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
Since this is a beginner’s guide, we won’t even bother discussing fondant icing, as it is beyond the scope of a beginner cake decorator, and instead, focus on buttercream.
Note: These general techniques are the same for other whipped frostings as well.
Tools you’ll need:
- Rotating cake turntable: Not absolutely essential, but will make your task significantly easier.
- Serrated cake or bread knife: For leveling and splitting layers.
- Offset palette knife: For applying frosting without dragging your fingers through it.
- Pastry bag with tips: You can use Ziploc bags, but this doesn’t work as well.
- Cake smoother/scraper: For smoothing frosting and making decorative markings and patterns.
For decorative accents like flowers, swirls, and borders the best advice is to practice practice, practice, especially before trying on your cake. Making decorative flowers and other shapes using a piping bag with various tips is something that takes practice. And the same goes for writing with royal icing. Of course, there’s no substitute for an actual cake-decorating experience, but a great way to practice is on a sheet of wax paper instead of the cake itself.
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.
