PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
Every celebration calls for a cake, especially when you are commemorating a special milestone like a birthday! In fact, a birthday cake is ideal for sprucing up the occasion, making it extra special. However, you would want to put care and effort into selecting the perfect cake, one that your loved one will appreciate and love. Fortunately, ordering the right cake can be an absolute cakewalk (pun intended) with our handy guide.
Learn More: Keeping It Fresh: How To Store Your Birthday Cake For Another Day
PART 2 – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SELECTING THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY CAKE
2.1. Why Cakes Are Essential For Any Birthday Celebration
We always say it would not be a party without cake. But have you wondered why that is the case? Well, wonder no more as we explore the reasons why this baker’s confection represents an indelible part of any birthday celebration.
Reason #1: A Cake Is A Mood Booster
Cakes are not only a feast for our taste buds but also our eyes. With their varied colours and creative designs, just the sight of one is enough to lift spirits and inject an element of fun and joy into the occasion. Then, upon sinking your teeth into a slice, you may find your mood further elevated by this sweet and tasty confection.
Reason #2: A Cake Symbolises Celebration
As cakes have come to symbolise a celebration, parties just do not feel right without this pastry. So, when you are having a birthday party, you can’t just leave out the treat that everyone expects and looks forward to. Besides, the birthday cake is meant to commemorate the celebrant’s life, transforming your gathering into something spectacular.
Reason #3: A Cake Can Be Shared With Everyone
A birthday cake can be more than just a confectionery centrepiece. It can also symbolise the sweetness of shared moments and the joy of communal indulgence. By sharing a slice, every guest receives a portion of the celebration, ensuring no one at the party feels left out.
Reason #4: A Cake Can Be Personalised
Nothing feels more special and heartwarming than receiving a personalised gift on a birthday celebration. A custom cake allows you to add a personal touch, customising the pastry according to the recipient’s preferences and taste, which is perfect for demonstrating your thoughtfulness to the celebrant.
2.2. How To Select The Ideal Birthday Cake For Your Celebration
Selecting the ideal birthday cake is pivotal, as it is the centrepiece of your loved one’s celebration. Fortunately, by keeping our following tips in mind when ordering your cake, you can ensure that you get this decision right every time.
Tip #1: Start Planning And Searching Early
Never underestimate the work that goes into identifying your ideal birthday cake. From its design to the decoration, there is plenty you have to consider before you even place an order. Therefore, we recommend planning early – at least two to three weeks before the party – to ensure you make an informed decision.
Tip #2: Consider The Party Theme
Does the birthday celebration have a theme? If so, you have a unique opportunity to get creative and ensure the cake design complements or reinforces it. For example, if you are having a pirate-themed party for your child, why not match it with a pirate-themed cake? The matching design is sure to be a hit with the celebrant and your guests.
Tip #3: Think About Your Guests
Remember, in addition to the celebrant, you will also be serving the cake to your guests. As such, you need to consider what cake will best suit your crowd. Does an attendee have a specific dietary requirement, such as the need for a vegan option? You may know the answer to these questions if you are hosting a family party. However, if guests outside your family circle are attending, reach out to clarify if they have any special requests or preferences.
Tip #4: Ensure You Pick The Right Cake Size
Beyond your guests’ preferences, you must also ensure you pick the right cake size so that everyone gets a slice. If you are not sure how much cake to order, fret not! Confirm the guest list and let the cake shop know the number of attendees. With this information, the baker can determine the appropriate cake size.
Tip #5: Have A Budget In Mind
Lastly, it is always a good idea to set a budget before beginning your search. Cake prices can vary depending on the size and design you choose. So, establishing your budget beforehand will ensure you choose a cake that matches your needs without overspending.
2.3. Top Cake Flavours To Consider For The Birthday Cake
Of course, the most important thing to consider when selecting the ideal birthday cake is its flavour. After all, you would want it to taste as great as it looks and elicit some “mmms~” from everyone at the party. However, with various flavours to choose from, narrowing it down to one can be as challenging as choosing the cake itself. Fortunately, there are some classic flavours that will never go wrong.
Option #1: Red Velvet Cake
With its luxurious crimson hue and velvety texture, a red velvet cake looks as good as it tastes, adding an air of elegance and delight to any birthday bash. It offers a tantalising blend of flavours, marrying the subtle richness of cocoa with a hint of tanginess from the vinegar or lime, all balanced by a decadent cream cheese frosting.
Option #2: Chocolate Cake
When in doubt, choose the chocolate cake. This perennial crowd-pleaser, topped with rich, moist chocolate ganache, is a sure-fire hit with all ages. After all, nothing crushes a sweet craving quite like a slice of chocolate cake. For an indulgent experience, complement the intense cocoa flavour with something light and fluffy like mascarpone cream or tangy like raspberry.
Option #3: Fruit Cake
A fruit cake is ideal for those who prefer something lighter with a fruity flavour. The best thing about it is that you can pick the toppings that appeal to you most. If you want something tangy, pineapple or yuzu could be right up your alley. Alternatively, if you prefer something sweet, consider mango or banana as the cake topping.
Option #4: Cheesecake
While a cheesecake may not rank among the top flavours for a traditional birthday cake, its rich, creamy, and melt-in-the-mouth texture could end up being a surprise hit with guests. It is best served cold, topped with a fruit compote, chocolate ganache, or colourful sprinkles to make it more festive for the occasion.
Option #5: Vanilla Cake
Another perennial classic! Don’t let its subtle appearance fool you. There is nothing plain about a classic, moist vanilla cake. Even served on its own, vanilla is an excellent base for various colourful fillings and frostings and offers a subtle taste and mild sweetness that will not overwhelm the taste buds.
Option #6: Strawberry Cake
Are you looking for something refreshing? Look no further than a strawberry cake! Between its sweet and tangy taste and flamboyant pink visuals, you have a feast for the senses. Pair it with a springy sponge cake and garnish it with whipped cream for a match made in heaven.
2.4. Why You Should Consider A Custom Birthday Cake
Now that you know what to look for in a birthday cake and the flavours to consider, you will understandably be eager to get started. However, before you commit to a decision, there is an additional element you should consider – whether to get a customised birthday cake. Let us share why it might be worth the plunge.
Reason #1: Elevate The Occasion
Nothing screams ‘special occasion’ like a custom cake. After all, you can’t just pick one up from a store at random. It has to be designed and created specifically for your event, making it even more memorable. The recipient is sure to feel like a VIP when they realise the cake is crafted with them in mind.
Reason #2: You Can Tweak The Cake To Your Preference
When you opt for a custom cake, you have free reign to customise just about every aspect of the cake, from its design to the flavour, as long as the cake shop can accommodate the request. So, let your imagination run wild and don’t be afraid to explore your options!
You even have a say in the cake ingredients, which is ideal when you or a guest has specific dietary restrictions. You can inform the baker to omit gluten, dairy, or eggs for those with a gluten-free or vegan diet. Some even offer sugar-free cakes, reducing your calorie count by substituting sweetness without sacrificing taste.
Reason #3: A Custom Cake Is More Personal
As the birthday star, the celebrant’s taste and preferences matter the most. When you design a custom cake with their taste, hobbies, and interests in mind, it feels more personal and is an excellent showcase of your thoughtfulness.
Reason #4: Match Your Party Theme
If you are throwing a birthday bash with a theme in mind, custom cakes are the way to go. By providing the baker with the party theme, they can create something truly unique and memorable according to your preferences. Sure, it may take longer, but it is well worth the effort, as it adds a final flourish to your meticulously crafted celebration.
2.5. The Do’s And Don’ts Of Ordering A Birthday Cake Online
In recent years, ordering a cake online has become the de-facto way to shop for a birthday cake, and it is easy to see why. With a few clicks of the mouse or taps on your smartphone, you can browse a wide assortment of cakes, customise your order, and have it delivered right to your doorstep. However, as with shopping for anything online, there are specific things you should note to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
1. Do Check Out Reviews Before Placing An Order
When ordering a birthday cake online from a shop you have never patronised before, it is advisable to check out reviews to get an honest view of the cake design and flavour. After all, you would want a quality cake for your celebration. Perusing the reviews will let you know what to expect from the pastry and services, as well as any issues or concerns that past customers may have encountered.
2. Do Research On The Cake Shop’s Ordering And Delivery Policies
Always research the birthday cake shop’s delivery, cancellation, and refund policies before placing your order. When you have a better understanding of its arrangements, you can plan the cake delivery in advance to accommodate your schedule and avoid any shocks or dissatisfactions.
3. Do Communicate Your Needs And Wants Clearly
Articulate your needs and wants clearly to the baker, especially when ordering a custom cake. Be particular about the flavour, size, and any customisation requirement you may have to prevent any miscommunications and ensure you receive your desired cake. This is particularly crucial when you have a special request, such as omitting an ingredient due to an allergic or dietary requirement.
4. Don’t Order Without Confirming The Guest List
Never place your order before confirming the number of guests attending your celebration. You don’t want to end up ordering in excess or facing a shortage at the party. Once you have a number in mind, the baker can advise you on the precise amount of cake you need to ensure everyone receives a slice.
5. Don’t Order At The Last Minute
When ordering a cake online, ensure you make your purchase in advance to give the baker sufficient lead time to prepare and deliver your cake. In fact, most stores will request several days' advance notice to process a customer’s order in good time. The most popular cake shops in Singapore may even require a longer wait time due to overwhelming demand.
PART 3 – CONCLUSION
Regardless of their age, everyone enjoys receiving a beautiful and sumptuous cake on their special day. So, if a loved one’s birthday is fast approaching, consider gifting them this symbol of joyous celebration to show how much you care.
Whether it is a birthday cake for a baby’s first birthday or a loved one’s special milestone, we can craft a unique custom cake to commemorate the occasion. So, do not hesitate to let us know your requirements. We also offer a comprehensive range of delightful confections for you to choose from on our online store. Feel free to visit our website today to see what catches your eye and tantalises your taste buds.
