A smash cake is the perfect way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday. These miniature cakes are specifically designed to be smaller than traditional birthday cakes, making them ideal for tiny hands to explore and, as the name implies, smash! They’re intentionally crafted with baby-safe ingredients, avoiding refined sugars while incorporating nutritious components.
This plant-based version features strawberry puree, using convenient baby food pouches to add natural sweetness and flavor that little ones already love. The recipe creates a delightful, wholesome cake that’s perfect for those precious first-birthday photos and memories.
Ingredients
- 2 cups spelt flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 120g apple and strawberry puree (1 baby food pouch)
- 1 cup soy milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 tin full-fat coconut milk (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon apple strawberry puree (for frosting)
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 8-10 mini portions
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Step 2: Combine all cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until just combined
- Step 3: Pour approximately 2 heaping tablespoons of batter into each 4-inch cake tin
- Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Step 5: Allow cakes to cool completely
- Step 6: Prepare frosting by scooping solid coconut cream from chilled coconut milk
- Step 7: Whisk coconut cream with apple/strawberry puree until creamy
- Step 8: Layer cakes with frosting and decorate with fresh strawberries
Additional Instructions
- For allergy considerations, substitute soy milk with rice milk if needed
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour blend instead of spelt
- Recipe yields four 4-inch layers or two layers plus additional cupcakes
- Refrigerate coconut milk overnight for best frosting results
- Keep frosting chilled until ready to use
- Can be made oil-free by omitting olive oil, though cake will be less moist
- Store assembled cake in refrigerator for up to 24 hours
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 180 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 3g per serving
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 25g per serving
- Approx. Fat: 8g per serving
