For my little girl’s birthday party, I knew I had to make something extra special, and that’s when I decided on a Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe.
I had seen so many adorable pictures of babies smashing cakes, and it seemed like the perfect choice for her first birthday celebration.
I confirmed this Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe after reading through reviews and knowing it’s a simple, yet delicious base that would be loved by all ages.
The cake is soft, moist, and made with basic ingredients like butter, vanilla, and sugar—things that I knew would be gentle on her little tummy.
The rich vanilla flavor and creamy frosting made it the perfect combination for both the little ones and adults. Watching her smash it was a memory I’ll always cherish, and the cake was a hit with everyone!
Can Babies Eat Smash Cake?
Yes, babies can eat smash cakes, but it’s important to ensure that the cake is appropriate for their age and dietary needs.
Opt for a cake that is made with baby-friendly ingredients, such as a soft sponge cake without added sugar or allergens.
Always supervise babies closely when they’re eating smash cake to prevent choking hazards.
How to Prepare Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe?
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 serving
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 6-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Frosting spatula (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
Let’s Go How to Bake?
1. Preheat and Prep:
Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In your other bowl, grab your softened butter and sugar. Using your electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, making the cake extra tender.
4. Add the Eggs One at a Time:
With your mixer on low speed, beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
5. Vanilla and Milk Magic:
Stir in the vanilla extract, then slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, and mix just until combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Bake, Baby, Bake!
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop that cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Completely:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This is important to prevent the frosting from melting.
Special Notes
❖ For Allergies: If your child has dairy or gluten sensitivities, you can easily substitute gluten-free flour and non-dairy butter and cream alternatives.
❖ Frosting Options: You can make the frosting less sweet by reducing the sugar content. For a healthier option, try a simple whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
❖ Storage: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Facts Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Total Fat | 13g |
Saturated Fat | 8g |
Cholesterol | 70mg |
Sodium | 190mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 37g |
Sugars | 20g |
Protein | 4g |
Ideas To Decorate Your Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe
1. Whipped Buttercream Ruffles: Use a piping bag with a ruffle tip to create soft, textured ruffles around the cake. This gives it a cute, elegant look while keeping it simple.
2. Sprinkles Galore: Cover the top and sides of the cake with colorful sprinkles. You can match the sprinkles to your party’s color theme for a cohesive look.
3. Fondant Decorations: Roll out colorful fondant to create shapes like stars, hearts, or animals. These can be cut into fun shapes and placed on top or around the cake.
4. Personalized Toppers: Add a cute birthday topper with your son’s name or a “2” to make the cake more personal and special.
5. Fresh Fruit & Edible Flowers: Decorate the top with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, along with edible flowers for a natural, fresh look.
What Is The Best Flavor For A Smash Cake?
The best smash cake flavor is classic vanilla or chocolate. These flavors are familiar to most babies and not too overwhelming.
They also photograph beautifully and pair well with any frosting or decoration theme you choose for the cake.
Of course, you can always experiment with other flavors, but keeping it simple is a good way to go for the little one’s first taste of cake!
Can 1 Year Old Baby Eat Cake?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla smash cake is perfect for a baby’s first birthday. It’s easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have, and is gentle on a baby’s new tummy.
I found a recipe that uses basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Plus, it skips any added food coloring or artificial flavors. Let me know if you’d like the recipe!
Conclusion
The Vanilla Smash Cake was the perfect choice for my son’s 2nd birthday party. Its simple yet delicious flavor, soft texture, and easy-to-make recipe made it a hit with everyone.
The fun presentation with sprinkles and frosting added an extra touch, making the cake-smashing moment unforgettable.
With careful preparation and attention, a vanilla smash cake can be a memorable and enjoyable part of a baby’s first birthday celebration.

Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 6-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
- Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In your other bowl, grab your softened butter and sugar. Using your electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, making the cake extra tender.
Add the Eggs One at a Time:
- With your mixer on low speed, beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
Vanilla and Milk Magic:
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, and mix just until combined. Don’t overmix!
Bake, Baby, Bake!
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop that cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely:
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This is important to prevent the frosting from melting.