Birthdays were so simple as a kid; you had a party, got cake, played with all your friends, and opened presents. What’s not to love? Fast forward a few years and those same joyous rituals began to feel trite. Maybe you were too “cool” for all the fuss or had more complicated relationships. As time wears on, getting older didn’t seem like a thing to celebrate at all, for the daily slog of adulthood and the aches to come with it. Birthdays transformed from the best day of the year to the absolute worst.

Here I am now, observing the 33rd anniversary my creation, and I think I’ve entered into the next part of the cycle. Finally breaking through the gloom, I realize how lucky I am to have such a “problem” of getting older. Yes, it’s difficult and so much of it is a pain, literally and figuratively, but it sure beats the alternative. It’s a day that I can use to treat myself to all the things I love, for no particular reason. Why not take the excuse to indulge?

That’s why I’m throwing a little virtual party right here, right now, with all things cake and cake-inspired. If it’s got sprinkles and sweetness, I’m all about it, whether it’s a cookie, a candy, or something else entirely. Here are just a few of my favorite treats that are worthy of any celebration, no matter what stage of birthday appreciation you find yourself in.

Birthday Cake and Cake Batter Treats

When you're craving the flavor of cake but not necessarily a conventional slice, these are the sprinkle-covered treats that are guaranteed to taste like a celebration.

3-Ingredient Birthday Cake Blondie Bites

Buttery, rich, and tinged with the taste of childhood nostalgia, it's uncanny how sweet these soft blondie bites are without any added sugar. Based on almond butter and a handful of gluten-free flour, they're a smart snack to indulge in even when there are no birthdays to celebrate.

Fairy Swirl Bread

Transforming fairy toast into a swirled loaf of bread, rainbow sprinkles are embedded right into the soft, tender crumb. The flavor is positively enchanting!

St. Louis Gooey Butter Confetti Cake

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake gets a plant-based facelift with less sugar, more flavor, and a touch of sprinkles for color! It's just as rich and satisfying as the original, with none of the animal products.

Cupcake Fudge

Rich, soft, melt-in-your-mouth bites of fudge both look and taste so much like the genuine article, you could easily get away with serving these at your next big party. Comprised of little more than almonds, coconut, and maple syrup, these adorable miniatures will satisfy your sweet tooth without inciting a sugar coma, even if you do indulge in seconds- or thirds.

Birthday Cake Crispy Rice Treats

Crunchy, chewy squares of crisp rice are bound together with a simple sticky syrup, bolstered by that extraordinary baker’s extract and just a touch of cake flour to really cement the theme. White chocolate stands in for frosting, keeping these snacks packable, portable, and perfectly suited for whipping up on every unbirthday you please.

The post Icing on the Birthday Cake appeared first on BitterSweet.