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Homemade Smash Cake Recipe for a Baby’s First Birthday

Homemade Smash Cake Recipe

A small two-layer vanilla smash cake with tender crumb and simple buttercream frosting, made for a baby’s first birthday celebration. It serves approximately 6–8 small portions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1 cup (125 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) Granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs Large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Whole milk, room temperature
Buttercream Frosting
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) Powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons Heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 pinch Salt

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Add the dry ingredients in two or three additions, alternating with the milk. Mix only until the batter is combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the centers spring back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  9. Beat the butter for the frosting until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla, salt, and enough cream or milk to create a soft, spreadable consistency.
  10. Place one cake layer on a plate, spread it with frosting, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides. Decorate with soft, age-appropriate toppings if desired.

Notes

Bring the butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for a more even batter. Cool the cake completely before frosting. For a baby-friendly cake, avoid hard candies, whole nuts, large fruit pieces, toothpicks, and other choking hazards.