Inside: Totally Rad Teen Cake Ideas ( + Decorating Tips)
No matter if you’re planning on making a cake for your teen’s birthday on your own or ordering one online, we have the best teen cake ideas for your big day. I personally have always loved making cakes for any birthday celebration in our family. Now, I am not saying that they have always looked the best, but they sure are a labor of love that I love to do.
But as my kids have gotten older, their birthday demands have become a little more… how should I say it…. specific, elaborate, not to mention expensive. lol
This raises a challenge when it comes to decorating a birthday cake. So I hit the internet and found the cutest, trendiest, and “do-able-est?” teen cake ideas out there.
Check out our favorite designs and ideas that are teen-approved.
Tips and Tricks for these Teen Cake Ideas
Because fondant icing is so far beyond the skill level of a novice cake decorator, we will not be covering it at all in this guide and will instead concentrate on buttercream.
Please take note that the principles outlined here apply equally well to other types of whipped frosting.
Tools you’ll need:
- Rotating cake turntable: A cake turntable isn’t required, but it will make your life much simpler.
- Serrated cake or bread knife: A serrated knife, such as one used for cutting cake or bread, can be used to evenly slice through layers.
- Offset palette knife:If you want to frost a cake but don’t want to drag your fingers through the frosting, an offset palette knife is the tool for you.
- Pastry bag with tips: You can substitute Ziploc bags for a pastry bag with tips, but the results won’t be as good.
- Cake smoother/scraper:To even out frosting and draw designs on cakes.
Especially before attempting them on your cake, it is recommended that you practice making decorative accents such as flowers, swirls, and borders. Using a piping bag and different tips to create decorative flowers and other shapes takes practice. The same holds true for using royal icing to write. Although nothing can replace hands-on experience, practicing on wax paper is a great alternative to wasting a perfectly good cake.
Our Favorite Cake Decorating Supplies
Over the years I have tested my cake skills for events like birthday parties, baby showers, and even a few graduation celebrations. Most of the time I had my trust sidekick right next to me baking away. (aka: My Daughter) Here are a few of our favorite cake decorating supplies that we use.
- 5 Piece Icing Spatula Set
- 48 Piece Piping Tips
- Colorful Sprinkle Set
- Revolving Cake Stand
- Wilton Cake Boards
- Happy Birthday Cake Topper
Teen Cake Ideas
These teen cake ideas are some of my favorite out there. They are simple, cool, trendy, and perfect for your birthday teen.
1. Simple Pink Ombre with Sprinkles
4. Bright Colors and Gold Trimmed Icing
7. Cute Rainbow Decorated Cake Design
Teenage Birthday Cake Ideas
Celebrate your teen’s birthday with the coolest cake. These cakes are packed full of trendy designs, unique icing techniques, and vibrant colors. From their favorite movie, tv series, and emojis these teen cake ideas are perfect for a birthday celebration.
8. Stranger Things Themed Birthday Cake
10. Pastel Colored Birthday Cake
11. Zodiac Sign Themed Birthday Cake Idea
Funny Birthday Cakes for Teenagers
Treat your funny teen with a funny cake, these hilarious cake ideas are perfect for the comedian in your family. From food-shaped cakes to social media icons they love these cakes are packed full of fun designs.
19. Giant Macaroon Shaped Cake
20. Circus Animal Cookies Covered Cake
22. Friends Inspired Birthday Cake Design
Cool Birthday Cakes for Teenage Girl
If you’re specifically looking for birthday cake ideas for a teenage girl, then check out a few of our favorite girly, glittery, and gorgeous ideas.
24. Harry Potter Birthday Girl Cake
26. Rock Crystal Birthday Cake Design
27. Purple, Pearls, and Butterflies
28. Starbucks Themed Birthday Cake
Simple Birthday Cakes for Teenage Girls
Back to making your own birthday cake, these simple teen cake ideas are still perfectly designed. Just because a cake is simple doesn’t mean it is any less wonderful or cute. These ideas are the perfect proof of that.
33. Marbled Effect with Name on Cake
34. Rainbow Inspired Cake Icing
35. Cactus Inspired Cake Decorations
36. Kate Spade Striped and Floral Cake
Teenager Cake Designs They Can Make
Do you have a teenager that also likes to help out with baking? Now, I want to make sure that I make it clear that just because they are teens doesn’t mean they don’t have the talent to make an incredible cake. There are tons of very talented teens out there. Here are just a few ideas for new bakers or new cake decorators.
38. Simple Paint Stroke Cake Idea
39. Fruit Loop Decorated Cereal Cake Idea
42. Speckled with Sprinkles and Pink Trim
43. Fondant Rainbow Cake Topper
More Fun Birthday Ideas for Teens
Since you liked these cool teen cake ideas, check out a few more of our favorite birthday-inspired ideas that your teenager will love.
- Teen Party Game Ideas – So you have a big teen birthday coming up, maybe it’s finally becoming a teenager or finally getting that driver’s license. No matter the age they are turning, throwing a bumpin’ birthday bash is a must. Now that you have tons of great cake ideas, now it’s time to start planning the entertainment. Check out our favorite party games that teens will love.
- Teen Pool Party Ideas – Since we are in the spirit of planning teen parties, check out these fun pool party games. From cool and trendy decorations and pool toys to a few fun food ideas, this pool party post is packed full of great ideas. Throwing a pool party is always one of my favorite birthday theme ideas. The great thing is you DON’T have to have a pool to throw a swimming party. You can visit a hotel, rent out a public pool, or use a friends. The possibilities are endless.
- Teenage Hairstyles – With a new birthday there can also be a desire for a change. Help your teen change up their style in a subtle but noticeable way with these fun teen hairstyles are full of trendy ideas. One of my favorite birthday traditions is getting a new “birthday” outfit to wear that day. Pair that outfit with the perfect new hairstyle and make your teen feel special all day long.
Mom to teens with lots of ideas and inspiration to share for travel, food, parties, school & fun!