Welcome to my kitchen: where burnt toast turns into a lesson, a dash of spice becomes a story, and every meal is a chance to make someone smile. I’m Natalie, and I’ve always believed that the prettiest cakes come wrapped in bows just like gifts you never want to open too fast.
This cake takes me back to the summer I baked for my little cousin’s 16th birthday cake celebration. She wanted something pink, sparkly, and topped with bows “like a Kue Disney princess would eat.” That afternoon, we turned simple ingredients into something magical. Inspired by vintage birthday cakes and cute birthday pictures we’d pinned together, we crafted a cake that was soft, sweet, and oh-so-fun.
Whether you’re planning a mini torte for a tea party or small birthday cakes for a sleepover, this pretty-in-pink creation checks every box. So let’s whip up something that’s as charming as it is delicious and maybe even earns a spot among the funny birthday cakes (if your bow goes sideways like mine did once!).
A Sprinkle of Nostalgia & Lots of Girly Energy
Where Bows Meet Buttercream
There’s something unmistakably sweet about a birthday cake with bows. It’s playful, elegant, and full of personality just like the girls it celebrates. The base is a moist vanilla cake with a hint of almond, wrapped in pink buttercream and tied up with fondant bows. This is more than just a dessert it’s a tribute to girlhood joy and all things glittery.
Perfect for Girly Birthdays & Sweet Sixteens
From first birthdays to 16th milestones, this cake is a go-to for moms and aunties like me trying to craft unforgettable moments. If you’re styling girly birthday cakes that feel straight out of a childhood dream or inspired by Kue Disney characters, bows bring instant magic. For more girly inspiration, check out A Personal Slice – Birthday Cake for Women.
Let’s Bake It: Mini Torte, Big Energy
Ingredients That Matter
A mini torte is all about quality. You’ll need fresh eggs, real butter, vanilla bean paste, and just the right amount of food coloring to bring your cake to life. I always recommend using cake flour for that fine, delicate crumb that vintage cakes are known for.
The Method: Whip, Layer, Bow
Start by creaming your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the dry ingredients and vanilla. Divide the batter into three small pans think small birthday cakes, each layered and filled with strawberry jam and cream. After cooling, cover with pink buttercream and chill before decorating.
Want something citrusy for contrast? Try my Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Cake to complement the look.
Bow-Tying & Decorating with Flair
Making Fondant Bows
To create the perfect bow, roll out fondant and cut strips. Fold into loops, pinch the center, and let them dry. These are your edible ribbons! You can make them solid pink or mix colors for a cute birthday picture worthy finish.
Add Some Funny Charm
Want to lean into funny birthday cakes territory? Make one bow too big. Add edible glitter mustaches or a winking face on the side. It keeps things light-hearted and adds personality especially when you’re making cakes for teens or fun-loving adults.
Pair this with the adorable charm of our Jellycat Birthday Cake if you want multiple cute cake options on your party table.
Serving Tips & Bow Cake Storage
How to Present the Cake
Serve your bow-tied beauty on a vintage cake stand surrounded by pastel napkins. Mini macarons or pink sugar cookies look adorable beside it. This cake isn’t just a treat it’s a photo moment, so get your camera ready for those cute birthday pictures.
Keep It Fresh
Store your bow cake in the fridge but let it sit at room temperature 30 minutes before slicing. Fondant can dry out if left uncovered, so keep bows in a container if making ahead. Leftovers? Wrap them tight and freeze slices for later sweet surprises.
Looking for more cozy inspiration after dessert? Try our comforting Sweet Potato Ground Beef Bowl.
FAQ: All About the Birthday Cake with Bows
What kind of bows work best on cakes?
Fondant bows are classic and easy to shape. You can also use gum paste for stiffer designs or try ribbon-style buttercream piping if you want a softer, whipped look.
Is this cake suitable for a 16th birthday?
Absolutely. This 16 birthday cake idea is perfect for girly celebrations. Add gold accents or a custom cake topper to make it unforgettable.
Can I make a red version of this cake?
Yes! A red cake variation works beautifully. Use red velvet layers or strawberry coloring for a bold, vibrant twist.
Are mini tortes hard to make?
Not at all! Mini tortes use the same technique as regular cakes just scaled down. They’re actually easier to handle, frost, and transport.
Conclusion: Wrap It Up with a Bow
If cakes had personalities, this one would be the charming extrovert fun, fancy, and photogenic. A birthday cake with bows is more than just icing and fondant; it’s a sweet symbol of celebration, style, and the joy of giving someone you love a cake that feels like a hug in frosting form.
Whether you’re channeling vintage birthday cakes, capturing those cute birthday pictures, or designing funny birthday cakes with a bow-twist, remember: it’s the joy and laughter behind the layers that make it truly special.
Love girly cake inspiration with bows and vintage charm? 🎀 Follow me on Pinterest for more cute birthday pictures, small cake ideas, and fun baking inspiration!
Print
Birthday Cake with Bows: A Girly Vintage Treat for Every Celebration
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 mini 3-layer 6-inch cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A girly and vintage birthday cake with pink fondant bows, layered in a soft vanilla mini torte style. Perfect for sweet 16 celebrations, Disney-inspired themes, and cute birthday pictures.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
1 cup buttermilk
Pink gel food coloring
Strawberry jam (for filling)
Buttercream frosting (pink tinted)
Fondant (pink and white) for bows
Edible glitter or pearls (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Add pink food coloring and divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 22–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes completely on wire racks before frosting.
8. Spread strawberry jam between layers. Apply a crumb coat of buttercream and chill.
9. Frost the cake fully and decorate with fondant bows. Add edible glitter or pearls for sparkle.
10. Serve chilled slightly and store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
You can use red velvet layers for a red cake twist.
Fondant bows can be made a day ahead and stored in a dry container.
Make it funny by adding oversized bows or edible mustaches.
Use cake flour for best texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
