Healthy Smash Cake for Baby's First Birthday
A small two-layer cake sweetened with banana and applesauce, with a thick yogurt and cream cheese frosting. Made for a first birthday.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 4-inch (10 cm) cake pans or ramekins, at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, and line the bases.
- 2
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon in a bowl.
- 3
In another bowl, whisk the banana, applesauce, egg, butter and vanilla. Fold in the dry mix until just combined.
- 4
Divide between the pans and bake 22–26 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- 5
Beat the cream cheese and yogurt until smooth and thick. Sandwich and cover the cake with it, then chill until serving.
Toddler plate & family plate
Toddler plate
Set one small layer on the high-chair tray and let baby dig in; save the rest for later. Take away any candles and decorations first.
Family plate
Double the recipe in an 8-inch (20 cm) pan for the grown-ups and add a drizzle of maple syrup to their slices.
health_and_safetyAllergens
Contains wheat, egg and milk (top 9 allergens). Make sure each has been introduced before the party.
sync_altSwaps
- swap_horizColor the frosting pink with a spoon of mashed raspberries or strawberry purée.
- swap_horizUse a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour if needed.
kitchenStorage
Unfrosted layers keep 2 days covered at room temperature, or freeze up to 1 month. Frosted cake: keep in the fridge until the smash, don't leave it out more than 2 hours (1 hour in hot weather), and eat within 2 days.
Safety reminders
- Cut round foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries) into quarters for children under 4.
- Keep toddlers seated while eating.
- Serve nut butters thinly spread, never as whole nuts.
- Skip honey, hard candy decorations, whole nuts, sprinkles and whole berries on baby's cake; mash or finely chop any fruit topping.
- This recipe is general guidance for healthy, full-term babies and children. Ask your pediatrician first if your child was born early, has a medical condition, allergies or feeding difficulties (medical disclaimer).
