First published in 1980, The Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book has been loved for generations.
After all, who doesn't have at least one memory of poring over the well-thumbed pages, trying to decide on this year's birthday cake?
Whether you remember pestering Mum to pleeeease make you the jelly swimming pool cake for your birthday or have fond memories of decorating these birthday favourites with your kids, these timeless classics are sure to give you a nostalgia hit.
The vintage edition collectors' cookbook is available if you feel like taking a trip down memory lane or would you prefer our 40th Anniversary edition; in the meantime, click through the gallery for our all-time favourite Women's Weekly kids' birthday cakes!
![**[Women's Weekly duck cake (aka Rubber Ducky)](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/duck-cake-recipe-33049|target="_blank")**
You saw it first in the '80s and then more recently thanks to Bluey. Now you can try your hand at the famous Women's Weekly Duck Cake yourself.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/awwfood/2022/05/31/1653974154821_pg39.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Hickory dickory dock](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/hickory-dickory-dock-8738|target="_blank")**](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/d49e06a145ee4e458e193e2f06faf608/hickory-dickory-dock.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Rocking horse birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/rocking-horse-6163|target="_blank")**
Remember this rockin' cake? It's sure to be a favourite among the kids, even after all these years.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/09ffc4e673964a8bb353598e80a626f9/rocking-horse.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Sweets shop kids' cake](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/sweets-shop-5457|target="_blank")**
You can't get a cake much sweeter than this gorgeous one! Whether you remember it from the famous '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")' of your childhood or are serving up for the little shop keeper in your home, it'll definitely have your party guests impressed.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/497dac109a0c449581148b4cee9d3dc5/sweets-hop.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Sewing machine cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/sewing-machine-3271|target="_blank")**
Creative kids will love helping with this easy sewing machine birthday cake from our famous '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")' cookbook.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/eb7a72c0f61f458495e742cba4c01bc2/sewing-machine.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Easy piano birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/piano-player-4921|target="_blank")**
It's 9 o'clock on a Saturday, and the party crowd's already here. They said can you play a memory...and this cake is just what you need! From the famous '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")' cookbook, you're sure to feel nostalgic when you see this one from your childhood.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/69ae7764831c4ecb822a80f54ce9640c/pianoplayer.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[The good witch cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/the-good-witch-14875|target="_blank")**
Remember this cute cake from the iconic '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")' cookbook? Whip it up for the next kids's birthday bash or for a fabulous Halloween centrepiece.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/20/06a48eea12d941bf9e680929a588274d/the-good-witch.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Dolly Varden Cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/australian-womens-weekly-dolly-varden-cake-1510|target="_blank")**
This iconic children's birthday cake was inspired by the character, Dolly, in one of Charles Dickens' novels. A special baking pan, in the shape of her dress has been created just for this cake and you'll need one of them for this recipe.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2016/05/06/31880/dolly-varden-cake.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Birthday cake numbers - jigsaw two](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/jigsaw-two-8205|target="_blank")**
This colourful cake is bound to be a hit with Mr or Ms. Two!](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/ee1e90d7bec3489cba1b63e5a6ba9253/jigsaw-two.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Puss In Boots cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/puss-in-boots-4440|target="_blank")**
Whether you're a fan of the original story or of the sassy Shrek cat, this Puss In Boots cake is an all-time favourite.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/8d5f0589caed41bcb691b4a48ad9ad8c/pussin-boots.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Birthday cake numbers - smartie one](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/smartie-one-4942|target="_blank")**
For a memorable first birthday party, serve up this top notch, Smartie-covered birthday favourite.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/6b0eba5ff6894b378f957878f1ff0fe5/smartie-one.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Pirate face birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/pirate-pete-3437|target="_blank")**
Arrrr you looking for the best kids' birthday cake ever? Pirate Pete is the the way to go! This easy cake is sure to impress.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/e5031585328d4029b224f65d475580c0/piratepete.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Ginger Neville birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/ginger-neville-5275|target="_blank")**
Was this one a childhood favourite? Decorating ol' Ginger Neville is sure to bring back fond memories.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/4d5152d37e78453f9cdcf048fbe4c372/ginger-neville.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Leonardo lion birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/leonardo-lion-4337|target="_blank")**
Kids will adore this Leo the Lion birthday cake from the '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")'. He is the King of the Jungle, after all.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/9c44ff87b4fc47ee8014684480658351/leonardo-lion.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Little piggy birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/little-piggy-4882|target="_blank")**
And this little piggy went all the way to the top of your favourite cakes list! From our famous 'Children's Birthday Cake Book', it's the perfect party pick.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/77cc7576ebc948d986b687e3d2da37e0/littlepiggy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Guitar shaped birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/guitar-3344|target="_blank")**
No one will want to pick this guitar up and smash it...it's much too tasty for that and it's just another of our old-school favourites from famous 'Children's Birthday Cake Book'.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/dda60857068f45ed9ff96193d661489d/guitar.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![[Swimming pool birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/swimming-pool-3407|target="_blank")
Jelly AND cake? Winner!Our famous swimming pool cake from the '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")' was an '80s favourite and still impresses to this day.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/e2adc39ddc374fb8ac01e90fd014b5f8/swimmig-pool.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Koala birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/koala-birthday-cake-recipe-30931|target="_blank")**
This cuddly koala cake recipe comes from our beloved Children's Birthday cake book.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/AwwFood/2019/01/24/30931/koala-still.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![[Choo-choo train birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/choo-choo-train-birthday-cake-26787|target="_blank")
Of all the amazing [kids' party food](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/tags/kids-party|target="_blank"), nothing beats a classic birthday cake. Chug down memory lane with this choo-choo train, straight from the cover of our [Birthday Cake Book](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/foodie-facts/the-australian-womens-weeklys-childrens-birthday-cake-book-1442|target="_blank").](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/20/2e28f9d0-9a3f-40a9-8900-a35c01263cc4/choo-choo-train-birthday-cake.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Ladybird birthday cake](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/ladybird-birthday-cake-15403|target="_blank")**
Made famous in our ever popular Birthday Cake book, the ladybird birthday cake is surprisingly easy to decorate, and looks marvellous.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/2afe355d8bc749beb35abcf975059a0a/lazy-ladybird.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Teddy bear](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/teddy-bear-9436|target="_blank")**](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/c0eee4fbe09e4f14a1fc2d263b1d9db9/teddy-bear.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Echidna ice-cream cake](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/echidna-ice-cream-cake-13229|target="_blank")**
With lots of chocolate and ice-cream, you won't put a foot wrong with this fun kids' cake! It's sure to bring back fond memories.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/438b0f7642e04174bb94642502a3c666/echidna-ice-cream-cake.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Cricket pitch birthday cake](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/cricket-cake-recipe-30928|target="_blank")**
This classic cricket pitch birthday cake from the pages of our beloved [Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank") is the perfect cake for any cricket fan's birthday!](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/AwwFood/2019/01/24/30928/cricket-still.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Jack in the box](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/jack-in-the-box-8149|target="_blank")**
Pop this one on the party table for an eye-catching cake. It's sure to be a hit with younger children.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/eb6352828bf8456bb221df00d5e5e13c/jackinthebox.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Castle for a princess](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/castle-for-a-princess-5850|target="_blank")**](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/1426183b74fc4de9ab004950dfa1a5c2/castle-for-a-princess.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Jungle elephant cake](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/jungle-elephant-cake-13952|target="_blank")**
Your guests will be trumpeting praise when they see this cute elephant cake on the party spread.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/2a9c642127a34548a41a0844e066827e/jungle--elephant.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Timothy tiger](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/timothy-tiger-14159|target="_blank")**
Earn your baking stripes by serving up this tiger cake at your little one's next birthday bash! It's sure to impress.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/1ad68a8037944199b635cf7e3d6ede6b/timothy-tiger.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Hey diddle diddle birthday cake](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/hey-diddle-diddle-birthday-cake-13741|target="_blank")**
Inspired by the classic nursery rhyme, this gorgeous yellow moon cake is sure to thrill your child on their birthday.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/2243247f55dc41cfb805c253aa115b15/hey-diddle-diddle.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Number six birthday cake with jet planes](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/six-jet-planes-6042|target="_blank")**
Prepare for your kids' party to takeoff with this aeroplane runway cake! From the iconic '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")' cookbook, it's perfect for a six-year-old's birthday.](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/19/017defb76c1d4371984dbb137670b6fe/six-jet-planes.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
![**[Helicopter](http://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/helicopter-13833|target="_blank")**
This blue chopper is a favourite from The Australian Women's Weekly's famous '[Children's Birthday Cake Book](https://www.magshop.com.au/childrens-birthday-cake-book|target="_blank")' cookbook. And, the kids will love to help decorate it!](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/food/2015/03/18/26204aa33e9a4dff8b7430d136953169/helicopter.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&scale=both&anchor=topcenter&quality=70)
