ball gown of cake with light blue frosting “ruffles.” It was the most incredible thing I had ever seen! These days my cakes may not be quite so fanciful, but for birthdays I still appreciate the magic of a tall layered cake glowing with candles. In this chapter you will find some traditional—and some less expected—ways to make those birthday celebrations extra special. Needless to say, no one has to know whether it’s your actual birthday—by making one of these fantastic desserts, any day becomes one worthy of celebration.