First birthday smash cakes are a fun and messy way to celebrate a baby's first birthday. These small cakes are designed for the little one to dig into and make a mess, capturing the joy and excitement of this milestone.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
When serving the smash cake, consider placing it on a high chair tray or other easy-to-clean surface. Have plenty of wet wipes on hand to clean up the inevitable mess.
You can also consider adding a small smash cake and a larger cake for the guests, so your little one can have their moment to shine without overwhelming the entire celebration.