Chocolate Birthday Cake with Bows

Name: Chocolate Birthday Cake with Bows
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fondant for bows; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Desserts

I'm excited to share my recipe for Chocolate Birthday Cake with Bows, a delightful treat that's perfect for any celebration. This cake has a rich chocolate flavor, layered with creamy frosting that makes it indulgent yet inviting. I learned how to make it after experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, leading me to this wonderful combination. Trust me, this cake is sure to impress everyone, from kids to adults, as it not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning with its charming bow decorations.

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-02-17T13:46:18.894Z

When I first decided to make a birthday cake, I wanted something special that would capture the joy of the occasion. After several trials, I found that using high-quality cocoa powder really elevates the chocolate flavor. The frosting is made with cream cheese and dark chocolate, which adds a unique tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the addition of decorative bows made from fondant. They are surprisingly easy to shape, and they bring an extra touch of whimsy to the cake. I highly recommend giving them a try; they truly make the cake stand out!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Decadent chocolate layers that will satisfy your sweet tooth
Beautifully decorated with charming edible bows
A perfect centerpiece for any celebration or party

Baking the Perfect Cake Layers

The key to achieving moist, fluffy chocolate cake layers lies in the proper combination of wet and dry ingredients. Be sure to measure flour accurately using the spoon and level method to avoid dense cake. After beating the batter for 2 minutes, incorporate boiling water slowly. This step enhances the cocoa's flavor and helps the batter achieve a silky, pourable consistency. It's normal for the batter to be thinner than typical cake batters, which results in a melt-in-your-mouth texture once baked.

When you're baking the cakes, keep an eye on the time. The baking duration of 30 minutes is a guideline; ovens can vary. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center of one layer. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If you encounter domed tops, it’s helpful to level them with a serrated knife for an even stacking in the final assembly.

Creating the Ultimate Frosting

For the frosting, using both butter and cream cheese adds a rich flavor and delightful texture. Ensure they are at room temperature to combine well and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency; cold ingredients will create lumps. When mixing in the powdered sugar and cocoa, do so gradually to avoid a sugary dust cloud. If your frosting feels too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreadability.

Once your cake is frosted, let it set at room temperature before slicing. This resting time allows the frosting to firm up slightly, making for cleaner slices. If you find that your layers are slipping, consider chilling the assembled cake for about 30 minutes to help stabilize the frosting. Frosting the sides can be tricky, but using a bench scraper can create a beautiful finish that helps the cake look polished.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a successful baking experience.

Cake Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

Fondant for bows
Food coloring (optional)

Make sure to prepare your baking tools before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect birthday cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined; it will be thin.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk as needed.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, and then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate with Bows

Roll out the fondant to create bows and place them on the top of the cake to finish the decoration.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Birthday Cake with Bows!

Pro Tips

For an extra moist cake, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Tips for Fondant Decorations

When rolling out fondant, make sure to dust your surface with a light coating of cornstarch or powdered sugar. This prevents sticking and helps you achieve a smooth finish. Keep the fondant covered while you work to prevent it from drying out too quickly. If you want to add color, knead in gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve your desired shade. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also allows for endless creativity with your cake decorations.

For the bows, form small loops with pieces of fondant and use a dab of water or edible glue to secure them. Remember that practicing with fondant can be beneficial; if it's your first time, make some extra pieces to refine your technique. The bows should have a glossy finish after being shaped, indicating they're ready for placement on your cake. Letting them dry a bit before applying can help maintain their shape.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Birthday Cake can be made a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, it can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature. If you choose to frost the cake ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator; the frosting will help keep it moist. Just be sure to cover it properly to prevent any fridge odors from affecting the flavor.

To preserve the cake longer, consider freezing individual layers. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge before frosting and decorating. Freezing also enhances the moisture retention of the cake, leading to an even richer flavor when you're ready to enjoy your delightful creation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use cake flour, but the texture might be slightly different and lighter.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost it just before serving.

→ Is it possible to freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.