With a super simple method, no added sugar, and the most tender texture, this One-Year-Old Birthday Cake is perfect as a smash cake OR a cake to share. You can vary the flavor, make it ahead, and rely on the easy recipe to help enjoy the special day.
I have a range of birthday cakes for kids that I love, and I am so happy to add this One-Year-Old Birthday Cake to the list because it’s everything I want in a cake for a toddler: simple method, accessible ingredients, no added sugar, and tastes seriously delicious.
This simple layer cake can be made as a smash cake or as a baby cake for the birthday boy or girl or it can be shared by the baby and the rest of the family. It’s that good! You can vary the flavor according to what you prefer or have on hand. Plus the Yogurt Frosting on top is so creamy and yummy.
Try this as an easy first birthday party idea—and honestly, know that it works for any toddler birthday, whether the first one, second, third, or fourth!
(You may also like my Healthy Apple Cake, Vegan Vanilla Cake, and Blueberry First Birthday Cake.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy One-Year-Old Birthday Cake so you know what to have on hand and ready to go.
- Yogurt: Yogurt forms the base of this one year old birthday cake and adds richness and moisture to create a very tender crumb. I use plain whole milk yogurt because it’s affordable and accessible.
- Bananas: I add very ripe banana to the base of the cake to add sweetness and tenderness. To ensure the best flavor, be sure that the banana is very ripe or even over ripe with a lot of brown spots.
- Vanilla extract: Adding vanilla extract to the batter adds a nice flavor note. You can use pure or imitation vanilla here.
- Flour: Using all-purpose flour in this recipe ensures that the final result is light and tender. You can use a 1:1 style of gluten-free flour if desired, or whole wheat pastry flour.
- Baking powder and baking soda: To ensure that the cakes bake through and rise as expected, be sure to use fresh baking powder and baking soda.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of the process of making this One Year Old Birthday Cake so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. In a large bowl, stir together the liquid ingredients, including well mashed bananas, with a whisk or a spatula.
Step 2. Add the dry ingredients. Gently stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture to make a uniform cake batter.
Step 3. Pour half of the batter into each of the prepared round cake pans.
Step 4. Bake until the cakes are risen and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out cleanly. Cool completely on wire racks and frost.
TIP: I prefer to use Yogurt Frosting with this cake, but you can also use my Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting or plain Cream Cheese Frosting. You can add sprinkles or berries, too, if you’d like.
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure that a cake is easy for baby to eat, I prefer ones that are very moist and tender. Like this one year old birthday cake recipe, which gets it’s tenderness from banana and yogurt.
Yes, for the vast majority of one year olds, a smash cake for a first birthday is a fun way to celebrate the day. (Many love to get their hands messy, while others may be unsure of what you are wanting them to do with their food!)
I always like to use a cake flavor that is one of baby’s favorite foods, so I’m using classic banana here.
Frosting for Kids Birthday Cakes
These are my go-to easy frostings to use to top a one-year-old birthday cake or your healthy smash cake recipe. Each has minimal added sweetener to make them both low sugar and yummy. You can add a little maple syrup if you’d like.
How to Store
Once cooled, store the One-Year-Old Birthday Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the cut first birthday cakes in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in 15-second increments in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
- This bakes best in a metal pans, rather than glass.
- Dairy-free: Use a nondairy yogurt and a neutral oil like canola in place of the butter.
- Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of the wheat flour.
- Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Reduce the yogurt to ¼ cup. Add ¼ cup milk. Proceed with the recipe.
- Use thick applesauce, apple butter, or Sweet Potato Baby Food Puree in place of the banana.
- These plant-based sprinkles from India Tree are pretty and are my favorite baking essential to use for decorating cakes.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Favorite One-Year-Old Birthday Cake
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk plain yogurt
- ¾ cup mashed very ripe banana (about 2 medium)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Yogurt Frosting (or other desired frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat two 6-inch metal round baking pans with nonstick spray (or you can use one 9-inch round pan). Trace the pans onto parchment paper and cut the rounds out. Trim as needed to fit and place inside of each pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, banana, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture.
- Pour half of the batter into each of the prepared pans. You will use about 1½ cups batter in each pan.
- Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly. Let cool for 2 minutes in the pan, then carefully invert onto wire racks. Remove the parchment paper rounds and cool completely.
- Top with desired frosting.
Notes
- Once cooled, store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze the cut cake in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in 15 second increments in the microwave.
- This bakes best in a metal pan, rather than glass.
- Dairy-free: Use a nondairy yogurt and a neutral oil like canola in place of the butter.
- Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of the wheat flour.
- Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Reduce the yogurt to ¼ cup. Add ¼ cup milk. Proceed with the recipe.
- Top with Yogurt Frosting, Cream Cheese Frosting or Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting if desired.
This cake was great for my daughter for her first bday. No added sugar which is what I was looking for. I added cinnamon
I’m so glad to hear that and I hope it was a happy day!