Who could resist watching a cake decorating video (or three)? They somehow bring instant joy and inspiration without the added calories (yet). This year, we have the usual burst in trending cake shapes, colours and decorating styles, but what struck us most is the small movement away from any birthday cake and towards birthday cake alternatives.
Also see: Inside Natasha Thahane’s Glamorous 30th Birthday Celebration
From the famous interactive “burn-away” cakes, opulent retro revival and polka dot craze, the new cake trends are enticing, but not as enticing as the alternatives many have shifted towards. Don’t get us wrong, everyone loves a slice of birthday cake slathered with buttercream icing, but cake doesn’t fit everyone’s diet or budget.
In comes quaint and quirky birthday cake alternatives!
1. Sushi tower
If you’re a sushi lover, this must be heaven. Ditch the vanilla sponge for a tower of your favourite sushi types.
2. Ice cream tubs
No, not the classic ice cream cake – just mini tubs of ice cream, perfect to share with all your guests (or have all to yourself since it is your birthday). Watch out for the brain freeze.
3. Doughnuts
If you’re still looking to get that ‘birthday cake fix’ without the actual thing, go for a tower of gloriously glazed doughnuts.
4. Hot dogs
More of a savoury birthday person? A tower of hot dogs, or better yet, boerie rolls, is the perfect food to satisfy your craving.
Also see:10 Activities you can do for free on your birthday in Cape Town
5. Burgers & fries
Instead of hot dogs or boerie rolls, why not go all out and have yourself a burger birthday cake, with a side of fries? It doubles up as the main attraction and meal, and in this economy, we’re seeing the value of a two-for-one special.
6. “Cheese” cake
Although this trend has been around for a while, it’s making its mark in 2026, debuting as the perfect birthday cake alternative for savoury lovers, and as a wedding cake alternative (uplifting your lunch grazing table). It’s chic, varied and oh-so-tasty.
7. Martinis
Not one for over-the-top celebrations? Many of us would much prefer a stiff drink, a little candle, and get straight into dinner, and this birthday cake alternative is the stuff of legends. And if a martini is not to your taste, luckily for you, you can replicate this with any of your favourite cocktails – just get creative with the candle placement.
8. Matcha
Not only did matcha take the world by storm last year, but it continues to be a top flavour contender in 2026. You might say it’s reached new heights by becoming a birthday cake alternative, but we feel like it fits the trajectory perfectly.
9. Cinamon rolls
Still within the ‘cake’ theme, this alternative is one we can get behind. Sticky rolls filling the air with warm cinnamon? Who cares what day it is – cinnamon roll cakes should be more mainstream by now…
10. Cold drink tower
South Africans are known for their sweet tooth, and cold drinks are among the top-ranking sweet treats. Whether the birthday girl or boy loves Stoney, Sprite, or Coca-Cola, a cold, fizzy tower like this is sure to impress!
First published by Woman & Home
Compiled by Annemieke van Nieuwkerk
