When it comes to your child’s first birthday, you want everything to be perfect. And that includes the cake! A first birthday cake smash is a special moment that you’ll want to remember forever. But what if you’re not a baker? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for baking a healthy cake for your child’s cake smash.
A cake smash is a photo shoot that typically takes place around your child’s first birthday. Your little one will sit or stand in front of a cake and dig in with their hands, smashing the cake all over their face! It’s messy, it’s fun, and it makes for some great photos.
What Size Cake Should I Bake?
A good rule of thumb is to bake a cake could be four or six inches in diameter. A two ( or even three) layered cake will look good on photos. This will give you enough cake to feed up to 12 people. And don’t worry, your baby won’t be eating the whole thing!
How Do I Make a Healthy Cake?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your child’s cake is healthy. First, use whole wheat flour instead of white flour. You can also substitute applesauce or Greek yogurt for some of the oil or butter in the recipe. And finally, make sure to use fresh fruit instead of sugary jams or frostings.
Here are a couple more nuggets for your interest :
1. Whole wheat flour: This type of flour is packed with nutrients and fiber, which makes it a great choice for a healthier cake. If you’re looking for an even healthier option, you can substitute part or all of the whole wheat flour for almond flour.
2. Unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce is a great way to add moisture to a cake without using additional oil or butter. You can use it in place of oil or butter in most recipes, or you can use it to cut down on the amount of sugar in a recipe. Just note that using unsweetened applesauce will result in a less sweet cake.
3.Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is another ingredient that helps keep cakes moist without adding extra fat. It also adds protein, which makes it a great choice for breakfast or snack cakes. You can use it in place of oil or butter, or you can use it to replace some of the eggs in a recipe. Just be sure to use plain Greek yogurt so that your cake doesn’t end up too tangy.
4. Banana: Bananas are not only delicious, but they’re also a great way to add sweetness and moisture to a cake without using additional sugar or oil. Just be sure to use ripe bananas so that your cake doesn’t end up too dense. You can also use mashed prunes in place of banana if you’re looking for an even healthier option.
5.’Better’ oils: When it comes to baking, not all oils are created equal. Some oils, like olive oil and avocado oil, are packed with healthy fats that can actually help improve your cholesterol levels when used in moderation. If you’re looking for a healthier option for your cakes, try using one of these ‘better’ oils in place of butter or vegetable oil.
6.’Natural’ sweeteners: There are many ‘natural’ sweeteners on the market these days that are made from fruits, vegetables, and even herbs. These include agave nectar, honey, stevia, and date syrup. If you’re looking for a way to cut down on the sugar in your cakes without sacrificing sweetness, try using one of these natural sweeteners in place of white sugar.
7.”Cake” spices: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and gingerbread spice not only add flavor to cakes but they can also mimic the taste of sweetness without adding additional sugar. So if you’re looking for a way to make your cake a little bit healthier, try adding some of these ‘cake’ spices to the mix.
8.”Healthy” frosting: Frosting doesn’t have to be loaded with sugar and fat to taste good – there are many ‘healthy’ frosting options out there made with ‘better’ ingredients like Greek yogurt, avocado, and even bean purees. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional frosting, try one of these ‘healthy’ frosting recipes the next time you bake a cake
9..Nix the icing: I know – I just talked about how awesome ‘healthy’ frosting can be . But sometimes , just going sans icing altogether can be the healthiest (and tastiest!) option . Try serving your next cake with fresh fruit , yogurt , or even whipped cream instead . Your waistline (and taste buds) will thank you !
With these tips, you’re well on your way to baking a healthy and delicious cake for your child’s first birthday cake smash! Just remember to have fun and enjoy the messiness. After all, that’s what this special day is all about!
