There’s nothing quite like a first birthday party. It’s a milestone celebration for your little one, and of course, it needs a cake!
But forget the traditional tiered masterpiece – today, we’re all about the fun and mess with a smash cake.
This small, single-serving cake is designed for your baby to get their hands (and face!) into, making for adorable memories and some truly giggle-worthy photos.
This recipe is my go-to for vanilla smash cake recipe. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, perfectly moist and fluffy, and absolutely delicious.
Plus, it can be easily customized with frosting colors and toppings to match your party theme. So, preheat your oven, grab your little one’s favorite outfit (because it’s probably going to get messy!), and let’s get baking!
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.
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 |
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
A vanilla smash cake recipe can be a delightful and safe option for celebrating a baby’s milestone. This simple recipe offers a gentle flavor that appeals to young palates without overwhelming them.
By using baby-friendly ingredients and omitting added sugar, this cake provides a suitable treat for little ones.
Supervision during the smashing process is crucial to ensure the baby’s safety and to prevent choking hazards.
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.