1st birthday cake decorating recipe—perfect for celebrating that precious milestone!

You blinked and just like that, your baby is one. Cue the confetti, because this 1st birthday cake is about to steal the show—and it’s riiight out of the oven with heart-melting sweetness!

Why this recipe is awesome

This cake is baby-friendly, easy-peasy to make, and photo-ready for the cutest #firstbirthday pics. It’s soft, lightly sweetened, and just eye-catching enough to wow everyone—even the grandparents (no sugar overload here, promise!).

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• ¾ cup organic sugar (or sub honey if baby-safe)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (adds moisture)
• 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese + 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk (low-sugar!)

Tools & kitchen gadgets used

• 6″ round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake stand
• Offset spatula
• Piping bag & round tip

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Step‑by‑step instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 6″ pan.
2. Mix dry: flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, salt in a bowl.
3. Beat wet: sugar, eggs, applesauce, butter, milk, vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine wet + dry, stir gently until no streaks.
5. Pour into pan, smooth top.
6. Bake 25–30 min until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan 10 min, then transfer to a rack.
8. Frosting: whip cream cheese, sugar, milk until silky.
9. Assemble: frost cake, use piping bag to add cute dots or swirls.

Calories & Nutritional Info

• ~250 kcal per small slice
• Nutritional notes:
  • Lower in refined sugars
  • Protein from eggs & milk
  • Fruit-sweetened for gentle sweetness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking cake → dry crumb (stick to time)!
• Too-thick frosting → hard for baby to taste—thin with milk!
• Skipping cooling stage → frosting melts all over. Chill before decorating, IMO.

Variations & Customizations

1. Fruit addition: swirl pureed banana or layered with mashed berries.
2. Gluten-free: use GF flour blend so baby (or guests) digest easy.
3. Nut-free: no change needed—naturally nut-free and gentle for allergies.

FAQ Section

1. Is this cake baby-safe? Yes—low sugar, gentle ingredients, no raw sugars.
2. Can I freeze the cake? Absolutely—layers freeze well for up to 1 month unfrosted.
3. How long with frosting stay fresh? Up to 3 days refrigerated.
4. Can I decorate with fresh fruit? Yes—soft berries make cute, healthy toppings.
5. Is cream cheese frosting okay? For tiny tasting parties—yes, but store leftovers.
6. Can I make cupcakes instead? Definitely—bake 18–20 minutes into liners.
7. How do I get clean edges? Chill cake 15 mins after crumb coat for sharp finish.

Final Thoughts

This 1st birthday cake has heart, sweetness, and just enough charm to make baby’s milestone unforgettable. Snap those photos, let tiny frosting fingers go wild—and hey, lab-tested cuteness guaranteed. Store-bought who?