Max and Ruby Cake Recipe – A Fun Birthday Cake for Kids and Families

I remember the first time I attempted a Max and Ruby cake—I was planning my little one’s birthday, and I desperately wanted to recreate that nostalgic scene where Ruby bakes something sweet while Max mischievously adds gummy worms.

As soon as the cake came out of the oven, my heart did a little joyful leap. It wasn’t just the soft vanilla crumb or the pastel frosting—it was the magic of turning a beloved childhood duo into an edible memory.

When I think about childhood cakes, one that always makes me smile is the Max and Ruby cake. If you’ve ever watched the Max and Ruby cartoon, you know how much joy those little bunny siblings bring.

The best part? This cake looks impressive but is made with simple ingredients and no special equipment. A soft vanilla cake layered with creamy buttercream frosting, topped with colorful sprinkles and decorations, makes it the perfect family baking activity. Whether it’s for a birthday, a themed party, or just a fun weekend bake, this recipe is always a winner.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite version of the max and ruby cake recipe, complete with easy-to-follow steps, friendly tips based on real baking experiences, and decorating ideas that bring the bunny siblings straight to your party table.

If you’re looking for a fun, comforting baking project that delights kids and doubles as a sweet throwback, you’re in the right place. Let’s bake something memorable—together.

What is Max & Ruby Cake?

A Max and Ruby cake is a homemade cake inspired by the children’s show Max and Ruby. It’s usually decorated with fun colors—pink, white, blue, and sometimes yellow—to look like Ruby’s cheerful style or Max’s playful themes. It’s not just a cartoon cake—it’s a delicious vanilla cake covered in buttercream frosting.

What flavor is the Max and Ruby cake?

The flavor is typically classic vanilla cake with buttercream frosting, but the fun part is in the colors and decorations. Some families even make a “Max and Ruby worm cake” with candy worms for Max’s mischievous side!

How to Make Max and Ruby cake recipe?

Recipe Overview

This Max and Ruby cake recipe is soft, buttery, and frosted with smooth buttercream. Decorated with food coloring, sprinkles, and optional candles, it makes a fun party centerpiece.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Birthday Cake
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 1 round cake (8–10 slices)
• Calories per Serving: ~380
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe. Here’s what I use:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer (or whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 2 round cake pans (8-inch)
• Cooling rack
• Serrated knife (for leveling, optional)
• Piping bags or plastic sandwich bags for frosting designs

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink, white, and blue food coloring
• Yellow tube of frosting (for details)
• Star sprinkles
• Candles (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Make sure it’s softened so it creams smoothly with the sugar.
• Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for bright shades.
• Milk: Whole milk keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Sprinkles: Star-shaped sprinkles give the cake that fun “Ruby birthday cake” look.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pans

Grease and flour two round cake pans. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air and makes the cake soft.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine with milk

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or the cake will be dense.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Adjust with more sugar or milk for your desired consistency.

Step 8: Decorate

• Frost the cooled cakes with white buttercream as a base.
• Tint small portions of frosting pink and blue for decorations.
• Use the yellow tube of frosting for borders or fun designs.
• Add star sprinkles and candles if it’s for a birthday.

Nutrition (per slice)

• Calories: ~380
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 52g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 40g

Tips and Variations

✔ Shortcut: Use a vanilla cake mix if you’re short on time.

✔ Worm Cake: Add gummy worms on top for a “Max and Ruby worm cake.”

✔ Chocolate Twist: Swap half the flour for cocoa powder for a chocolate version.

✔ Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp or 5 days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
• Pair with fresh berries for a lighter touch.
• Add a colorful fruit punch or lemonade for a party spread.

Favorite Ways To Serve It Up

❖Birthday centerpiece cake with candles.

❖Slice-and-serve at a family movie night featuring Max and Ruby episodes.

❖As a fun baking project with kids on the weekend.

Storing Tips

✔️Keep at room temperature for 2–3 days (covered).

✔️Refrigerate if the weather is hot.

✔️Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly.

Health Benefits

This cake is a treat, but making it at home means you control the ingredients. Using real butter, milk, and eggs keeps it wholesome compared to store-bought cakes full of preservatives. Baking together is also a great way to bond as a family.

Recipe Note

This Max and Ruby cake recipe is fun and flexible. Whether you decorate it simply with sprinkles or go all-out with cartoon details, the joy is in making it your own.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cake that’s fun, nostalgic, and delicious, this Max and Ruby cake recipe is the one. I love how it turns a simple vanilla cake into something magical for kids and families.

Give it a try, and let me know how your version turned out—I’d love to hear your cake-decorating stories!