Throwing a birthday party in The Sims 4 is one of the most charming ways to celebrate your Sim’s milestones. But if you’re wondering, how do I get a birthday cake in Sims 4? – you’re in the right place! Unlike previous Sims games, The Sims 4 requires you to get a little hands-on to make that birthday cake happen. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to bake, buy, or otherwise get that perfect birthday cake for your Sim’s special day.
Why Is the Birthday Cake So Important in Sims 4?
A birthday cake in The Sims 4 is more than just a decoration. It’s the centerpiece of any birthday party and the key to aging up your Sim. Without a cake with candles, your Sim can’t blow out the candles and transition to the next life stage. So, having a birthday cake ready is essential for a proper celebration.
How to Get a Birthday Cake in Sims 4
1. Baking Your Own Cake (The Most Reliable Way)
In The Sims 4, birthday cakes are not available for direct purchase in Build/Buy mode like in previous games. Instead, your Sims must bake the cake themselves. This adds a fun and realistic twist to the game!
– Step 1: Click on your fridge or stove and select the “Cook” option.
– Step 2: Choose a cake recipe. At the start, you’ll have access to White Cake and Chocolate Cake.
– Step 3: As your Sim’s cooking skill increases, more cake options unlock, such as:
– Blue Confetti Cake (Cooking Level 4)
– Strawberry Cake (Cooking Level 6)
– Honey Cake
– SimCity Cheesecake (Gourmet Cooking Level 5)
– Hamburger Cake (if you have the Up All Night pack)
– Step 4: After baking, place the cake on a table or counter.
– Step 5: Click on the cake and select “Add Birthday Candles” to turn it into a birthday cake ready for the party.
Keep in mind, the cake can go bad if left out too long, so plan your party timing accordingly.
2. Hiring a Caterer
If you want to throw a big bash, you can hire a caterer when organizing a birthday party through your Sim’s phone or computer. The caterer will prepare food and may bake a birthday cake for you.
However, there’s a catch: Caterers don’t always bake a cake, and sometimes the cake might not be ready in time for the party. Because of this, many players prefer baking their own cake in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. Buying a Cake at a Restaurant (With Dine Out Pack)
If you have the Dine Out game pack, you can also buy a birthday cake at a restaurant:
– Take your Sim to a restaurant.
– Order a birthday cake from the menu.
– The cake will appear on your table immediately, ready for the celebration.
This is a quick alternative but requires owning the expansion pack.
Tips for a Perfect Birthday Cake Experience
– Level up cooking skills: The better your Sim cooks, the more cake options you unlock, making birthdays more fun and visually appealing.
– Bake the cake a day early: To avoid any last-minute glitches or caterer delays, bake your cake before the party starts.
– Add candles carefully: Only Sims who are teenagers or older can add birthday candles.
– Avoid bugs: Some players experienced issues adding candles when baking cakes in groups or with mods, but recent patches have mostly fixed this.
Why Can’t I Just Buy a Birthday Cake in Sims 4?
Unlike The Sims 2 and The Sims 3, where birthday cakes were purchasable items, The Sims 4 focuses on baking as part of the gameplay. This change encourages players to develop their Sims’ cooking skills and adds a layer of realism and engagement to birthday celebrations.
Wrapping It Up
Getting a birthday cake in The Sims 4 is all about baking it yourself or using the caterer or restaurant options if you have the right expansions. Baking your own cake is the most reliable and rewarding way to make your Sim’s birthday special, letting you customize the cake and enjoy the process.
Ready to start baking? Your Sim’s birthday party awaits!
If you want, I can also share tips on throwing the best birthday party or how to level up cooking skills quickly!