Homemade Birthday Cake Ideas (in London)
- Ushba
- May 12
- 14 min read
Creative and Budget-Friendly Cake Ideas for London Home Bakers
Whether you're planning a big bash in Hackney or a cosy family gathering in Croydon, there's nothing quite like the joy of presenting a homemade birthday cake that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious. This guide is specifically crafted for cake lovers in London, offering practical ideas, ingredient sources, real 2025 prices, and step-by-step recipes that don’t require you to be Mary Berry. Best of all, each cake idea is designed to be budget-conscious, allergy-friendly, and 100% non-alcoholic. In giving you these Homemade Birthday Cake Ideas, we have taken special care to include ONLY those ideas which you can use in your home kitchen with maximum convenience.
Let’s dive into the first three homemade birthday cake ideas, tailored to suit different age groups, preferences, and skill levels.
1. Classic Vanilla Funfetti Cake – The London Party Favourite
Why It’s Loved in London:
Simple, cheerful, and universally loved—this cake brings nostalgic birthday vibes with sprinkles baked into every slice. Perfect for kids and those who want a “safe” flavour choice that still looks like a celebration.
Key Features:
Vanilla base with colourful sprinkles throughout
Fluffy buttercream frosting
No alcohol, no nuts
Ideal for children or school parties
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Tesco & Sainsbury’s)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Approx - Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Plain flour | 250g | £0.55 | Tesco |
Caster sugar | 200g | £0.70 | Sainsbury’s |
Baking powder | 2 tsp | £0.25 | Tesco |
Unsalted butter | 150g | £1.70 | Tesco |
Eggs (free-range) | 3 large | £1.65 | Tesco |
Whole milk | 100ml | £0.40 | Tesco |
Vanilla extract (natural) | 1.5 tsp | £1.80 | Sainsbury’s |
Rainbow sprinkles (vegan-friendly) | 50g | £1.10 | Holland & Barrett |
Icing sugar (for buttercream) | 300g | £0.90 | Tesco |
Total Cost (per cake): approx. £9.05
Full Recipe (Serves 10–12):
Step 1 – Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins.
Step 2 – Batter: Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, beating each in. Stir in vanilla extract. Mix flour and baking powder in a bowl. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the batter until just combined.
Step 3 – Funfetti Magic: Fold in the rainbow sprinkles quickly but gently. Pour into tins and level the tops.
Step 4 – Bake: Bake for 25–30 mins until golden and springy. Cool on racks.
Step 5 – Buttercream: Beat 150g butter with icing sugar until smooth. Add 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tbsp milk if needed.
Step 6 – Assemble: Sandwich the cakes with buttercream, cover the top and sides, and press more sprinkles around the edges.
2. Banana & Chocolate Chip Cake – The Allergy-Friendly Choice
Why It’s a Winner:
This one’s a gem for households trying to avoid dairy or cut down on refined sugar. Moist and rich with natural banana sweetness, it’s ideal for adults and older kids. Bonus: It works great with egg-free substitutions.
Key Features:
Dairy-optional, egg-optional
Sweetened with ripe bananas
Chocolate chips for indulgence
Perfect for allergy-aware or vegan-friendly bakes
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Asda & Planet Organic)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Approx - Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Ripe bananas | 3 medium | £0.75 | Asda |
Plain flour | 200g | £0.50 | Asda |
Baking soda | 1 tsp | £0.25 | Asda |
Sunflower oil | 100ml | £0.90 | Asda |
Brown sugar (light) | 120g | £0.65 | Asda |
Dairy-free chocolate chips | 100g | £1.80 | Planet Organic |
Oat milk | 100ml | £0.80 | Asda |
Lemon juice (for lift) | 1 tbsp | £0.20 | Asda |
Vanilla essence | 1 tsp | £1.20 | Planet Organic |
Total Cost (per cake): approx. £7.05
Full Recipe (Vegan-friendly option):
Step 1 – Prep: Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease a loaf tin or 7-inch round tin.
Step 2 – Mash & Mix: Mash bananas until smooth. Stir in sugar, oil, oat milk, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Step 3 – Dry Ingredients: Mix flour and baking soda, then fold into banana mix. Stir until just combined. Add chocolate chips.
Step 4 – Bake: Pour into tin and bake for 40–45 minutes. Check doneness with a skewer. Cool completely.
Tip: For an egg-free boost, add 1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp water (rested for 10 mins).
Optional Topping: Melt a handful of chocolate chips and drizzle over the top with banana slices for a rustic finish.
3. Mini Victoria Sponge Stack – For That Afternoon Tea Flair
Why Londoners Love It:
It's like afternoon tea met a birthday party. Mini individual sponges stacked with jam and cream give a grown-up birthday cake alternative that’s both elegant and fun to eat.
Key Features:
Traditional British flavour
Individual servings (great for social distancing parties or office celebrations)
Egg and dairy versions available
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Waitrose & Tesco)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Approx - Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Self-raising flour | 200g | £0.65 | Tesco |
Caster sugar | 200g | £0.70 | Waitrose |
Unsalted butter | 200g | £1.75 | Waitrose |
Eggs (free-range) | 4 | £1.75 | Tesco |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | £1.60 | Tesco |
Raspberry jam (no sugar) | 100g | £1.30 | Waitrose |
Whipping cream | 200ml | £1.90 | Waitrose |
Icing sugar (dusting) | Small amount | £0.30 | Tesco |
Total Cost (per batch, makes 8 mini stacks): approx. £10.95
Full Recipe:
Step 1 – Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 180°C. Grease and flour a mini muffin tray or shallow baking tray.
Step 2 – Creaming: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
Step 3 – Mix & Bake: Sift in flour. Mix gently. Spoon into trays (½ full). Bake 15–18 mins until golden.
Step 4 – Stack Time: Slice cooled sponges in half. Add a layer of raspberry jam and a dollop of whipped cream.
Step 5 – Presentation: Top with the second sponge half, dust icing sugar on top. Garnish with a fresh raspberry if you fancy.
Make it Vegan: Swap butter for vegan margarine, eggs for flax eggs, and cream for oat whipping cream.
Allergy-Aware, No-Bake & Summer-Inspired Cakes for Modern Londoners
If you live in a flat with a dodgy oven, have a gluten-free guest, or just want to avoid turning your kitchen into a sauna in July, you’ll love this batch of birthday cake ideas. These next three homemade cakes cater to modern London needs: think allergy-aware, no-bake options, and refreshing twists for those humid Hackney birthdays or sunny Surrey park picnics.
Each cake idea comes with:
A clear feature set
Ingredient lists with accurate 2025 London prices
Exact locations where you can find the ingredients
A fully explained recipe, ideal for bakers of all skill levels
Let’s get straight into it.
4. Gluten-Free Strawberry Almond Cake – For the Health-Conscious Crowd
Why It’s Popular:
Londoners are increasingly gluten-aware (an estimated 8–10% follow a gluten-free diet as of early 2025). This cake satisfies that demand without tasting like cardboard. It’s nutty, moist, and naturally sweetened by fruit.
Key Features:
100% gluten-free
Bursting with strawberries (in season by early May–June in the UK)
Almond flour for richness
Dairy-free option available
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Planet Organic & Tesco)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Almond flour | 200g | £3.20 | Planet Organic |
Eggs (large) | 4 | £1.70 | Tesco |
Maple syrup (pure) | 80ml | £2.50 | Planet Organic |
Baking powder (gluten-free) | 1 tsp | £0.30 | Tesco |
Fresh strawberries | 200g | £1.85 | Tesco |
Vanilla essence | 1 tsp | £1.60 | Tesco |
Olive oil | 50ml | £1.00 | Tesco |
Total Cost (per cake): approx. £12.15
Recipe:
Step 1 – Prep: Preheat oven to 170°C. Line a 20cm round cake tin with parchment.
Step 2 – Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and oil until foamy.
Step 3 – Dry Blend: Add almond flour and gluten-free baking powder. Fold gently. Pour into tin and top with sliced strawberries.
Step 4 – Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and firm. Cool in tin for 10 mins before transferring to a rack.
Optional Twist: Top with coconut yoghurt and more strawberries for a light frosting.
Why It Works in London: Almond flour is now more widely available in UK supermarkets, and demand for gluten-free home baking has risen by over 20% in the last two years. This one’s perfect for the boroughs with thriving health-conscious communities like Camden and Clapham.
5. No-Bake Chocolate Biscuit Fridge Cake – For Hot Days or Oven-less Kitchens
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
No oven? No problem. This British classic is having a full-blown revival — especially with rising electricity costs in London (up 11% YoY in 2024). It’s rich, indulgent, and made entirely in a pan and fridge. Even King Charles is rumoured to be a fan of it.
Key Features:
No baking required
Perfect for kids to help with
Customisable with dried fruit or seeds
Freezable for future birthdays
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Aldi & Sainsbury’s)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Digestive biscuits | 250g | £0.69 | Aldi |
Golden syrup | 3 tbsp | £1.20 | Sainsbury’s |
Dark chocolate (70%) | 200g | £2.20 | Sainsbury’s |
Unsalted butter | 125g | £1.20 | Aldi |
Dried cranberries (optional) | 50g | £0.90 | Sainsbury’s |
Pumpkin seeds (optional) | 30g | £0.65 | Aldi |
Total Cost (base recipe): approx. £ 6.29 With extras: approx. £7.84
Recipe:
Step 1 – Biscuit Prep: Crush digestives in a large bowl (leave some chunks for texture).
Step 2 – Melt: Melt butter, syrup, and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth.
Step 3 – Combine: Mix syrupy chocolate into the biscuits. Add cranberries or seeds if using.
Step 4 – Chill: Press mixture into a lined loaf tin. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until set. Slice into bars.
Pro Tip: Make it ahead and freeze slices individually. Perfect for spontaneous birthdays or work celebrations.
Why It Works in London: It’s brilliant for shared office parties in places like Canary Wharf, where kitchen access is limited. And with high summer temperatures in the city, this treat avoids heating up your home.
6. Coconut & Lime Sponge – Tropical Twist for Summer Birthdays
Why It’s Unique:
We all know how unpredictable London weather can be. But on those rare sunny birthdays in June or July, this tropical-themed sponge brings fresh, zingy vibes. It’s light, fluffy, and utterly refreshing.
Key Features:
Light sponge with citrus kick
Uses desiccated coconut and lime zest
Great with coconut cream topping
Perfect for garden or picnic parties
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Tesco & Sainsbury’s)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Self-raising flour | 200g | £0.65 | Tesco |
Caster sugar | 150g | £0.60 | Tesco |
Eggs (medium) | 3 | £1.50 | Sainsbury’s |
Lime zest (2 limes) | - | £0.60 | Sainsbury’s |
Desiccated coconut | 100g | £1.20 | Tesco |
Coconut cream (for frosting) | 200ml | £2.00 | Sainsbury’s |
Sunflower oil | 100ml | £0.90 | Tesco |
Total Cost: approx. £7.45
Recipe:
Step 1 – Zesty Start: Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a deep 7-inch tin.
Step 2 – Sponge Batter: Whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and lime zest until light. Fold in flour and coconut.
Step 3 – Bake: Pour into tin and bake for 30–35 mins until springy and golden. Cool fully.
Step 4 – Cream Topping: Chill coconut cream overnight. Whip until light and spread over cake before serving. Garnish with lime slices or zest shavings.
Why It’s London-Ready: Tropical ingredients like coconut cream and desiccated coconut are now standard stock at major supermarkets due to increased demand. Plus, this flavour combo feels “posh picnic” – ideal for Kensington Gardens or Hampstead Heath.
Wholesome, Indulgent & Crowd-Pleasing Cakes for Every Occasion
We’ve already explored funfetti flair, no-bake options, gluten-free gems, and zesty summer flavours. Now it’s time to wrap up this guide with three final homemade birthday cake ideas that tick the boxes for health-conscious parents, bulk bakers, and hardcore dessert lovers alike. These cakes reflect what many Londoners are searching for in 2025: wholesome bakes without compromise, traybake convenience, and full-on flavour bombs for milestone birthdays.
7. Moist Chocolate Beetroot Cake – A Healthy Twist for Chocoholics
Why It’s Trending:
This cake’s reputation is growing fast in areas like Shoreditch and Richmond, where healthy eating is the norm. The beetroot adds intense moisture, a natural sweetness, and a nutritional kick—without tasting “too veggie”. It’s an ideal option for adults who want chocolate without the post-sugar crash.
Key Features:
Naturally moist from beetroot
Deep chocolate flavour without being overly sweet
Lower in refined sugar
Can be made dairy-free
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Tesco & Sainsbury’s)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Cooked beetroot (vacuum-packed) | 250g | £1.20 | Tesco |
Self-raising flour | 200g | £0.65 | Tesco |
Cocoa powder | 50g | £1.30 | Sainsbury’s |
Eggs | 3 | £1.65 | Tesco |
Sunflower oil | 100ml | £0.90 | Tesco |
Brown sugar | 150g | £0.70 | Tesco |
Baking powder | 1 tsp | £0.25 | Tesco |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | £1.60 | Tesco |
Total Cost: approx. £8.25
Recipe:
Step 1 – Prep Oven: Preheat to 180°C. Grease a 20cm cake tin.
Step 2 – Blend: Puree the beetroot with oil and vanilla using a hand blender.
Step 3 – Mix: Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy. Fold in beetroot mixture.
Step 4 – Combine: Sift flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Fold into wet ingredients.
Step 5 – Bake: Bake for 35–40 mins. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Optional Frosting: Whip up a dairy-free chocolate ganache with dark chocolate and oat cream.
Why Londoners Love It: It’s part of the “sneaky veg” trend seen across health-forward bakeries in Hackney and Camden. Great for families who want to make chocolate cake a little less guilty without sacrificing taste.
8. Carrot & Orange Traybake – Bulk Baking for Big Parties
Why It’s Practical:
With birthday party costs rising across London (the average children’s party now exceeds £250, according to a 2024 Which? survey), home bakers are turning to traybakes to serve larger groups without scaling up costs. This version combines sweet carrots, citrus zest, and an optional cream cheese topping—making it perfect for kids, adults, and office bashes alike.
Key Features:
Serves 12–16 people easily
Uses simple, affordable ingredients
Can be frosted or left plain
Egg-free option available
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Aldi & Sainsbury’s)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Grated carrot | 300g | £0.60 | Aldi |
Plain flour | 250g | £0.55 | Aldi |
Baking powder | 2 tsp | £0.30 | Aldi |
Orange zest (2 oranges) | - | £0.60 | Sainsbury’s |
Light brown sugar | 200g | £0.80 | Aldi |
Sunflower oil | 100ml | £0.90 | Aldi |
Eggs | 3 (or flax eggs) | £1.50 | Sainsbury’s |
Cinnamon | 1 tsp | £0.50 | Aldi |
Cream cheese (for frosting – optional) | 200g | £1.50 | Aldi |
Total Cost (with frosting): approx. £7.25
Recipe:
Step 1 – Oven & Tin: Preheat to 180°C. Line a large rectangular baking tray (approx. 25x35 cm).
Step 2 – Batter Mix: Whisk oil, sugar, and eggs. Stir in grated carrot and orange zest.
Step 3 – Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Combine with wet mix.
Step 4 – Bake: Spread batter into tin. Bake for 30–35 mins. Cool completely.
Step 5 – Optional Frosting: Whip cream cheese with icing sugar and a dash of orange juice. Spread on cooled cake.
Perfect For: Primary school parties, office celebrations, or any event where you don’t want to mess with delicate layers.
9. Layered Biscoff Dream Cake – For the Indulgent Celebration
Why It’s a Showstopper:
Biscoff has taken over UK dessert menus—from milkshakes to cheesecakes—and Londoners are still obsessed. This birthday cake turns that obsession into a full-on celebration, combining light sponge layers with creamy Biscoff buttercream and a biscuit crunch topping.
Key Features:
Biscoff in sponge and frosting
Impressive visual appeal
Ideal for birthdays aged 16 to 60+
Non-alcoholic, rich flavour
Ingredients & 2025 Pricing (Tesco & Asda)
Ingredient | Quantity | Price (Jan 2025) | Where to Buy |
Plain flour | 200g | £0.55 | Tesco |
Baking powder | 2 tsp | £0.30 | Tesco |
Caster sugar | 200g | £0.70 | Asda |
Eggs | 3 | £1.65 | Tesco |
Sunflower oil | 100ml | £0.90 | Asda |
Biscoff spread | 200g | £2.00 | Asda |
Biscoff biscuits (for topping) | 1 pack (150g) | £1.25 | Asda |
Icing sugar | 250g | £0.85 | Tesco |
Oat milk | 50ml | £0.40 | Tesco |
Total Cost: approx. £8.60
Recipe:
Step 1 – Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line two 8-inch tins. Whisk sugar and eggs until fluffy. Stir in oil and oat milk.
Step 2 – Combine: Add sifted flour and baking powder. Fold in 2 tbsp of Biscoff spread.
Step 3 – Bake: Divide into tins and bake 25–30 mins. Let cool fully.
Step 4 – Biscoff Buttercream: Whip Biscoff spread with softened butter (or vegan margarine) and icing sugar until smooth.
Step 5 – Assemble & Decorate: Spread frosting between layers and on top. Crush biscuits and sprinkle for crunch.
Why It’s Perfect for London Birthdays: Whether you’re celebrating in a Soho Airbnb or a Walthamstow garden, this cake guarantees Instagram-worthy vibes and maximum crowd love.
Why Pearls & Crumbs Makes the Best Homemade Bespoke Birthday Cakes in London at Affordable Prices — And Why You Should Order Instead of Baking at Home
In the heart of West London, where the fast-paced city life often leaves little time for perfection in the kitchen, one boutique cake studio is quietly redefining what it means to celebrate with style. Pearls & Crumbs, founded and led by chief designer Ushba Adil, has become a go-to destination for people seeking visually breathtaking, delicious, and truly homemade birthday cakes—without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
If you're wondering whether it’s better to make your own birthday cake at home or trust a local bespoke cake designer, here’s a deep dive into why Pearls & Crumbs is the smarter, tastier, and more cost-efficient choice in 2025.
1. The Best of Both Worlds: Homemade Quality Meets Professional Precision
Let’s get one thing clear: Pearls & Crumbs doesn’t operate like a faceless factory churning out generic cakes. Every cake is made from scratch, in a home-based artisan kitchen, using the finest ingredients — just like your nan would do (but with Instagram-worthy results). This means you get all the comfort and wholesomeness of homemade baking, without the common pitfalls like sunken middles, overbaked sponges, or lopsided layers.
Unlike supermarket cakes or mass-produced celebration slabs, Pearls & Crumbs offers you a professionally executed result with the heart and soul of a homemade cake. Each birthday cake is:
Handcrafted to order
Tailored to your style, flavour preferences, and dietary needs
Designed with a sharp eye for detail by someone who really cares
For time-poor Londoners who still want the charm of homemade, it’s the perfect compromise.
2. Bespoke Design: No Two Cakes Are the Same
Most people underestimate how much goes into decorating a cake that actually looks good. If you’ve ever tried piping buttercream swirls at 2am the night before a party, you know what we mean. At Pearls & Crumbs, every cake is a bespoke work of art — and we’re not just talking about sticking a name on top.
Their custom birthday cakes are:
Styled to match themes (superheroes, floral elegance, cartoon characters, minimalist chic—you name it)
Colour-coordinated to fit your party palette
Designed around personal passions (from Harry Potter to Chanel)
This level of attention is something only a bespoke baker can offer. Your cake becomes a centrepiece, not an afterthought.
3. Affordability Without Sacrifice
Think bespoke means expensive? Think again. Pearls & Crumbs has carved out a space where luxury meets affordability. In a city where a basic branded cake from a high-street bakery can set you back £50–70 (often for dry sponge and plastic icing), Pearls & Crumbs offers:
Fair and transparent pricing
Custom quotes based on size and complexity (so you’re not paying for stuff you don’t need)
Packages for different budgets (from minimalistic cakes to showstoppers)
Because they operate independently (without commercial rent and overhead), you're paying for the cake itself, not a storefront or corporate markup. This makes it a genuinely affordable luxury, especially when you factor in your own time, ingredients, and failed practice bakes.
4. Flavours That Actually Taste as Good as They Look
We’ve all been to parties where the cake looks amazing but tastes like cardboard. At Pearls & Crumbs, flavour is never an afterthought.
Popular homemade flavour options include:
Classic vanilla bean sponge with buttercream
Rich chocolate fudge
Lemon and elderflower (a hit during spring birthdays)
Biscoff sponge with cookie buttercream
Vegan red velvet (yes, it’s as good as the real thing)
Ushba’s team focuses on using real ingredients — no synthetic flavours or frozen sponges — which sets them apart from many bakery chains. The cakes taste freshly made because they are.
5. Convenience for Busy Londoners
Here’s the brutal truth: baking a proper birthday cake at home takes time, patience, and a lot of cleanup. You need:
At least 2–3 hours (more if you’re layering and decorating)
Expensive ingredients (that you might never use again)
The right tools (ever tried smooth icing without a turntable?)
Pearls & Crumbs lets you skip the stress while still delivering the experience of a homemade cake. You can order online or by phone, and they’ll handle the rest — from flavour planning to delivery or pickup. You’ll still get compliments like “Did you make that?” — and you can either take credit or just smile and drop their Instagram.
6. Tailored for Special Requirements
Whether you’re hosting a party for a lactose-intolerant toddler or planning a surprise for a vegan friend, Pearls & Crumbs has you covered. Their cakes cater to:
Egg-free
Dairy-free
Vegan
Nut-free options (upon request)
And they do it without sacrificing taste or presentation. That’s something very few DIY bakers can guarantee at home — especially without testing recipes multiple times.
7. Community, Craft, and Personal Touch
One of the reasons Pearls & Crumbs stands out in London’s baking scene is the heart behind the brand. Ushba Adil isn’t just a baker; she’s a storyteller, artist, and culinary perfectionist rolled into one. Every cake reflects the person receiving it, which is what homemade is truly about.
Clients rave about:
Friendly service and open communication
Incredible attention to their ideas and inspirations
Emotional investment in every cake made
This is the anti-supermarket cake. It feels made for you, because it is.
8. Pearls & Crumbs vs. Baking at Home: A Simple Comparison
Factor | Baking at Home | Pearls & Crumbs |
Time investment | 3–5 hours | 10-minute order process |
Visual appeal | Hit or miss | Instagram-ready every time |
Taste reliability | Variable | Always rich & fresh |
Ingredient cost | £10–£25 | Similar or slightly higher, but no waste |
Stress level | Often high | None |
Risk of failure | Real | Zero |
Custom design | Limited | Fully bespoke |
Pearls & Crumbs is not just a bakery — it's a personalised celebration partner. For Londoners who want the authenticity of a homemade cake, the beauty of a bespoke design, and the ease of professional service, it’s easily the best decision you can make for any birthday party in 2025.
Whether it’s your child’s 1st birthday, your partner’s milestone celebration, or just a “treat yourself” moment — you deserve a cake that speaks for you. And at Pearls & Crumbs, every crumb tells your story.
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