Birthday cake

Well, firstly ask the person who asked you to make the cake.
I personally would like chocolate sponge, my DD had a surprise cake made by the River cottage guys, chocolate sponge totally covered in white Maltesers with long bits of gold bouncy wire coming out of it with Maltesers on the tops, it was lush

watermeadow You must be a Star Baker to be asked to make such an impressive cake ?

Agree need to ask the person who requested the cake for more info 're the birthday girl.

My sister made a lovely sponge cake covered in white, milk and dark homemade chocolate truffles.
With an added touch of a little edible gold decoration.

Would love to see picture of the complete Birthday cake.

Happy Baking

Check for any allergies and then go for it!

Hummingbird cake with some gold decorations?

And yes, check allergies!

Check for allergies and don't make a chocolate cake without finding out if the birthday person likes chocolate flavoured food!

jalimall not like chocolate cake!!

What is happening with the world???

The person who asked me to make the cake said, “Oh, any sort will be lovely. You choose.” Which was not helpful.
As for allergies, anyone with a serious problem would ask.

If the cake is a surprise they wouldn't know to mention it.

My daughter organised a cake for our wedding anniversary party. There were two cakes. the bottom one was an ordinary sponge with jam and cream and the top was a denser lemon sponge so People had a choice. No chocolate as DiL is allergic.

watermeadow it sounds as though a vanilla sponge will be best then ‘bland but grand’
Maybe go for size and a spectacular decoration instead of definite flavourings.

Personally, I would make a Sachertorte---dense, rich chocolate cake covered with jam and a wafer thin all over cover of really good marzipan, then covered with glossy chocolate icing, and I would decorate it with a giant sugarpaste full blown rose. Can be made in advance, keeps well and tastes divine. I've done this before, but then I love making and icing special cakes!

Situpstraight - not me nor anyone else in the family - just DH (I agree, very strange).

I don't like chocolate cake.

There I've admitted it all the family know I never touch it.
This was made by a friend for DH's birthday a couple of weeks ago. Two layers of plain sponge and jam and cream.
Have a look on pintrest lots of ideas there. I would go for something generic.

watermeadow how big does the cake have to be?
Family size?
Party cake for all my friends, family and anyone who wants drop in, size?
I am applying to be chief taster, and general mood enhancer for you at this stressful time?
as at the moment all I can do is sit and eat, so if I can be of any use at all, I’ll bring my own spoon....... by the way look at party cakes on Pinterest, loads of pics and recipes.

Oops nina you posted as I was typing, hence the Pinterest overlap.

Personally I would make the cake itself rich and plain,but then really go to town on all the decoration,using colours and a theme that you know will mean something special to the recipient.
Other proficient bakers have said all the rest that needs to be taken into account!

Good Luck ....................and is there any hopes of us seeing a picture of said masterpiece when completed??

Keep away from chocolate and nuts. The recipient may love both, but friends and family may have allergies. Bit of a minefield really. Good luck!

Personally I would make the cake itself rich and plain
I think a Madeira cake is easier to work with than a Victoria sponge type cake.

I agree that you need something to go on. I know several people who don't like chocolate cake, and even though I love it, and adore marzipan (many don't), I find Sachertorte sickly. And it's always so much better if the cake decoration is personalised to a person's interests and lifestyle - surely the friend who's asked you to make the cake can give some information?

If not, I'd go with Humbertbear's suggestion of two different layers, and then check online for decorating ideas. At the very least you could incorporate her name in there, or where she lives?

Well long as it not a melon cake, which Victoria Beckham had for her birthday. Think what ever you make will be lovely

I'd do a plain cake - either Victoria sponge or Madeira and cover it in summer fruits artistically arranged to droop over one side with maybe some frosted rose petals in and among.

I made this for my Grandaughter recently, but I think some of the suggestions of chocolate cake sound wonderful. Happy baking! x

My DDIL is a professional cake maker & she comes up with some truly amazing creations. This one is fairly simple but hugely popular and always looks impressive - I'd be thrilled with it

Someone must know her, the person who commissioned the cake, for instance. Can't you ask her about this ladies preferences, or could she ask someone?