When your little babe turns one, you may have to stop and wonder where the time went. The sleepless nights, the cuddles and snuggles, and the park days are all so fleeting. As you plan your celebration with friends and family, one thing to consider is the ingredients in the smash cake your little one will be consuming. My own children have multiple food allergies, and I'm also a snob when it comes to the foods they eat...so I decided to create my own paleo smash cake recipe, and list a few other alternative recipes for kids that aren't limited when it comes to allergies. We also try to avoid processed forms of sugar.
Many bakeries that use "cleaner" ingredients, still use processed forms of sugar, which leaves my kiddos bouncing off the wall after consuming a simple cupcake. The cakes that are often made at the majority of stores lack organic ingredients and are often made with dyes, vegetable or canolas oils and preservatives. For those of you that are as picky as I am when it comes to ingredients, you are going to love these suggestions! See my top favorite smash cake recipes below!
One thing to note, is to utilize as many organic ingredients as possible when baking from scratch. Using organic flour in baking, like in a smash cake recipe, has several benefits. Not only is it a healthier and more sustainable choice for both the environment and our bodies, it also ensures that we are not exposed to harmful chemicals and supports sustainable farming practices that are better for the planet. Organic flour is:
No harmful chemicals: Organic flour is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, which means that it is free from harmful chemicals that can potentially cause health problems.
Better for the environment: Organic farming practices are better for the environment as they promote healthy soil and biodiversity. Organic farmers also avoid the use of genetically modified seeds and protect pollinators, such as bees.
More nutrients: Organic flour is generally higher in nutrients than conventionally grown flour because it is grown in soil that is richer in minerals and nutrients.
No artificial additives: Organic flour does not contain any artificial additives, such as preservatives or bleaching agents, which can be harmful to health.
Better taste: Many people find that organic flour has a better taste and texture than conventionally grown flour. Organic flour is also less processed, which means that it retains more of its natural flavor.
Fresh Fruit Smash Cake
Ingredients:
1 cup organic oat flour
1/2 cup organic coconut flour
1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup organic coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup organic almond milk
1 tsp organic vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-inch cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate the cake with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries, or organic frosting made with coconut cream and maple syrup.
Notes:
If your child has a nut allergy, you can substitute the almond milk with another non-dairy milk, such as oat milk or rice milk.
You can also substitute the coconut sugar with another natural sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey, if you prefer.
This recipe can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Fresh Fruit Smash Cake (Gluten Free)
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can replace the oat flour with gluten-free oat flour or any other gluten-free flour of your choice. Why allergen-free? Food allergies are common in children, and it is essential to take precautions to avoid triggering an allergic reaction. The recipes listed below is allergen friendly, meaning they does not contain any of the most common allergens, such as dairy, wheat, soy, or eggs. You can always swap out ingredients or find a substitution in order to accommodate your child. Here's the modified recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup gluten-free oat flour or gluten free flour of your choice
1/2 cup organic coconut flour
1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup organic coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup organic almond milk (or any non-dairy milk of your choice)
1 tsp organic vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-inch cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free oat flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate the cake with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries, or organic frosting made with coconut cream and maple syrup.
Notes
Make sure to use certified gluten-free oat flour if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
You can also substitute the coconut sugar with another natural sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey, if you prefer.
This recipe can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Coconut Chocolate Smash Cake
1 large baked sweet potato (1 cupmashed), cooled
1/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill coconut flour
2 tablespoons beef tallow, melted (measure before melting)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 chia egg or utilize egg replacer
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Dairy Free Frosting
1 ripe medium avocado, pitted
1/4 cup coconut milk or cream, room temp
1/4 cup carob powder
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Notes
This recipe can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Sweet Potato Carrot Smash Cake
2 large/medium sweet potatoes
4 large eggs or utilize egg replacer
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2/3 cup honey
2/3 cup coconut oil
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup raisins
Frosting
2 medium/large peeled white sweet potatoes
1 1/4 cup maple syrup
2/3 cup coconut oil
2 large lemons juice & zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt
Notes
This recipe can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
I hope you enjoy whichever smash cake recipe you choose! If you've tried one of these recipes, let me know in the comments below. Also, if you document it on social, tag me! I would love to see it. I hope your little one has an AMAZING first birthday (and these are great for older kids too).