Description

Welcome to Feastical, your go-to spot for food that feels like a celebration. Today, we’re tackling a truly special kitchen project: your little one’s very first birthday cake. This cake is naturally sweetened, soft, safe for tiny taste buds, and perfect for that iconic “smash cake” moment. Think minimal sugar, wholesome ingredients, and maximum cuteness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for egg-free version: 1 Tbsp ground flax + 2.5 Tbsp water, sit 5 mins)
1 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Frosting:

1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup (for extra sweetness for older toddlers)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Oven: 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 6-inch round pans or a single 6-inch pan. Line with parchment for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, milk, melted coconut oil/butter, vanilla, and egg. Whisk until smooth.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

4. Combine Wet & Dry

Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing = dense cake.

5. Bake

Divide batter between pans. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
Bake 20–25 minutes. Done when tops spring back lightly, edges pull slightly from pan, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool

Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges, invert, remove parchment, and cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Make Frosting

Stir Greek yogurt or softened cream cheese with vanilla (and optional maple syrup). Chill slightly to firm up.

8. Decorate & Celebrate

Frost cooled cake layers. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides.
Decorate with fresh fruit, banana slices, or a sprinkle of freeze-dried fruit powder.
Smash cake: Place for baby to explore, squish, and taste—messy, fun, and memorable!

Notes

Blueberry Bliss: Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or thawed blueberries.
Peanut Butter Protein Punch: Swap coconut oil for 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (for non-allergic kids).
Sweet Potato Spice: Use 1 cup pureed cooked sweet potato instead of banana; add 1 tsp cinnamon + pinch nutmeg.
Egg-Free & Dairy-Free: Use flax egg, plant milk, coconut oil, and coconut yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese.
Mini Muffins: Pour batter into a mini muffin tin; bake 12–15 mins—perfect for little hands!