Because of the chemistry involved in baking, you can't double or triple most cake recipes without inviting disaster. That said, recipes that do not call for separated or beaten eggs can generally be doubled without sacrificing the result.

But birthday cake for 50 kids is a LOT of cake.

Here are three suggestions you might consider:

1. Most cake recipes make one or two 9- or 10-inch round layers of cake.

Make 3 cakes total, two of one flavor and a third of another. Then stack them, spread the jam or icing of your choice between the layers, and decorate them with M&M's or fresh strawberries.

A cake this tall can serve 25 adults or 50 kids if you cut the pieces in half and add a big scoop of ice cream.

2. Make two separate cakes from a recipe that makes a 9x13x2-inch cake.

Each sheet cake will yield 24 to 28 smallish pieces, just right for children. Don't forget the ice cream.

3. If you don't have the time to make a layer cake, you can always go the cupcake route.

In this case, rather than doubling or tripling recipes, I'd make two or three different types. Chocolate and vanilla are always popular.

Ice them all with no more than two types of icing. Top with gumdrop flowers you can create by slicing each gumdrop horizontally to make flower petals and using the frosty top for the center.

Put a special candle on the birthday child's cupcake and call it a day!