Birthdays can be an expensive business: finding balloons and decorations, it all adds up, especially when you add the cost of food, but the best supermarket birthday cake can save you a pretty penny without scrimping on taste, and then you will have more money to spend on a special birthday present.
There's no need to go to all the effort of making one yourself either, as there are plenty of birthday cakes to choose from at your local supermarket that taste delicious and that means there's no mess for you to clean up afterwards. Some cakes can be personalised to make them even more special.
The best supermarket birthday cakes at a glance
When it comes to birthday ideas, opting for a supermarket birthday cake can be cost efficient and save you lots of effort too. To show you what the most popular supermarkets have to offer for your next celebration, we've rounded up our favourite supermarket birthday cakes available to buy. There's something for everyone, from the famous 'Colin the Caterpillar' to half-and-half cakes. And don't forget, you don't have to wait until your birthday to enjoy a delicious cake - you can always treat yourself!
The best supermarket birthday cakes
Best supermarket birthday cake overall
Credit: M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
There is no way you would have missed all that fuss about the popular caterpillar cake last year, so what about a slice of this giant Colin the Caterpillar cake? The giant chocolate sponge roll is filled with chocolate buttercream, covered in milk chocolate with a decorated white chocolate face and sugar-coated milk chocolate beans, and finished with personalised leaf decoration. One customer who ordered a personalised Colin the Caterpillar cake for their dad’s 80th birthday shared that the cake was enough to serve 40 guests. “The personalisation was spot on, and the cake was absolutely delicious. It's good value for money, as the cake maker would have charged a lot more, and it wouldn’t have been such top quality," they added.
Serves 40
Ready to collect in seven days
| Ingredients: | Milk Chocolate (24%) (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Dried Skimmed Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose (Milk), Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin), Sugar, White Chocolate (12%) (Sugar, Dried Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter, Dried Skimmed Milk, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin, Vanilla Flavouring), Wheatflour contains Gluten (with Wheatflour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Butter (Milk), Water, Dark Chocolate (3.5%) (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin), Pasteurised Egg, Sugar Coated Milk Chocolate Beans (3%) (Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Dried Skimmed Milk, Cocoa Mass, Dried Whey (Milk), Lactose (Milk), Butter Oil (Milk), Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin, Vanilla Flavouring), Sugar, Tapioca Starch, Glazing Agent: Shellac, Carnauba Wax, Plant and Vegetable Concentrates (Spirulina, Safflower), Colour: Curcumin), Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Dried Glucose Syrup, Rowan Extract, Pasteurised Egg White, Humectant: Glycerol, Dried Skimmed Milk, Dextrose, Emulsifier: E471, E475, E481, Soya Lecithin, E476, Raising Agent: E450, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornflour, Salt, Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Dried Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter, Dried Whey (Milk), Flavourings, Colour: Beetroot Red |
| Cake Dimensions: | H9 x L43 x W10cm |
| Suitable for freezing: | No |
| Contains: | Milk, Eggs, Soya, Wheat, Gluten. |
| Allergy Information: | Not suitable for Nut and Peanut allergy sufferers |
| Serves: | 40 |
Best white chocolate supermarket birthday cake
Tested
Sainsburyswww.sainsburys.co.uk
Calling all those with a sweet tooth - you need to try the Sainsbury's White Chocolate Birthday Celebration Cake! Raspberry and white chocolate are a match made in heaven and this cake has got the ratios perfectly balanced.
Between two layers of madeira cake, you'll find a slathering or raspberry jam and white chocolate buttercream. On top of that is more white chocolate buttercream with white chocolate curls, shards of white chocolate and freeze-dried raspberry pieces; the added decorations providing a change in texture to compliment the creamy icing and soft sponge.
Serves 12
Reviewed by Yours Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
| Ingredients: | Sugar, White Chocolate (15%) (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Cows' Milk Powder, Whey Powder (Cows' Milk), Lactose (Cows' Milk), Dried Skimmed Cows' Milk Powder, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin; Vanilla Extract, Flavouring), Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Butter (Cows' Milk), Pasteurised Egg, Rapeseed Oil, Raspberry Jam (6%) (Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Raspberry Pureé, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Pectin; Concentrated Lemon Juice), Water, Humectant: Vegetable Glycerine; Dried Glucose Syrup, Dried Skimmed Cows' Milk Powder, Raising Agents: Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate; Cornflour, Glucose Syrup, Raspberry Freeze dried pieces, Emulsifier: Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate; Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid; Flavouring. |
| Dimensions: | Unknown |
| Suitable for freezing: | Unknown |
| Allergy information: | Milk, Wheat, Egg, Soya |
| Serves: | 12 |
Best red velvet supermarket birthday cake
Tested
Arabella Horspool/Yourswww.marksandspencer.com
Tangy and sweet, this is a must-have celebration cake for fans of red velvet! There are three layers of red chocolate sponge that are light and moist, with a nice amount of smooth icing between them. It's then covered and topped with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting and finished with red velvet cake crumbs.
If you have a major sweet tooth, you'll be delighted by the inclusion of extra decorative blobs of icing, which sit atop the cake, giving you extra yumminess with every slice!
Serves 12
Reviewed by Yours Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
| Ingredients: | Sugar, Full Fat Soft Cheese (Milk) (16%), Butter (Milk), Wheatflour contains Gluten (with Wheatflour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Pasteurised Egg, Rapeseed Oil, Glucose Syrup, Invert Sugar Syrup, Cornflour, Humectant: Glycerol, Dried Skimmed Milk, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Raising Agent: E450, Sodium Bicarbonate, Salt, Emulsifier: E475, E481, E471, Palm Oil, Rowan Extract, Colour: E120 |
| Cake Dimensions: | Unknown |
| Suitable for freezing: | No |
| Allergy Information: | Not suitable for those with a Nut and Peanut allergy. |
| Serves: | 12 |
4.
Unicorn Cake
Best supermarket birthday cake for kids
Credit: Sainsburyswww.sainsburys.co.uk
This Madeira sponge cake is a magical option for those kids who go crazy for unicorns or even those young at heart. Filled with raspberry jam and covered with icing and sugar decorations, this cake is a customer favourite. One person who bought the cake added that it tasted so fluffy and that it a fun cake to have for a celebration.
Serves 16
| Ingredients: | Sugar, Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Raspberry Jam (11%) (Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Raspberry Purée, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Pectin; Concentrated Lemon Juice), Rapeseed Oil, Pasteurised Egg, Water, Palm Oil, Glucose Syrup, Invert Sugar Syrup, Humectant: Vegetable Glycerine; Palm Kernel Oil, Dried Skimmed Cows' Milk Powder, Dried Glucose Syrup, Raising Agents: Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate; Cornflour, Whey Powder (Cows' Milk), Emulsifiers: Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Soya Lecithin, Acacia Gum, Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids, Sunflower Lecithin; Stabilisers: Tragacanth, Xanthan Gum; Flavouring, Salt, Plant, Fruit and Vegetable concentrates (Spirulina, Pumpkin, Apple), Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid; Beetroot Juice from Concentrate, Colours: Iron Oxide, Beetroot Red, Plain Caramel; Dried Egg White. |
| Cake Dimensions: | Unknown |
| Suitable for freezing: | Unknown |
| Allergy Information: | Egg, Wheat, |
| Serves: | 14 |
Best Madeira supermarket birthday cake
Credit: Sainsburysfood-to-order.sainsburys.co.uk
This Flower Bouquet Madeira Cake is a visually stunning dessert that features a classic Madeira cake base adorned with delicate edible flower decorations, making it a perfect choice for special occasions like birthdays or weddings. Its subtle sweetness and floral aesthetics make it an elegant and delicious centrepiece.
Serves 24
Ready to collect in seven days
| Ingredients: | Vanilla Flavour Buttercream (29%) (Sugar, Butter (Cows' Milk), Humectant: Vegetable Glycerine; Salt, Flavouring), Sugar, Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Pasteurised Free Range Egg, Raspberry Jam (8%) (Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Raspberry Purée, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Pectin; Flavouring, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate; Fermented Maize Starch), Palm Oil, Butter (Cows' Milk), Humectant: Vegetable Glycerine; Rapeseed Oil, Palm Stearin, Skimmed Cows' Milk Powder, Raising Agents: Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate; Emulsifiers: Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids, Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate; Salt, Cornflour, Colours: Beetroot Red, Anthocyanins; Preservative: Potassium Sorbate; Safflower Extract, Spirulina Extract, Flavouring. |
| Cake Dimensions: | Unknown |
| Suitable for freezing: | Unknown |
| Allergy Information: | Milk, Wheat |
| Serves: | 24 |
Best chocolate supermarket birthday cake
Credit: Sainsburyswww.sainsburys.co.uk
You can't go wrong with chocolate cake. This generously sized one from Sainsbury's is a must for chocoholics. This scrummy chocolate cake is layered with chocolate ganache frosting and decorated with chocolate decorations. One reviewer said that the cake easily comes up to 20 generous slices or, as it says, 28 normal portions. “It freezes well and although the loose chocolate balls on the top fall off and get in the way of the knife, I would buy it again for a large crowd. It was quite moist, looked lovely and tasted good," they added.
Serves 28
| Ingredients: | Sugar, Milk Chocolate (15%) (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Cows' Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass, Whey Powder (Cows' Milk), Lactose (Cows' Milk), Dried Skimmed Cows' Milk Powder, Emulsifiers: Soya Lecithin, Sunflower Lecithin; Flavouring, Cows' Milk Fat), Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Rapeseed Oil, Pasteurised Egg, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Humectant: Vegetable Glycerine; Palm Oil, Water, Double Cream (Cows' Milk) (2.5%), Glucose Syrup, Cornflour, Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Butteroil (Cows' Milk), Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin; Vanilla Extract), Marbled Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Whole Cows' Milk Powder, Lactose (Cows' Milk), Whey Powder (Cows' Milk), Butteroil (Cows' Milk), Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin; Vanilla Extract), Dried Glucose Syrup, Raising Agents: Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate; Salt, Emulsifiers: Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids; Dried Egg White, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid; Barley Malt Extract, Milk Protein Concentrate (Cows' Milk), Glazing Agent: Acacia Gum; Honey, Colour: Carotenes. |
| Cake Size: | 1.858kg |
| Suitable for freezing: | Yes |
| Allergy Information: | Milk, Soya and Egg |
| Serves: | 28 |
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.ukwww.marksandspencer.com
Perfect for celebrating the gardener in your life, this cake looks just like a mini allotment. Initially, I was going to buy a cake and purchase some garden-themed decorations, but when I saw this offering from M&S, I had to get it!
Unlike other cakes, the decorations are edible, plus they're soft too, so you don't hurt your teeth when biting into them. The only thing I would say, is that some of our guests could not work out what the watering can was meant to be at first glance. You have the option to personalise an edible signpost with a message of your choice (up to 30 characters), making it perfect for any occasion. This is safely attached to the side of the cakebox, so that you can attach it yourself (it's quite soft so we had to add a couple of skewers to hold it in place).
It's generously coated in vanilla buttercream, with chocolate to represent the mud (which adds an extra layer of flavour). Upon cutting into the cake, I was impressed at how moist the layers of vanilla sponge were; they were so fluffy and had the perfect texture. It was nice to have some buttercream inside the cake and the layer of raspberry jam was just enough tartness to compliment the sweetness.
Reviewed by Yours Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
| Ingredients: | Sugar, Butter (Milk) (23%), Wheatflour contains Gluten (with Wheatflour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Pasteurised Egg , Raspberry Jam (4%): Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Concentrated Raspberry Purée, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Pectin (from Fruit) flavouring, Acidity<br>Regulator: Citric Acid E331, Fermented Maize Starch), Palm Oil, Humectant: Glycerol, Glucose Syrup, Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin), Rapeseed Oil, Dried Skimmed Milk, Raising Agent:<br>E450, Sodium Bicarbonate, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Dried Glucose Syrup, Emulsifier: E471, E475, E481, Salt, Rowan Extract, Cornflour, Vanilla Extract, Plant Extracts (Spirulina, Safflower), Dried Egg White Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum Colour: Anthocyanins (from Red Cabbage), Vegetable Carbon, Lutein, Paprika Extract, Linseed Fibre. |
| Cake dimensions: | H-123mm x W-202mm |
| Suitable for freezing: | No |
| Allergy information: | Milk, Wheatflour, Gluten, Egg, Soya and not suitable for nut or peanut allergy sufferers |
| Serves: | 20 |
Best vegan supermarket birthday cake
Credit: Tescowww.tesco.com
Perfect for a vegan audience, this chocolate and raspberry cake made with soya and beetroot, filled with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate frosting and covered with raspberry pieces and cocoa dusting will definitely get your party talking. One customer said that this cake was delicious and can enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike. “The chocolate and raspberry combination is perfect,” they added.
Serves 12
| Ingredients: | Sugar, Water, Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin], Rapeseed Oil, Belgian Dark Chocolate (7%) [Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithins), Flavouring], Palm Oil, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Beetroot (4%), Raspberry Jam (3.5%) [Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Sugar, Raspberry Purée, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate), Flavouring], Glucose Syrup, Humectant (Glycerol), Wheat Protein Isolate, Raising Agents (Sodium Bicarbonate, Disodium Diphosphate), Flavourings, Wheat Starch, Emulsifiers (Carboxymethylcellulose, Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Salt, Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Colour (Beta-Carotene), Freeze-Dried Raspberry Pieces, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate). |
| Cake Dimensions: | Unknown |
| Suitable for freezing: | Unknown |
| Allergy Information: | Wheat, Soya |
| Serves: | 12 |
Best supermarket cake for a party
Credit: Tescowww.tesco.com
Why have one flavour of cake when you can have two? Consisting of half vanilla and half chocolate sponges, the cakes are filled and covered with chocolate-flavoured buttercream and topped with edible decorations. One reviewer who bought the cake for their daughter’s birthday mentioned that this cake was surprisingly moist and tasty and that they would definitely buy it again.
Serves 20
| Ingredients: | Buttercream (19%) [Sugar, Butter (Milk), Invert Sugar Syrup, Glucose Syrup, Maize Starch, Acidity Regulator (Tartaric Acid)], Sugar, Chocolate Flavoured Buttercream (18%) [Sugar, Butter (Milk), Invert Sugar Syrup, Glucose Syrup, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Maize Starch, Acidity Regulator (Tartaric Acid)], Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin], Rapeseed Oil, Pasteurised Egg, Cocoa Butter, Humectant (Glycerol), Dried Whole Milk, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Maize Starch, Cocoa Mass, Whey Powder (Milk), Milk Sugar, Raising Agents (Disodium Diphosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate), Wheat Starch, Emulsifiers (Soya Lecithins, Mono- and Di-Glycerides of Fatty Acids), Flavourings, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Glucose Syrup, Rice Flour, Dried Skimmed Milk, Maize Flour, Barley Malt Extract, Glazing Agents (Acacia Gum, Shellac), Milk Fat, Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Palm Stearin, Salt, Palm Oil, Dried Egg White, Milk Proteins, Honey. |
| Cake Dimensions: | Unknown |
| Suitable for freezing: | Unknown |
| Allergy Information: | Milk, Wheat, Soya, Eggs |
| Serves: | 20 |
Best supermarket birthday cake for design
Credit: M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This impressive six-layered sponge cake is filled with buttercream between the layers and also decorated with vanilla buttercream on the top. The sides are coated with crunchy, coloured sugar pieces. A customer who tried the cake said that it looked visually pleasing and that is was very well made as it remained moist and easily served 12 portions as mentioned.
Serves 12
Ready to collect in three days
| Ingredients: | Unknown |
| Cake Dimensions: | H15 x Diam 24.5cm |
| Suitable for freezing: | No |
| Allergy Information: | Unknown |
| Serves: | 12 |
11.
Beehive Cake
Best bee-themed supermarket birthday cake
Credit: Waitrosewww.waitrose.com
We all know how important bees are, and now you can show your love with this bee-inspired birthday cake! The top tier features a moist chocolate sponge covered in pale yellow soft icing and is decorated with sugar-paste bees. The bottom tier is also a chocolate sponge with yellow vanilla-flavoured buttercream filling, covered in soft white icing and decorated with sugar-paste flowers. One reviewer who bought the cake for their son’s birthday said that the sponge is soft and tasty and that it does not go dry. “It was beautifully made and it came personalised, exactly how we ordered it,” they added.
Serves 28-30
Requires eight days' notice
| Ingredients: | Sugar, free range whole egg, rapeseed oil, fortified wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), water, icing sugar, wheat or maize (glucose syrup, glucose-fructose syrup), butter (milk), palm oil, humectant (vegetable glycerine), modified maize starch, cocoa powder, chocolate (sugar, cocoa mass, fat reduced cocoa powder), fat reduced cocoa powder, emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, propane-1;2-diol esters of fatty acids, sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate), dried buttermilk, milk whey powder, raising agents (disodium diphosphate, sodium bicarbonate), wheat gluten, salt, apricot, flavouring, stabilisers (tragacanth), colours (curcumin, vegetable carbon, spirulina concentrate, safflower concentrate), dried free range egg albumen, acidity regulators (citric acid, sodium citrates), gelling agent (pectin), caramelised sugar syrup, fruit and vegetable concentrates (lemon concentrate). |
| Cake Dimensions: | H15 x Diam 24.5cm |
| Suitable for freezing: | No |
| Allergy Information: | Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Gluten. Not suitable for Nut and Peanut allergy sufferers |
| Serves: | 28 - 30 |
Best supermarket vegan birthday alternative cakes
Credit: M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
6 Plant Kitchen Chocolate Brownies are a vegan delight and a great alternative to the traditional birthday cake. These rich and fudgy brownies are crafted with plant-based ingredients, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence. They offer an irresistible chocolatey experience with a moist texture and hints of decadent cocoa. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying cruelty-free and eco-conscious. One customer who bought the brownies for her vegan niece shared that they were delicious and tasted just as good as normal brownies. They come for a good price point too.
Serves 6
| Ingredients: | Unknown |
| Cake Dimensions: | H13.5 x W21.1 x D2.8 |
| Suitable for freezing: | Unknown |
| Allergy Information: | Not suitable for those with a Nut and Peanut allergy. Prepared to a Vegan recipe. Not suitable for those with a Milk or Egg allergy because these allergens are present in the environment. |
| Serves: | Six |
Best birthday cakes for delivery
As well as supermarkets, there are plenty of companies and bakeries that offer home delivery or collection for birthday cakes and other baked goods.
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.ukwww.lolascupcakes.co.uk
Have you ever thought that the food looks so good in the movies that you want to try some for yourself? Well, with the Happee Birthdae cake from Lola's Cupcakes, you can! It's identical to the cake that Hagrid presents to Harry on his 11th birthday.
It's available in three flavours: Vanilla, Chocolate and Caramel Sponge and you can change the "Harry" to the recipient's name. Our writer Arabella tried the caramel version and said. "Any Potterhead would be delighted to receive this replica of the Harry Potter cake from the first film. The caramel sponge made a nice change to the usual style of birthday cake and I loved the icing inside which had splodges of butterscotch filling that weren't too sweet."
Reviewed by Yours Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
FAQs
Which supermarket makes the best birthday cakes?
The title of 'best birthday cake at a supermarket' can be subjective and may vary depending on personal taste, but we personally don't think you can beat an M&S cake. Marks and Spencer's has a wide selection of beautifully designed and delicious cakes, including personalised options. Whether it's a child's birthday or an adult, there is something for everyone. Most cakes can be collected within a week of ordering.
What are the most popular cakes now?
In the UK, several cakes are sure to be a hit at any party. The classic Victoria Sponge, consisting of layers of sponge cake with jam and cream filling, remains a quintessential favourite. Chocolate Cake, in various forms, such as rich chocolate fudge or moist chocolate gateau, is also widely adored. Carrot Cake, with its spiced, moist interior and cream cheese frosting, enjoys a dedicated following. Another top contender is the zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake, celebrated for its tangy flavour and sugary drizzle.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.