A birthday cake can still feel celebratory without requiring an afternoon of baking. A simple chocolate biscuit cake is one of the easiest alternatives, particularly when you want something that can be prepared the day before.

The basic combination is straightforward: plain tea biscuits or digestive biscuits, chocolate, butter and a small amount of cream. Melt the chocolate and butter together, stir in the cream and then fold through roughly broken biscuits.

From there, the cake can change depending on the occasion. Chopped hazelnuts or almonds add crunch, dried fruit works well with dark chocolate and orange zest can bring a fresher flavour. A small amount of sea salt is another good addition when using sweeter milk chocolate.

Press the mixture firmly into a lined cake tin and leave it in the refrigerator for several hours. Preparing it the evening before gives it plenty of time to become firm enough to slice cleanly.

Decoration can remain simple. Whipped cream, chocolate curls, fresh berries or small ribbons can turn the basic cake into something suitable for a birthday table. Add candles just before serving.

Because everything can be prepared in advance, there is very little left to do once guests arrive. It is a useful recipe for birthdays at home, informal celebrations or occasions when the cake should be part of the party without becoming the day's biggest project.

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