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.
Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe is a small, soft vanilla-flavored cake made especially for celebrations like first birthdays.
This Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe offers a rich and creamy taste with moist layers covered in smooth vanilla buttercream frosting. The balance between sweet and buttery flavors makes it very enjoyable and satisfying.
People often make this Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe at home using basic ingredients found in most kitchens.
The process involves mixing cake flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, baking it to a golden finish, and frosting with creamy vanilla buttercream. This delightful cake is a treat for both kids and adults, bringing smiles to every celebration table.
Now I will explain to make Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe step by step so anyone can bake this cake and enjoy its taste.
Can Babies Eat Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe?
Yes, babies can eat Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe, but it’s important to ensure that the cake is appropriate for their age and dietary needs.
Opti 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: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 serving
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 2 small cake pans (4-inch or 6-inch)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp sour cream, room temperature
- ⅓ cup whole milk, room temperature
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Instructions For Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe
1. Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Mix in the sour cream until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
5. Bake the Cake
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Vanilla Buttercream
In a clean bowl, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
7. Assemble and Frost
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a layer of buttercream between each cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat around the outside and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Then apply a final layer of frosting and smooth using an offset spatula. Decorate as desired!
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!
Storage Recommendations
To store Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
If you need to store it further in advance, wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness.
Is this cake safe for babies?
Yes, it’s made with simple ingredients, but always check for allergies and avoid added decorations with choking hazards.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. For best results, use cake flour.
Can I color the frosting?
Yes, you can add a drop of food coloring to the buttercream for fun, baby-friendly designs.
Can I make it egg-free?
You can try using egg substitutes like applesauce or mashed banana, but texture and taste may vary slightly.
Conclusion
My baby and everyone at the party truly enjoyed the Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe. It was soft, sweet, and just the right size for little hands to explore and taste.
The smiles and laughter made it all worth the effort. I hope you will try making this Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe soon for your little one.
When you do, I’d love to hear how your baby reacted and what they thought of their very own special cake moment.
More Vanilla Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Vanilla Pudding Bundt Cake – Best Option
Amazing Vanilla Cake Sprinkles
Vanilla Bean Pound Cake – Pure Vanilla
Duncan Hines French Vanilla Cake Mix || Moist & Delicious
Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe – Easy & Homemade
Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 2 small cake pans (4-inch or 6-inch)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups cake flour sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp sour cream room temperature
- ⅓ cup whole milk room temperature
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Mix in the sour cream until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
Bake the Cake
- Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Vanilla Buttercream
- In a clean bowl, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Assemble and Frost
- Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a layer of buttercream between each cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat around the outside and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Then apply a final layer of frosting and smooth using an offset spatula. Decorate as desired!