If you’ve got a little one about to turn one, you’re probably knee-deep in planning the perfect party. And what’s a birthday bash without a smash cake?
Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with not one, not two, but three easy homemade smash cake recipes that will have your baby giggling with glee. Or probably covered head to toe in frosting.
Forget the stress of fancy bakery orders and accept the joy of creating your own homemade smash cake masterpiece. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these recipes are designed to be as fuss-free as possible so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying those precious moments with your little one.
So grab your apron, dust off your mixing bowls, and get ready to whip up some magic in the kitchen. Let’s dig right into it and bake your homemade baby smash cake.
Top 3 Easy Homemade Smash Cakes
1. Strawberry Homemade Smash Cake Recipe
Sugar-free strawberry homemade smash cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting.
Timing:
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Additional Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
The Ingredients:
Let’s start with the star of the show – the strawberry cake itself. You’ll need:
- 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled because precision is vital, even in the messy world of smash cakes).
- 2 tablespoons of ground freeze-dried strawberries (because we’re all about that natural fruity flavor).
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (the magic ingredient that makes your cake rise to perfection).
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (because a bit of fizz never hurt anybody).
- A pinch of salt (to balance out all that sweetness).
- 1/4 cup of orange or lemon juice (for that extra zing).
- 1/2 cup of applesauce (because why not sneak in some extra fruit?).
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (for that touch of sweetness without the guilt).
- 1 large egg (room temperature, because happy eggs make happy cakes).
- 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt (room temperature because we’re all about that creamy goodness).
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (because every cake needs some vanilla love).
- And, of course, some diced strawberries (because what’s a strawberry cake without actual strawberries?). You can also smash the strawberries using a food processor or mixer.
Let’s Get Baking:
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to work on some baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 177°C if you’re feeling precise), grease, and line your cake pans with parchment paper. We’re going for three 4-inch pans here, but feel free to adapt based on your preference.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground freeze-dried strawberries, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this magical mixture aside.
- Whisk together the orange or lemon juice, applesauce, maple syrup, egg, yogurt, and vanilla extract in another bowl until they’re as smooth as a baby’s bottom (pun intended).
- Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently until combined. We don’t want to overmix here – we aim for a light and fluffy texture.
- Once your batter looks delicious, fold in those diced strawberries until they’re evenly distributed. It’s like burying little bursts of fruity goodness within your cake – surprises in every bite.
- Divide your batter evenly into your prepared cake pans, about 4.5 ounces per pan if you’re into precise measurements (or just eyeball it – we won’t tell). Pop those babies into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the center springs back when you gently press it.
The Frosting on the Cake:
What’s a smash cake without some frosting to smear all over your baby’s face? We’re going with a decadent Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting for this strawberry smash cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (because everything is better with cream cheese).
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (for that touch of sweetness).
- 2 tablespoons of ground freeze-dried strawberries (why settle for regular frosting when you can have strawberry-infused frosting?).
Let’s Get Frosting:
- Grab your trusty electric mixer and whip that cream cheese until it’s nice and fluffy. This is where you can pretend you’re a wizard conjuring up fluffy clouds of frosting – we won’t judge.
- Add the maple syrup and ground freeze-dried strawberries, and beat until everything is well combined. Taste testing at this stage is highly encouraged. Just saying.
- Once your frosting looks smooth and heavenly, it’s time to assemble your cake. Spread a generous layer of frosting between each cake layer, stacking them up like a tower of deliciousness. Then, slather the remaining frosting all over the outside of your cake. Don’t be shy – the messier, the better.
And there you have it – a masterpiece fit for a birthday celebration. This homemade strawberry smash cake will surely be a hit with babies and adults alike. So grab a fork (or dump in with your hands – we won’t judge), and get ready to smash your way as you love.
2. Chocolate Homemade Smash Cake Recipe:
Sugar-free chocolate homemade smash cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting.
Timing:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients to Mix in:
Let’s kick off with the ingredients list.
- We’re talking about 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour (don’t forget to spoon and level it for that perfect measure).
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (because chocolate makes everything better, right?).
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (to give that cake a lift).
- A pinch of salt (because every superhero needs a sidekick).
- But wait, there’s more. We’re adding 1/2 cup of applesauce, banana, or pumpkin (pick your fruity favorite). So it’s not caught cold).
- 1 large egg (room temperature).
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup (nature’s sweet gift).
- 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt (for that creamy, dreamy texture).
Whipping Up:
Now, let’s move on to the baking.
- Preheat that oven to 350F (or 325F if you’re playing it old school), and grease and line your pans like a pro.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set that bowl aside and grab another one.
- In this second bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – applesauce, maple syrup, egg, and yogurt – until they’re smoother than a slick dance move.
- Now, gently fold those dry ingredients into the wet until they’re mingled together like the best party guests.
- Divide that batter evenly into your pans and pop them into the oven for a dance party of about 18-20 minutes.
You’ll know they’re ready when the center springs back at your touch – just like a friend always there for you.
Frosting Fit for Royalty:
Now, let’s talk about the icing on the cake – literally.
For our chocolate cream cheese frosting, you’ll need 8 ounces (the hero of our frosting tale).
2 tablespoons of maple syrup (because sweetness is critical) and 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (for that chocolatey kick).
How to prepare it:
- Whip that cream cheese into fluffy perfection with an electric mixer, and then add in the maple syrup and cocoa powder until it’s a smooth and creamy dream.
- Spread a layer of this deliciousness between your cake layers, stack them up, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle like old friends.
- Once chilled, slather the rest of that frosting on the outside of your cake, and voila. You’ve got yourself a Chocolate Smash Cake fit for a birthday superstar.
So there you have it – a recipe that’s as easy as delicious.
3. Banana Homemade Smash Cake Recipe
Sugar-free banana homemade smash cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting.
Timing:
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Additional Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Ingredients:
Let’s break down the ingredients behind this banana smash cake. It’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
- All-purpose flour: ¾ cup (90g) for that perfect cakey texture.
- Cinnamon: ½ tsp, because who can resist the cozy warmth of cinnamon?
- Baking powder: 1 tsp (4g) to help our cake reach new heights.
- Baking soda: ¼ tsp for that essential lift.
- Salt: ¼ tsp to balance out the sweetness.
- Mashed banana: ½ cup (125g), the show’s star. Opt for ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
- Maple syrup: ¼ cup (78g) for sweetness without the guilt.
- Large egg: 1, at room temperature, because every cake needs a hero.
- Greek yogurt: ¼ cup (56g), also at room temperature, for extra moisture and richness.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
Now, let’s talk frosting—because what’s a cake without a generous slathering of creamy goodness on top?
- Cream cheese: 8 oz for that tangy, decadent frosting base.
- To sweeten the deal, maple syrup: 2 Tbsp (37g).
- Cinnamon: ½ tsp, because everything’s better with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to prepare it:
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, putting on our aprons is time to get baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for convection or 325°F (163°C) for conventional baking. Grease and line three 4-inch pans (or 1-2 6-inch pans) with baking spray and parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry ingredient mix—it’s about to become your cake’s best friend.
- In another bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, maple syrup, egg, and yogurt until smooth and velvety.
- Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until combined. We’re aiming for a smooth, luscious batter here.
- Divide your batter evenly into the prepared pans, about 4 oz per pan, and pop them into the oven for 18-20 minutes or until the centers spring back when lightly pressed. Ah, the sweet aroma of baking banana cake—it’s irresistible.
- While your cakes cool, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting. Using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese until fluffy, then add the maple syrup and cinnamon, beating until everything’s beautifully incorporated.
- Once your cakes are cool, it’s time to assemble. Spread a layer of frosting between each cake layer, then use the remaining frosting to coat the outside generously. Pro tip: don’t skimp on the frosting—it’s the best part.
And there you have it—a banana smash cake fit for a birthday bash of epic proportions. With its irresistible flavor and adorable presentation, this homemade delight will surely be the show’s star.
Summing Up!
And there you have it. Three smashingly simple homemade cake recipes fit for your little munchkin’s big day—no need for fancy bakery shenanigans when you can whip up these treats in your own kitchen.
So, put on your chef hat (or apron, if you’re feeling fancy) and let the cake-smashing adventures begin. With these recipes up your sleeve, you’ll be the rescuer of every baby bash, leaving a trail of smiles and sprinkles in your wake.
Here’s to easy baking and even easier cleanup.
