Birthday cake

A round decorated cake with 18 unlit candles and "Happy 18th Birthday Anna Sophia" written in icing.
Birthday cake with 18 candles for the celebrant's 18th birthday

A birthday cake is a cake eaten as part of a birthday celebration. While there is no standard for birthday cakes, they are typically highly decorated layer cakes covered in frosting, often featuring birthday wishes ("Happy birthdays") and the celebrant's name. In many cultures, it is also customary to serve the birthday cake with small lit candles on top, especially in the case of a child's birthday. Variations include cupcakes, cake pops, pastries, and tarts.