Homemade Smash Cake For Your Special Little One Recipe

Celebrate your little one’s milestone with a Homemade Smash Cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour. This soft, fluffy cake boasts a tender crumb and a subtly sweet flavor, perfect for tiny hands to explore. In just 25 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking, you’ll create a treat that’s both wholesome and irresistibly fun.

Topped with a creamy, velvety frosting, this cake offers a sensory adventure with its smooth texture and gentle sweetness. The light, airy layers melt in the mouth, making it a joy for your baby’s first cake experience. Simple, quick, and made with love, this recipe ensures a memorable celebration for your special little one.

Ingredients for a Perfect Homemade Smash Cake

• 1 ½ cups (7½ oz/213g) cake flour (or substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser texture)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (4 oz/115g) butter (at room temperature, unsalted preferred)
• 1 cup (8 oz/225g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg white (for a lighter crumb)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil like canola)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for best flavor)
• ½ cup (4 fl oz/115ml) whole milk (can use 2% milk as a substitute)
• ½ recipe vanilla buttercream (store-bought or homemade)
• Sprinkles (for decoration, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Smash Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and line two 6-inch cake tins with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and egg white, mixing well on medium speed until fully combined.
5. Pour in the oil, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix until smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on medium speed until a smooth batter forms.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans, then gently turn them out onto a cooling rack.
10. Once cooled, place the first cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread an even layer of vanilla buttercream on top.
11. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process.
12. Frost the outside of the cake with a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting), then chill for 15–20 minutes. Apply a final coat of frosting to fully cover the cake.
13. Decorate as desired (e.g., sprinkles, candles) and serve. Smash within 48 hours for the best experience!

Fun Topping Ideas for Your Smash Cake

While sprinkles are a classic choice, you can get creative with your smash cake decorations! Try using edible flowers, fruit puree swirls, or even mini marshmallows for a playful touch. For a healthier option, use fresh berries or shredded coconut to add color and texture.

How to Store Your Smash Cake for Maximum Freshness

To keep your smash cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften the frosting and enhance the flavor.

Quick Tips for a Perfect Smash Cake

For a smoother baking process, make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately, especially the flour. If you’re short on time, prepare the cake layers a day ahead and frost them the next day.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make this smash cake, you’ll need two 6-inch cake pans, parchment paper, and an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. A large palette knife is essential for spreading the frosting evenly, and a cooling rack will help the cakes cool properly before assembly.

Homemade Smash Cake Recipe For Your Special Little One

Shaziya

Celebrate your little one’s milestone with a Homemade Smash Cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour. In just 25 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking, you’ll create a treat that’s both wholesome and irresistibly fun.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 1 small cake

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups cake flour 7½oz/213g
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter 4oz/115g, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar 8oz/225g
• 1 large egg + 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk 4floz/115ml
• ½ recipe vanilla buttercream
• sprinkles

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) then butter and line two 6 inch tins with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
• In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. This should take 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add in the egg and egg white, mixing well on medium speed until combined.
• Pour in the oil, vanilla extract, and milk and mix well.
• Add the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until the batter is formed.
• Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes.
• Let cool completely, then gently turn the cakes out onto a cooling wrack.
• Once the cakes have cooled place them on a cake stand or plate. Using a large palette knife spread an even layer of vanilla buttercream across the first layer of cake.
• Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat. Using the remaining frosting spread the frosting around the outside of the cake.
• Do a crumb coat, chill and then repeat the coat with more frosting until the cake is fully covered.
• Decorate as you like, I just added sprinkles and a candle. Smash within 48 hours.

Keyword baby birthday, Easy dessert, homemade cake, smash cake, toddler recipe

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