Turning 70 is huge. It’s not just another birthday — it’s a moment that deserves something truly special. When I was asked to make a cake for my aunt’s 70th, I knew it couldn’t be plain.
This had to be more than just a sweet treat — it needed to feel like a celebration from the first look to the last bite.
So I came up with this two-tier cake that brings together everything we love: a rich, chocolatey base and a soft, strawberry-vanilla top, all wrapped in creamy frosting and covered in cheerful rainbow sprinkles.
And honestly? Watching everyone’s faces light up when they saw it — especially hers — made every minute spent in the kitchen worth it.
What I love most about this cake is that it looks impressive, but it’s actually pretty simple to make when you break it down step by step.
It’s the kind of cake people remember — not because it’s fancy, but because it feels personal. Warm, colorful, and full of joy. Just like a 70th birthday should be.
70th Birthday Cake Recipe (Chocolate & Strawberry Vanilla Two-Tier)
Equipment Needed:
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Two 6-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula
- Piping bags with large star tip (1M or similar)
- Cake turntable (optional but helpful)
- Bench scraper
- Cake boards (8-inch and 6-inch)
- Long serrated knife
- Sprinkles (rainbow nonpareils)
- 9 birthday candles
Bottom Tier: Moist Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup neutral oil (like sunflower or canola)
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temp
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch pans with parchment.
- In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet, then add hot water gradually. Batter will be thin.
- Divide between pans and bake 35–40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks and cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat butter till creamy, then sift in cocoa and sugar. Add cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat 3–5 mins until fluffy.
- Frost the cake with a thick layer of chocolate buttercream. Use a bench scraper to smooth the sides and pipe a shell border around the base using a star tip.
Top Tier: Strawberry Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 4 egg whites
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp strawberry extract
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup strawberry puree (blended fresh strawberries)
- Pink food coloring (gel)
For the Pink Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp strawberry extract
- Pink food coloring (gel)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch pans with parchment.
- In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another, beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add oil, egg whites, and extracts.
- Mix in flour alternately with milk and strawberry puree. Add pink coloring to desired shade.
- Pour into pans and bake 30–35 mins. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire rack.
- For frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add sugar slowly. Mix in milk, strawberry extract, and pink food gel. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost the cake with pink buttercream. Smooth sides with a scraper. Pipe a decorative border along the top edge with a star tip.
Assembly & Decoration
You’ll need:
- Rainbow sprinkles (nonpareils)
- Letter piping bag (for message)
- White chocolate or royal icing for lettering
- 9 white birthday candles
- Place the bottom chocolate cake on an 8-inch cake board. Frost and decorate fully.
- Chill the base tier for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Place the strawberry-vanilla top tier on a 6-inch cake board, then center it carefully on the base.
- Add rainbow sprinkles around the bottom edge of both tiers and over the top surface of the pink cake.
- Pipe “HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY” in white chocolate or royal icing.
- Insert 9 evenly spaced white candles on the top.
- Keep the cake refrigerated but let it sit at room temp for 1 hour before serving.
What Color Theme Is Good For a 70th Birthday Cake?
Choosing a cake color can be fun and meaningful. These ideas are popular and look beautiful in photos too.
- Gold and White: shows elegance and celebrates the milestone with a classic look.
- Navy and Silver: feels rich and timeless, great for evening parties.
- Blush Pink and Cream: soft, lovely tones often used for grandmothers or gentle themes.
- Emerald Green and Gold: bold and luxurious, adds a royal touch.
- Lavender and White: calm, pretty, and often chosen for more relaxed gatherings.
- Chocolate Brown and Bronze: warm tones that match rich cake flavors.
- Mixed Pastels with Sprinkles: playful and joyful, perfect for a lighthearted vibe.
How Far In Advance Should I Bake a Birthday Cake?
Baking ahead saves time, but how early depends on how you store it.
- 1 to 2 days ahead (unfrosted): Bake the cake layers, cool them, then wrap tightly and keep at room temperature.
- 3 to 4 days ahead (frosted): Frost the cake and keep it in the fridge in a covered box or container.
- Same day: Freshest option if you have time, but more work on the event day.
- Freeze layers up to 2 weeks: Bake, wrap, and freeze the cake layers. Thaw before frosting.
How Do You Transport a Two-Tier Birthday Cake Safely?
Moving a layered cake can be tricky. Here’s how to keep it safe and steady.
- Use a sturdy cake board: Make sure each tier is on a thick board that fits just right.
- Add support dowels: Use wooden or plastic dowels inside the bottom layer to hold the top one.
- Chill the cake first: A cold cake holds its shape better while moving.
- Box it properly: Place the cake in a snug box with no extra space around it.
- Use a non-slip mat: Place one under the cake box in your car to stop sliding.
- Keep the car cool: Especially important if the frosting is soft or made with cream.
- Drive slowly: Avoid sharp turns and bumpy roads if possible.
What Size Cake Do I Need For 30 People?
Serving 30 guests needs the right size so no one misses out.
- Two 8-inch round cakes (2 layers each): Great for smaller slices or paired with dessert sides.
- 9×13-inch sheet cake (double layer): Simple and neat, easy to cut.
- Two-tier cake (6-inch + 8-inch): Looks fancy and serves around 30 with moderate portions.
- 12-inch single layer cake: Works if you cut square slices, not wedges.
Is a Chocolate And Strawberry Cake Good For Older Adults?
Yes, these two flavors are classic and well-loved — and they’re gentle enough for older guests.
- Chocolate sponge + strawberry buttercream
- Strawberry cake + milk chocolate ganache
- Chocolate cake + fresh strawberry slices and whipped topping
- Strawberry vanilla marble cake + cocoa frosting
- Chocolate layer cake + strawberry jam filling
Can You Freeze a Decorated Birthday Cake?
Yes, you can freeze a decorated cake — just follow the right steps to keep it fresh.
- Chill first: Place the frosted cake in the fridge to firm it up before freezing.
- Freeze uncovered for 1 hour: This sets the frosting so it doesn’t smear.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and foil: After it’s slightly frozen, wrap it well to protect from freezer air.
- Store up to 2 weeks: Best to eat within this time for taste and texture.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight: Leave it wrapped while thawing to avoid moisture on the frosting.
You May Also Like To Check Out These Recipes:
- Red Cake
- Butterfinger Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Banana Mug Cake
- Lemon Pound Cake
- Sweet Potato Pound Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Southern Pound Cake
- Banana Pudding Cake
- Sponge Cake Recipe
- Chocolate Pound Cake
- Batman Cake Design
- Stitch Birthday Cake
- Fortnite Birthday Cake
- Brownie Ice Cream Cake
- Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Engagement Cake
- Hummingbird Cake