Five best birthday cakes

The amount of planning and detail that has gone into my kid’s birthday parties make Kate and William’s wedding seem like a rather ordinary affair. Entertainers, balloons, piñatas and goody bags aside, you can’t forget the most important part of any birthday party – the cake. It’s the centrepiece of all your hard work; the pivotal moment when everyone gathers around singing that song is essentially a showcase of all your efforts. In the past, home-made cakes were lovely and charming. But when my daughter asked for an ‘Angry Birds’ cake this year, I knew the professionals were needed.

Best Cupcakes – Cupcake Momma

Trish Ratna Rahmat started her bakery business six years ago and was one of the first bakers to introduce the cupcake to Singapore. Her cupcakes only come in two flavours – chocolate or vanilla – as she prefers to focus on the icing. Made from a yummy marshmallow fondant, the variety of options for decoration is seemingly endless. Her mission is to fill the world with colourful and detectable cupcakes! The designs are intricate, and can be aimed towards almost any party theme. You'll need to book at least two weeks in advance, and during holiday periods two months' notice may be needed. You can only order via her email address as all phone calls will be taking her away from baking time. Based in Woodlands, she's able to deliver, but only from 2-5pm on a weekday at an additional cost. Cupcakes from $2-$5 each; email cupcakemomma@gmail.com.

Best Decoration – Smiling Orchid

Smiling Orchid, which has been around since 1984, has an incredible choice and range of designs. In particular, its 3-D cakes are wonderful, creative and exceptionally detailed. Sometimes even real toys are used as decorations. Design choices range from a princess castle, a giant hamburger to Jurassic Park. The kids will definitely love them. Also, as an added bonus they can also do the catering for the party and have an extensive children’s menu. At least one week’s notice will be required. If you need a cake that is not part of their standard designs, you will have to order two to three weeks in advance.Smiling Orchid can deliver at an additional cost. From $50/kg, #01-64 Block 11 Ghim Moh Road, 6468 4237.

Best French Flair – The Patissier

Are you looking for a little je ne sais quoi? Patissier exemplifies the very best of traditional French baking techniques. The head baker and co-owner was trained in the time-honoured techniques of the great French patissiers at the Cordon Bleu, London. If you are looking for something besides the usual birthday cake, it's one of the first bakeries in Singapore to offer a croquembouche. Their twist on this traditional French dessert consists of a beautiful tower of 40-plus profiteroles, filled with mousse in a variety of flavours including green tea and blueberry, which are then covered in yummy coloured chocolate. The finished product is spectacular and there are a variety of themes to choose from including ‘The Ballerina’ and the ‘Beach Day’ which can ordered a week in advance. For more bespoke decorations at least two weeks' notice are required, and delivery can be arranged. From $96, #01-01 18 Ann Siang Road, 6220 5565.

Best Organic – Delcie’s

This is a great option if you have any child with food intolerances or you just want a healthier option for the cake. Delcie's philosophy is to bake organic, egg-free, dairy-free, sugar-free and guilt-free cakes and desserts that taste great, yet are more nutritious. They are baked with natural organic ingredients such as unbleached wholemeal flour, raw sugar, 100 per cent natural sweetened nectar imported from Europe, non-hydrogenated canola and grapeseed oil, 70 per cent dark chocolate, sea salt, calcium-enriched rice milk, and specially formulated non-dairy cream. When you place the order they will try and decorate the cake according to the theme of the party, and can deliver. Average price $60, 778A North Bridge Road, 2nd Level, 9789 2309.

Best Ice Cream Cake – Swensens

So it’s hot and you think what could be better than an ice cream cake, but then you start to panic and worry about how to get it back to the house without it melting. Swensen’s delivers its delicious ice cream cakes packaged in a cooled box, which ensures they will remain frozen. Their cakes can stay cool without refrigeration for up to six hours from the packing time. They do ask that you leave cake out for at least 30 minutes before serving. This instruction isn't as crazy as it might sound – the cakes are frozen solid and will require a chisel if not taken out of the box for ong enough. They have a choice of cute designs including pirates, animals and a choice of Disney characters. From $75 including delivery.