20 Healthy Birthday Cake Recipes You’ll Make Year After Year

Grapefruit Yogurt Cake

We eat grapefruit for breakfast and in winter fruit salads—why not for dessert? Here’s a sweet-tart cake that’s easy, delicious and one of a kind. Oh, and since it’s made with fresh fruit and less than 200 calories a slice, it’s healthy, too! —Maiah Miller, Montclair, Vermont

Lemon-Berry Shortcake

Who needs frosting? This lemon shortcake is topped with a generous layer of whipped cream that makes it light and not overly sweet. Have even more control over your sugar intake by making your own homemade whipped cream.
—Meryl Herr, Overland Park, Kansas

Orange Dream Angel Food Cake

A basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence, thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of this fat-free cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania

Devil’s Food Snack Cake

My husband and his friends request this devil’s food cake for camping trips because it’s easy to transport. I’m always happy to make it because it’s made with whole wheat flour, lots of pecans and only 1/2 a cup of sugar. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas

Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes

A delightful coconut and ricotta cheese filling is hidden inside these chocolate cupcakes. They’re so indulgent, you won’t belive they’re low in calories and fat!—Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania

Streuseled Zucchini Bundt Cake

Inspired by an abundance of zucchini, I found a new way to use it up in this spiced and lightly sweet cake. The plain yogurt makes the cake moist without adding a ton of fat. The results are so delicious, it won a blue ribbon at our county fair! —Regina Stock, Topeka, Kansas

Pressure-Cooker Lava Cake

Believe it or not, a lava cake really can be low in fat! Despite only 4 grams of fat, this cake is decadent, gooey and full of chocolate. It’s even great cold the next day—assuming you have any leftovers! —Farrell, Hamilton, Montana

Picnic Berry Shortcakes

Clocking in at less than 130 calories per serving, these berry shortcakes are a sweet treat that won’t break your diet. You can make the berry sauce ahead of time and chill it. Then assemble the entire dessert right before the picnic or party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

Yummy Chocolate Cake

My husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This low-calorie, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

Orange Buttermilk Cupcakes

Simple and delicious, this is our all-time favorite low-fat dessert. You'll be surprised how well the citrus flavor comes through in every bite.

Glazed Chocolate Angel Food Cake

A drizzling of rich chocolate glaze lends an elegant touch and will keep guests wanting more. With only 3g of fat per slice, this is one treat you'll want to see year after year! —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

Mocha Nut Roll

I’ve enjoyed this dessert several times at a friend’s house, and it never ceases to be delightful. The tender, impressive cake is the ultimate indulgence, and yet it’s diabetic-friendly! —Susan Bettinger, Battle Creek, Michigan

Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake

Gluten-free birthday people, this one’s for you. Here’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant and completely flour-free. Your loved ones will never guess what the healthy secret ingredient is! —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Makeover Lemon Pound Cake

For this lovely golden cake, I use fat-free yogurt to trim the calories. It's a comforting dessert for days when it's warm enough to dine outside. —Lauren Gilmore, Pennington, New Jersey

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! And with only 4 grams of sugar per serving, we can enjoy this cake night after night.—Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine

Banana Chocolate Cake

Low in calories, fat and sugar, this light-as-air chocolate cake has a yummy banana flavor. It’s scrumptious as is, but you can also dress it up with nuts or light frostings. —Tina Bellows, Racine, Wisconsin

Zucchini Cupcakes

I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. They’re such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you’re eating zucchin, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont

Lemon Blueberry Cornmeal Cake

I lightened up this quick and easy dessert by making a few substitutions, including yogurt, honey and egg whites. Because the treat is so sweet, no one will know it’s healthy, too.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California.

Gran’s Apple Cake

My grandmother occasionally brought over this wonderful cake warm from the oven. The spicy apple flavor combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting made this dessert a treasured recipe. Even though I’ve lightened it up by using unsweetened applesauce and reduced-fat cream cheese, it’s still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California

Almond Fudge Cake

People are amazed that this luscious, moist and tender cake is a light dessert with only 2 grams of fat. I love the rich chocolate flavor and fruity sauce. —Mike Pickerel, Columbia, Missouri