A baby’s first birthday is a milestone that calls for celebration. And what better way to mark this joyous occasion than with a cake smash — a delightful, albeit messy, tradition where little ones get their first taste of sweet indulgence? In today’s post, we’ll explore some adorable and parent-approved recipes perfect for your baby’s first cake smash extravaganza. Say goodbye to worries about artificial colors and preservatives, and hello to wholesome sweetness!

For first-time parents and foodie families alike, these baby-friendly cake ideas will ensure your little one’s big moment is cute, colorful, and catered to their budding palate.

Recipe 1: Mini Banana-Blueberry Smash Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup blueberries (keep extra for decoration)

Frosting:

• 1 cup cream cheese (choose full-fat for richness)
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease mini cake pans or a cupcake tin.
2. Mix the mashed banana with coconut oil, maple syrup, and applesauce until well combined.
3. In another bowl, sift together oat flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until blended. Gently stir in blueberries.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. For the frosting, whip together the cream cheese and honey until smooth.
7. Once the cakes have cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on one cake, stack the second cake on top, and frost the outside. Decorate with blueberries.

Recipe 2: Sweet Potato and Pear Smash Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato, steamed and pureed
• 1 ripe pear, grated
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of nutmeg

Frosting:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare your pans as before.
2. In a bowl, combine sweet potato puree, grated pear, olive oil, and eggs until well-mixed.
3. Stir in whole wheat flour, baking powder, and nutmeg until just incorporated.
4. Fill your cake pans and bake for 25 minutes or until set and golden.
5. For the frosting, simply mix Greek yogurt with maple syrup.
6. After cooling the cakes, frost and stack as with the first recipe.

Recipe 3: Avocado-Chocolate Pudding Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ready your cake pans.
2. Thoroughly combine mashed avocado, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and almond milk.
3. Mix in almond flour and baking soda until you have a smooth batter.
4. Divide batter among cake pans, then bake for 15 minutes.
5. For the frosting, blend avocado, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until creamy and smooth.
6. Frost the cooled cakes, adding thin layers between and on top as you stack.

How to Set Up Your Cake Smash

• Place a big sheet or disposable tablecloth underneath the high chair for easy clean-up.
• To make the event even more photogenic, consider simple props like balloons or a cute bib.
• Place the smash cake in front of your little one and capture the wonder, delight, and the inevitable mess with your camera.

Conclusion

The first cake smash is a charming tradition that encapsulates the essence of childhood—unbridled joy and natural exploration. With these recipes, you are not only offering a safe and delicious treat for your baby but also a moment of heartfelt joy for the whole family to cherish. Remember, the mess can be cleaned, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Happy First Birthday to your little one, and happy baking to all the remarkable parents out there!

Find more wholesome baby weaning ideas here: Your Guide to Baby Weaning: Tips & Wholesome Food Ideas

More cake smash recipes on: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/smash-cake/