The only birthday cake recipe you need

Pia Riverola/PA

There is just something about a coconut cake. The fluffy texture, the white on white on white, the ‘furry’ exterior,” says Claire Ptak.

“For me, it is the quintessential birthday cake and is a staple on the Violet [her East London bakery] celebration cakes menu. The filling is based on a classic Hawaiian pudding recipe called Haupia, which is often used in wedding cakes.”