How to choose the perfect celebration cake

Whether you’re planning a birthday or anniversary, a graduation or a family get-together, special celebrations call for a special cake. Keep reading for our guide to finding the perfect sweet centrepiece for your next anniversary, birthday or big event, and discover our brand-new range of celebration cakes.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

Three celebration cakes against a black background

Nothing says celebration quite like an M&S cake. As the home of Colin the Caterpillar, we know a thing or two about creating quality cakes (and memories!). We’ve pulled out all the stops with our brand-new range of outstanding celebration cakes. Comprising decadent layers of sponge filled with smooth buttercream and made with only top-notch ingredients, they’re guaranteed to get the party started. Keep reading to discover the range and find a cake that’s fit for your next special gathering. Plus, our expert tips on cutting, serving and storing your cake.

Cakes to order

Four celebration cakes against a blue background

Best cakes for celebrating any occasion

From birthdays to graduations, plenty of special occasions call for cake. Embrace the flavours of an ice cream sundae with our Neapolitan Ice Cream Style Cake, with swirls of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate sponge. Our Rainbow Layer Cake reaches new heights with stacks of vibrant sponge, coated in eye-catching sprinkles. Mix things up with our gently-spiced Speculoos Cake, enrobed in rich salted caramel buttercream. For coffee lovers, this Salted Caramel Latte Cake combines the punchy kick of espresso with gooey salted caramel. Add a touch of luxury with our Collection cakes like this Hand-Decorated Pistachio and Raspberry Cake or our Sicilian Lemon and Blackcurrant Cake.

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Chocolate celebration cake against a black background

Best cakes for chocolate lovers

Celebrations are for decadence, and that equals chocolate – and lots of it! Our new Chocolate Minibite Cake is made with layers of moist chocolate sponge and smooth milk chocolate ganache, topped with velvety buttercream, drizzles of Belgian chocolate sauce and our fan-favourite Minibites. Combine indulgent chocolate and caramel with our Millionaire’s Cake, topped with a sprinkle of fudge pieces and shortcake balls. Chocolate pairs beautifully with biscuit pieces in our Ultimate Cookies and Cream Cake, with a chewy cookie-style base and crunchy topping.

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Best birthday cakes for kids

The original birthday treat, Colin the Caterpillar is the perfect addition to your little one’s big day. Kids will love our Under the Rainbow Cake, so brighten up their birthday with vibrant buttercream and an edible rainbow centrepiece. Add a retro touch with our Vintage Party Cake, with elegant piping and glistening glacé cherries. Or go prehistoric with our clever Dinosaur Dig Cake, covered in silky chocolate buttercream and hand-finished decorations. Let your mini football fanatic break into our Football Smash Cake to find a golden chocolate trophy and edible decorations. And nothing says ‘happy birthday’ quite like this Balloon Iced Madeira Cake – it's sure to score points with adults and kids alike.

Family-friendly bites

Best for celebrating baby on the way

Celebrate the arrival of a new little one with a baby shower or gender reveal cake. Our classic vanilla sprinkle traybake is a real crowd-pleaser, with fluffy Madeira sponge, smooth buttercream and a drizzle of vibrant raspberry jam. For bigger gatherings, order our baby shower cake, with options for a girl or boy, complete with sweet and subtle decorations, to collect in store. Or treat friends and family to a fun surprise with our boy gender reveal cake or girl gender reveal cake. Simply cut into the cake to reveal a cascade of colourful chocolate buttons for the big moment.

Party food recipes

Cakes made with love

Whipping up something at home this year? Add a little extra love to your celebration (without the extra fuss) with our easy recipe ideas. You can’t go wrong with our birthday cake traybake, using our handy sponge cake mix. Just make a sweet and simple icing and top with a scattering of jazzie sprinkles. For something a bit more elevated, go for our hazelnut mocha cake made with bittersweet dark chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts. Or dress up a simple Victoria sponge cake with candles, toppers, or fun sprinkles for a birthday twist.

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How to cut a cake

Curious about how best to cut your cake? While you may be tempted to cut your cake like a cheesecake into equal-sized triangle slices, to feed a crowd, experts recommend removing a slice a few inches in from each end of the cake, then cutting the cake into rectangular slices and then squares. Be sure to use a good-quality cutting board to avoid damaging your countertop.

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How to store a cake

One of the best ways to store your celebratory centrepieces (assuming there's any left!) is to use a cake storage tin or food storage container. Make sure there aren’t any gaps or holes in your chosen vessel, as air can affect the cake’s consistency. Slide the cake in carefully, using the lid as a base, so it doesn’t get damaged. You can also freeze slices of cake, wrapped tightly in cling film.

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Wow-worthy M&S cakes

Whether you’re baking your own cake, picking one up in the Foodhall, or ordering online to collect in store, M&S is home to everything you need for your next celebration. From birthday candles to cake toppers, our party decorations add an extra touch of magic. With high-quality ingredients and responsibly sourced cocoa, you can trust your M&S cake will be the best. Start planning your party with our food inspiration and recipe ideas.

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Published 3.7.2025