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–+ servings
Smash Cake

Smash Cake

A Smash Cake is a small, soft, and lightly sweetened cake made especially for babies' first birthdays. It's perfect for little hands to dig into and enjoy a fun, messy celebration! This cake is usually made with natural ingredients and less sugar than a regular cake to keep it baby-friendly.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes
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Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier option
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk or unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or unsweetened whipped cream
  • ½ cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for mild sweetness

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Mix in mashed bananas (or applesauce) and milk until well combined.
  • Gradually fold in dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  • Divide batter evenly between the two cake pans.
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

  • In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and honey (if using).
  • Stir until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for 10 minutes before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
  • Stack the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with a thin, even layer.
  • For extra decoration, pipe a few swirls of frosting or add soft fruit on top.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Best served fresh. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • No sugar added: This cake is naturally sweetened for babies. If making for adults, you can add ¼ cup sugar.
  • Alternative flours: You can use oat flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Colorful frosting: Add beet puree or fruit puree for natural coloring.