Berry First Birthday Cake – A Delightful Smash Cake for Your Sweet One
Berry First Birthday Cake: A Sweet Celebration for Your Little One
Key Info:
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 1 (6-inch smash cake)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Dietary: Vegetarian (can be adapted)
Equipment Needed:
– 6-inch round cake pan
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups/spoons
– Offset spatula
– Whisk
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1½ teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Wet Ingredients:
– 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (3-4 bananas)
– ⅓ cup neutral oil
– ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Natural pink food coloring (optional)
Decorations:
– 8-10 fresh strawberries
– Edible flowers or mint leaves
– Cake topper
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your 6-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Add oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix – this keeps the cake tender!
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cake completely on a wire rack (at least 30 minutes).
- Whip cream to stiff peaks. Add sugar and optional pink coloring if desired.
- Frost the cooled cake, creating smooth or textured sides as you prefer.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, edible flowers, and your special topper.
Crucial Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter – this creates a tough cake
- Ensure cake is completely cool before frosting
- Pat berries dry before decorating to prevent weeping
- Refrigerate cake if not serving immediately
Variations:
- Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries
Storage:
- Refrigerate for 1-2 days
- Best served same day
- Cover to prevent drying out
Dietary Notes:
- Contains: Wheat, eggs, dairy
- Can be adapted for various dietary needs
- Naturally sweetened with fruit
Pro Tips:
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness
- Crush freeze-dried berries finely for even distribution
- Natural food coloring works best for a soft pink hue
Why This Cake is Perfect for a First Birthday:
- Low in refined sugar
- Packed with fruit nutrients
- Adorable and Instagram-worthy
- Gentle on baby’s first cake experience
Safety Note:
Always check for potential allergies before serving to babies or young children.
A Sweet Moment Captured:
This isn’t just a cake – it’s a memory in the making. Watch your little one’s face light up with that first magical bite!
