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 cakes for your children’s birthdays, these timeless classics are sure to give you a nostalgia hit. Or inspire you for an upcoming birthday party. Duck cake, anyone?!
If you want the whole collection at your fingertips, the vintage edition collectors’ cookbook is available now, along with our 40th Anniversary edition. Otherwise, enjoy a short trip down memory lane with these favourites from the book.
You’ll need these…
Hickory dickory dock
It’s cake time!
The good witch cake
Make it a magical celebration!
Women’s Weekly Duck Cake recipe
First seen in the ’80s at birthday parties and having a Bluey-led resurgence!
27 ideas for number cakes
Give your little one a cake to remember with our cute number designs.
Cockatoo cake
Meet the winner of our Best Birthday Baker competition.
Choo-choo train cake
Take a trip down memory lane with this popular cake from our most famous Children’s Birthday Cake cookbook.
Hickory dickory watch
There’s always time for cake.
Sweets shop kids’ cake
Treat the little one (or big one) in your life on their birthday.
Swimming pool birthday cake
Jelly AND cake? Winner!
Australian Women’s Weekly Dolly Varden Cake
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.
Cricket pitch birthday cake
This classic cricket pitch birthday cake comes from the pages of our beloved Children’s Birthday Cake Book and is the perfect cake for any cricket fan’s birthday!
Koala birthday cake
This cuddly koala cake recipe comes from our beloved Children’s Birthday cake book.
Waffle castle cake
Brave knights defend the realm! This waffle cone castle cake is perfect for any birthday knights, and kingdom themed birthday parties.
Ladybird birthday cake
Made famous in our ever popular Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake book, the ladybird birthday cake is surprisingly easy to decorate, and looks marvellous.
Timothy tiger kids’ cake
It’s sure to impress.
Hey diddle diddle birthday cake
Inspired by the classic nursery rhyme, this gorgeous yellow moon cake – straight from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook – is sure to thrill your child on their birthday.
Jungle elephant birthday cake
Your guests will be trumpeting praise when they see this cute elephant cake from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook on the party spread.
Helicopter kids’ cake
This blue chopper is a favourite from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous Children’s Birthday Cake Book.
Echidna ice-cream cake
With lots of chocolate and ice-cream, you won’t put a foot wrong with this fun kids’ cake! From The Australian Women’s Weekly’s ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook, it’s sure to bring back fond memories.
Here kitty kitty birthday cake
Delight your child with this gorgeous (and easy) orange birthday cake.
Jack in the box birthday cake
Pop this one on the party table for an eye-catching cake. From The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook, it’s sure to be a hit with younger children.
Rocking horse birthday cake
Remember this rockin’ cake from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook? It’s sure to be a favourite among the kids, even after all these years.
Ginger Neville birthday cake
Was this one a childhood favourite? From the Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook, decorating ol’ Ginger Neville is sure to bring back fond memories.
Easy piano birthday cake
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 Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook, you’re sure to feel nostalgic when you see this one from your childhood.
Little piggy birthday cake
And this little piggy went all the way to the top of your favourite cakes list! From The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘, it’s the perfect party pick.
Puss In Boots cake
Whether you’re a fan of the original story or of the sassy Shrek cat, this Puss In Boots cake from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook is an all-time favourite.
Leonardo lion birthday cake
Kids will adore this Leo the Lion birthday cake from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook. He is the King of the Jungle, after all.
Wacky wabbit birthday cake
Ehh, what’s up doc? This cake, for one! Inspired by our favourite wacky wabbit, Bugs, this kids’ favourite – straight from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook – is sure to be a hit.
Pirate face birthday cake
Arrrr you looking for the best kids’ birthday cake ever? Pirate Pete is the the way to go! From The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook, this easy cake is sure to impress.
Cricket pitch
Player position seems to indicate only a handful of runs are needed before the end of the match. Budding cricketers will surely want a rematch before cutting into this fun cake. Note
Guitar shaped birthday cake
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 The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook.
Sewing machine cake
Creative kids will love helping with this easy sewing machine birthday cake from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s famous ‘Children’s Birthday Cake Book‘ cookbook.
