Name: Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 225 g all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 225 g granulated sugar; 85 g unsalted butter; 190 g milk (dairy or non-dairy); 2 tablespoons oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 300 g whipping cream or heavy cream (cold); 30 g powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder; 4 tablespoons strawberry jam (store-bought or homemade); 2-3 fresh strawberries (halved); 1 birthday candle (white and red stripes if possible); 20 g dark chocolate (roughly chopped)

If you’re on the hunt for a charming and delicious treat to brighten up any celebration, look no further than the Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe. This delightful cake combines light, fluffy layers with luscious whipped cream and fresh strawberries, beautifully decorated to bring an adorable personality to your party table. Perfectly balanced between sweet and fresh, this recipe not only tastes incredible but transforms your typical birthday cake into an unforgettable centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to dive into the fun of making and sharing this joyful cake that’s as playful as it is scrumptious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a black frying pan on a white marbled surface filled with several ingredients: cream or milk forming a white layer at the bottom, uneven chunks of pale yellow butter placed on top, light golden honey or syrup drizzled around, and a few drops of brown vanilla extract. The pan is in the foreground and there are two rustic mugs and a white pot in the blurred background. The second image shows the same black frying pan on a shiny black stove, with a smooth, light yellow mixture cooking evenly inside, creating a thin, bright layer with some lighter spots in the center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; each item is simple yet essential for achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and overall magic of the Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe. From the fluffy cake base to the creamy topping and fresh fruit accents, every component works in harmony to create an irresistible experience.

225 g all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake layers, giving them that comforting softness.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
3 large eggs (room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
225 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its tender crumb.
85 g unsalted butter: Introduces a subtle creaminess and helps keep the cake moist.
190 g milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the batter smooth and gives the cake tenderness.
2 tablespoons oil: Adds extra moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warm, aromatic notes to the cake.
300 g whipping cream or heavy cream (cold): For the luscious whipped cream topping that will make every bite heavenly.
30 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream gently without graininess.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the whipped cream’s flavor with a delicate vanilla touch.
1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder: Creates the chocolate whipped cream for charming decoration.
4 tablespoons strawberry jam (store-bought or homemade): Adds a fruity burst that perfectly complements the cream.
2-3 fresh strawberries (halved): Fresh and juicy, they bring beautiful color and freshness to the cake.
1 birthday candle (with white and red stripes if possible): A cheerful finishing touch to celebrate your special day.
20 g dark chocolate (roughly chopped): Melted to craft a cute face that makes this Jellycat Birthday Cake extraordinary.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Layers

Start with preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for perfect non-stick cake layers. Mixing your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl gets that base ready. Meanwhile, warm your milk, butter, oil, and vanilla just until the butter melts, creating a silky hot milk mixture to bring moisture and flavor into the batter.

Step 2: Whip Up the Batter

Next up, beat together the eggs and sugar vigorously for six whole minutes until the mixture is pale and tripled in size. This step is key because it infuses air and lightness into the cake. Gradually blend in the flour mixture in two batches to keep the texture tender without overmixing. Then gently pour in the warm milk mixture, mixing slowly to get a smooth batter ready for baking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Divide the luscious batter evenly between your pans, filling halfway. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—that’s your cue that the cake is perfectly baked. Let the cakes relax in their pans for 15 minutes before freeing them to cool completely on wire racks. Patience here pays off with a flawless, fluffy finish.

Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

While your cake cools, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. Scoop a small portion of this cream into a separate bowl and stir in cocoa powder until just tinted; this chocolate cream will become the personality of your Jellycat Birthday Cake with its “legs.” Pipe bags ready for decorating will make assembly both fun and flawless.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate Your Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate, then pipe dollops of plain whipped cream around the edges and smooth their tails toward the center. Fill the center with a generous layer of strawberry jam for a sweet and fruity core. Lock in the deliciousness with the second cake layer on top, then crown it with more whipped cream dollops and halved strawberries. Top it all off with a red and white striped birthday candle positioned proudly in the middle.

Step 6: Add the Jellycat’s Delightful Final Touches

Using the cocoa whipped cream, pipe little “legs” coming from the bottom cake layer to give your cake a playful character. Melt your dark chocolate and pipe the eyes and smile onto the cake’s bottom layer, creating a face that’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. This whimsical decoration makes the Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe not just a dessert, but a heartfelt celebration.

How to Serve Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe

A slice of vanilla sponge cake is shown in close-up, with two thick yellowish layers. Between the layers, there is a middle filling of bright red strawberry jam topped with white cream. The top layer of the cake is decorated with a thick border of white whipped cream in rounded dollops, and a whole red strawberry is placed on top. The cake slice is held up by a metal spatula over a white plate with more cake slices that have similar white cream and strawberry decoration. The background features a soft focus of a wooden cutting board and green plant, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra halved fresh strawberries around the plate or a few delicate mint leaves adds a refreshing pop of color and aroma to serve alongside the cake. If you want to jazz things up a little more, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can give your Jellycat Birthday Cake a magical fairy-tale feel.

Side Dishes

For a balanced celebration spread, pair your Jellycat Birthday Cake with light, fresh fruit salads or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. These companions highlight the cake’s sweet fruit notes and rich creaminess without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your cake on a bright pastel cake stand to match its playful personality or use clear glass plates to let every detail shine. If hosting a themed party, place small Jellycat plush toys around the serving area for a charming and thematic display that guests of all ages will adore. Remember, presentation adds an extra layer of delight to your Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your cake will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Keep it chilled to preserve the fresh whipped cream and strawberries at their best.

Freezing

If you want to save some cake for later, freeze unassembled cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Whipped cream and fresh fruit don’t freeze well, so it’s best to add those just before serving. This way, you can enjoy your Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. If your cake has been frozen and thawed, simply bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a non-dairy alternative for milk and cream in the Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap dairy milk and cream with almond, oat, or coconut alternatives. Just make sure your non-dairy cream whips well; some brands suggest chilling it thoroughly for best results.

Is it okay to use store-bought strawberry jam or should I make my own?

Both options work wonderfully! Store-bought jam is convenient and consistent, but homemade jam adds a lovely personal touch. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Can I make the Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe in larger cake pans?

You can, but keep in mind the baking time will change—larger pans mean thinner cake layers, so adjust your baking time accordingly and keep an eye on doneness with the toothpick test.

How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Mixing until just combined after adding the dry ingredients is the key. Some flour patches are perfectly fine because continuing to mix will take care of them. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so gentle is always better!

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

No worries! You can use a zip-top bag by filling it and snipping off a corner to pipe the whipped cream. Alternatively, spreading the cream with a spatula can still create a beautifully rustic look.

Final Thoughts

Making the Jellycat Birthday Cake Recipe is like giving your celebration a sweet hug filled with joy, color, and simple ingredients that come together in a sensational way. Whether for a child’s birthday or a special gathering with friends, this cake promises smiles and delicious moments. I can’t wait for you to try it because once you do, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for birthdays and beyond!