Planning your baby’s first birthday is a special milestone, and a smash cake makes the celebration even sweeter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a low-sugar, soft-textured cake that’s perfect for tiny hands and big messes.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup whole milk or breast milk (can substitute almond milk or water)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Fresh fruit slices (e.g., bananas, strawberries, or blueberries)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 4-inch cake pans or one 6-inch cake pan. You can also line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the mashed banana, applesauce, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well-blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
7. Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if needed. Place one cake layer on a plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
8. Decorate
Use fresh fruit slices or shredded coconut to decorate the cake. Keep it simple for a baby-friendly look that’s still Instagram-worthy.
Tips for Success
- Test for Allergies: Introduce all ingredients to your baby individually before the big day to ensure there are no allergies.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Frost it the day of the celebration.
- Mess-Friendly Space: Serve the smash cake in a highchair or on an easy-to-clean surface to make cleanup a breeze.
Conclusion
This DIY baby-friendly smash cake is a healthy, fun, and delicious way to celebrate your little one’s first birthday. With minimal sugar and wholesome ingredients, you can let your baby dive in and enjoy this special treat worry-free!