1st Birthday Cake (Smash Cake)
This soft, pastel-colored 1st Birthday Smash Cake is designed just for baby’s first big celebration. With a light vanilla sponge, gentle sweetness, and a smash-ready texture, it’s perfect for little hands and joyful memories. Easily customizable with baby-safe decorations and flavors, this cake becomes a heartfelt centerpiece of a milestone moment.
Equipment
- Two 6-inch cake pans
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand or Stand Mixer
- Wire Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs large
- 1 cup milk or almond/oat milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Healthy Swaps
- 1/2 cup mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness
- 1 cup coconut sugar in place of white sugar
Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk as needed for consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 drops pastel food coloring optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and smooth tops. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until spreadable. Add pastel coloring if desired.
- Frost cooled cakes and decorate with baby-safe toppers, pastel piping, or edible flowers for a dreamy smash-worthy look.
Notes
Make ahead tip: Bake the cake layers one day early, wrap tightly, and frost the morning of the party. You can freeze unfrosted layers for up to 1 month. Always check for baby allergies ahead of time when introducing new ingredients.