What is Smash Cake, you say? Well, of all the first-year traditions to enter the arena, the smash cake is one with the most staying power (or should we say “sticking” power, with all that frosting?).
The concept of letting babes dive headfirst into their first birthday cake is nothing new. But the level of dedication to the occasion has increased significantly. Growing in popularity in recent years, the cake smash is a tried and true first birthday tradition, enjoyed by moms, dads, and onlookers alike.
Before I go too far down the adorable (and MESSY) rabbit hole, let me explain what a smash cake is in case you’re new to the parenting and/or baby first birthday scene.
What is Smash Cake?
You can probably guess what “smash” is about in “smash cake”. As important is WHO doing the destructive—a baby! The defining factor of a smash cake is that it is a dedicated cake just for the baby. Just for failure.
Why should you make a smash cake for your baby’s first birthday? Well, smash cakes are more than just “OMGCUTE.” Here are some less talked about benefits of the smash cake ritual:
- Cleaner for the rest of us – I’m fine with not eating the same cake that’s been squeezed and handled by a baby’s hands. Pandemic, remember?
- Healthier for baby – While your party guests may see through the deception of a beet-infused cake with sugar-free spinach coconut cream frosting, your almost 1-year-old will not. They will love and be totally obsessed with the THING that is right in front of their face NO ONE REMOVES YET, omg I’m going to put it in my mouth nom nom nom …
- Perfect for virtual parties – It’s hard for a toddler to do much on a Zoom with the family. But watching them explore and experience a whole cake on their own is entertainment for anyone.
Practical AND healthy? You win this parenting thing.
What is Smash Cake Made of?
The ingredients in a smash cake can wander from traditional super-sweet territory and into a more balanced and even nutritious baby food. However, they tend to be sweet. A smash cake is still a cake, after all.
Smash cakes can be fancy, with fillings and elaborate decorations, or simple and traditional. Vanilla and chocolate work well together.
They can be cake-like in texture and taste, but with less sugar, and may have vegetables dropped in or used to color the batter or frosting.
Vegan, bacon, gluten-free, straight-up sugar—there’s a smash cake for everyone.
Can You Make Your Own Smash Cake?
If you’re not an experienced baker, you might think that making your baby’s cake is a recipe for disaster. But the DIY gods always have tricks, tips, and hacks. Claiming the craftsmanship of a gorgeous 1st Birthday cake memorialized on social media and in a baby book is within reach.
Try these tiny-cake hacks on for size:
- Get some mug cake packages and a small glass or ceramic cake pan. You can also use a large mug if you line it with parchment paper and cooking spray. Just add water (or milk), mix, microwave, frost, apply sprinkles. Boom.
- Buy a large muffin or plain cupcake, or a small cake. Frost and decorate it.
Pro Tip…put Dad on cake duty!
Best Smash Cake Recipes
These recipes are some of the best and are easy to make for even the most novice baker.
A traditional take, this old fashioned chocolate cake with soft and smooth cream cheese frosting is a drool-worthy smash cake recipe for drooly babies.
Delicious Toddler Food Vanilla Oat Cake with Yogurt Frosting is simple, beautiful. Plus it comes with make-ahead instructions and allergy-free options.
This healthy cake is gluten-free, dairy-free, low sugar, and even sneaks in some vegetables. Don’t pick your nose first. Babies rave about it!
Or check out this video tutorial for a healthy banana smash cake.
What Size is a Smash Cake?
Smash cakes are baby-sized, usually four to six inches. A single layer is most effortless, but the sky is the limit. The tall, the mess!
A smash cake photoshoot can involve many tools, props, and people to capture and commemorate your baby’s smashing cake moment. Themed outfits and backdrops, lavish and highly creative cake decorations, a professional photographer … the works.
Many photographers offer backdrops for rent or include one alongside their professional services. Party and event planners also offer First Birthday cake photoshoot packages in a range of themes. Don’t forget yours along with babe’s clothes!
A popular cake smashing trend is scheduling it as its own photo session without overlooking a sea of in-person first birthday party guests. But if you don’t want grandmas, grandpas, friends, and family to miss it, you can Zoom in on them. Or have a second birthday cake that comes out of the birthday party itself.
Pro Tip…Take the cake out of the fridge an hour before serving time. Then it’s in peak smashing form: soft and at room temperature.
Ready, Set, Smash!
If you’re ready to clean up a messy baby (just another day in the life, am I right?), you can’t go wrong with giving yourself, friends, family, and most importantly, your baby the gift of your loved one – loving child tearing into his own delicious cake.
About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
