Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Whether you are a kid or an adult, birthdays are a great time of year to celebrate life with friends and family.

They are also a great time to receive gifts, play games and eat fun foods such as pizza, ice cream and cake! Birthday cakes are typically served at the end of a meal when the birthday boy or girl gets the chance to blow out the candles. Try one of these top ten birthday cake recipes to let guests leave the party with a good taste in their mouth.

10. Chocolate cake

A traditional favourite, just about everybody loves a recipe for a rich, decadent chocolate cake. Try making multiple layers that are separated with a milk chocolate frosting to get a triple dose of chocolate goodness.

9. Carrot cake

Yes, you can have your cake – and vegetables too! Although carrot cake probably won’t pass as a daily serving of vegetables, the rich, sweet taste of this cake melts in your mouth. Try spreading cake with a cream cheese frosting as found in a recipe on the Food Network.ca.

8. Vanilla cake

Although chocolate is a favourite of many, vanilla cake ranks higher for others. A vanilla cake is usually a lighter cake due to the absence of chocolate and heavier ingredients such as with this Simple Vanilla Cake recipe at Kaboose.com.

7. Red velvet cake

The deep rich hue of red velvet cake makes it attractive to the eyes of party guests. However, the taste is just as appealing when made with buttermilk, cocoa powder and red food coloring as in Allrecipes.com comforting recipe.

6. Ice cream cake

Both ice cream and cake are birthday favourites on their own, but pair them together and you have a taste sure to tantalize the taste-buds. When you’re short on time, try any easy ice cream cake recipe for a great tasting cake that doesn’t take all day to make.

5. Marble cake

The contrasting colors of yellow with chocolate brown in marble cake is a sophisticated yet fun way to end your birthday meal. Adults will enjoy this pairing this rich cake’s recipe with a cup of coffee or tea as an accompaniment.

4. Mocha cake

Coffee isn’t just for your morning commute or as an afternoon energy booster. Rather, add brewed coffee to a birthday cake mix for a mocha cake recipe that will add some zing to your step!

3. Chocolate-Peanut butter cake

Peanut butter fans rejoice! Try making a chocolate peanut butter cake that is sure to please the palate of many, particularly young kids who are allergy free and love the sweet salty taste.

2. Devil’s food cake

More than just your typical chocolate cake, devil’s food cake is typically made with semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder that gives it a deeper, richer and bolder taste. Try this recipe from the Food Network.com for a devilish delight!

1. Coconut cake

Coconut has become increasingly popular over the past few years with its reported health claims and marketing of products such as coconut milk and butters. Try making a double-layer coconut cake that is spiked with tastes of lemon and flaked coconut in between and in the frosting.