As part of our Birthdays Around the World Series, we decided to explore different types of birthday treats (not just cake!) from around the world. If you have a birthday cake alternative that is unique to your culture please share hello@fireblossomcandle.com! Don’t forget to include a Fire Blossom Candle to your celebration!

Australia – Fairy Bread

Everyone knows that Australia is a magical place and Australians make birthdays extra magical with Fairy Bread. No one knows the origin of Fairy Bread but it is very common at Australian Children’s birthday parties. To make your own Fairy Bread, spread some butter on toasted white bread and add fun sprinkles!

Image Credit: theKitchn

India – Payesh

Payesh is a Bengali dessert but has become popular all over India.  That is pretty popular since India has the second largest population (number 1 is China). Payesh is served during special ocassions such as religious holidays, baby showers, and Birthday parties! Check out some Payesh recipes from Indobase and MellowNSpicy.

Image Credit: Just Homemade

Brazil – Brigadeiro

For birthdays in Brazil, it is tradition to serve Brigadeiro, a condensed milk-based chocolate bon-bon. This unique dessert originated when there was a shortage of traditional imports such as nuts and fruits in Brazil. I know a few kids who would rather have chocolate than fruits and nuts! Check out the selection of Brigadeiros from the Brigadeiro Bakery and mysweet.

Image Credit: MyBrazilianPortugese

Morocco – Sellou

Are you ready for a no-bake treat? In Morocco, for special occasions like Ramadan and after a birth, a Sellou is traditionally served. Sellou is an unbaked Moroccan sweet made from toasted sesame seeds, fried almonds, and browned flour.  Not only is this birthday treat unique, it is also very beautiful.

Image Credit: TheViewFromFez

France – Fruit Tart

France is world renown for their culinary masterpieces and their birthday treats are no exception. Did you know that it is more common to serve fruit tarts instead of birthday cake in France? Check out this fruit tart recipe from Annie’s Eats for your next fête d’anniversaire.

Image Credit: TheAngieRiverShow

Mexico – Piñata

In Mexico, no birthday party is complete without a Piñata. A piñata is a paper mache masterpiece that comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes and is filled with candies and small toys. The fun comes when guests are blind-folded and must break the piñata with a stick. If you want to have a piñata at your child’s birthday party check out these Etsy shops for unique piñatas: PartyHousesupplies and Pinataville. Also check out these cute mini piñatas/goodie bags from KrystalsPinatas.

Image Credit: TraditionsCustoms

China – Sponge Cake

Have you ever visited your local Chinese bakery to find rows and rows of beautifully made fruity sponge cakes? Well, in China, it is tradition to serve a sponge cake for a birthday celebration. The fruit topping is arranged so artistically that its almost a shame to eat it! Check out these cool sponge cake designs at TasteSpotting.

Image Credit: KonichiwaKupcakesandTastyTidbits