Learn how to draw a birthday cake step by step with our simple guide. Great for beginners, kids, and anyone looking to create fun cake drawings.

Why Drawing a Birthday Cake Is Always a Good Idea

Birthdays are a universal celebration, and nothing symbolizes them better than a classic layered birthday cake with a candle on top. Whether you’re a beginner artist or helping a child learn to draw, a birthday cake is a perfect subject — fun, festive, and packed with simple shapes. In this tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to draw a birthday cake in a few clear steps that anyone can follow.

A Fun Drawing That Combines Creativity and Color

The beauty of drawing a birthday cake lies in its endless possibilities. You can keep it traditional with pastel icing and one candle, or go wild with rainbow layers, extra decorations, and multiple tiers. This guide focuses on a charming two-tier design with frosting drips and a lit candle — ideal for cards, posters, or just a creative break.

Easy for Kids, Flexible for Adults

One reason this lesson works for all ages is its simplicity. Kids will enjoy following the curved lines and adding sprinkles or decorations, while adults can explore shading, color blending, and more detailed customization. The steps are structured to build confidence, especially if you’re new to drawing.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

To get started, all you need is a pencil, a sheet of paper, and some coloring tools (crayons, markers, or colored pencils). The outline is basic enough to trace or freehand, and once you’ve drawn it once, you can experiment with styles and variations. Now, let’s move on and see how to draw a birthday cake from start to finish.

Time needed: 20 minutes

How to Draw a Birthday Cake

Draw the Top Tier
Start by drawing a rounded rectangle shape at the top of your paper. This will be the top layer of the birthday cake. Make the edges slightly curved to give it a soft, frosted look.
Add the Candle Base
At the center top of the cake, draw a small rectangle. This is the candle’s base, sitting right on top of the upper tier.
Draw the Candle Flame
Above the rectangle, draw a small, pointed flame. You can sketch a teardrop shape for the flame and then add a short curved line inside it to represent the inner flicker.
Add Frosting to the Top Tier
Now draw the frosting dripping down the sides of the top tier. Use a wavy line along the bottom of the first layer to show the sugary texture.
Sketch the Bottom Tier
Below the first tier, draw a larger, wider rounded rectangle to form the bottom layer of the cake. It should look like it’s holding up the top layer.
Frost the Bottom Tier
Repeat the frosting detail on this lower layer by adding another wavy line across the top of it. Keep the wave style consistent with the top tier for a unified look.
Add Decorative Dots
Now, decorate the top tier with small oval or circle shapes to represent sprinkles or candy decorations. Evenly space them around the cake.

Repeat the same process for the bottom tier. Draw larger decorative ovals or dots across the front, varying the size slightly for a fun effect.
Add the Plate
At the base of the cake, draw a flat oval or curved line to create the serving plate.
Color the Cake
Finish your drawing by adding color — brown or chocolate for the cake layers, pink or yellow frosting, multicolored candies, and a bright yellow or orange flame.

You’ve now completed a full drawing of a festive birthday cake — complete with frosting, decorations, and a glowing candle on top. Whether this is your first drawing or one of many, you’ve just created something colorful and full of charm.

Keep Practicing with More Fun Food Drawings

If you enjoyed this tutorial, don’t stop here. Birthday cakes are just the beginning. Head over to our other step-by-step drawing lessons for more sweet treats and festive foods:

These guides will help you keep building your skills while having fun with every line and curve.

Share Your Drawing or Keep It for a Card!

Now that you know how to draw a birthday cake, why not turn it into a birthday card, a gift tag, or a wall decoration? Adding your own twist — like a name on the cake or themed colors — is a great way to personalize your art.

And remember: the more you draw, the more confident you’ll become. Keep exploring the world of drawing with us at howtodraweasy.net, where new ideas are always one sketch away.