What makes a good birthday cake?

From the perspective of many parents, a birthday cake worth ordering has design elements that the parents cannot make by themselves. As of 2015, birthday "cake" ideas are going outside the box, as kids want cookies or birthday donuts instead.

While trends in baking change, one consistent factor is that parents look for cake ideas that their kids want. Whether the idea is a boxing ring on a cake for a young "Rocky" fan or a giant sombrero with breath mints and gummy worms on the brim, the key is finding flavors and decorative ideas that suit the tastes of the guest of honor.