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Smash Cake

A delightful single-serving cake perfect for first birthdays, soft and easy for little ones to enjoy.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 1 cake
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a few drops food coloring optional

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Smash cake mold or small ramekin
  • Muffin tin
  • Oven thermometer
  • Offset spatula or butter knife
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your smash cake mold by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In another small bowl, beat the softened butter with a fork or whisk for about one minute until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg to the creamed butter and mix well, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or fork, stirring just until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared smash cake mold, filling it about three-quarters full.
  7. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove the smash cake from the oven and let it cool in the mold for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cake cools, beat the softened butter in a clean bowl for about one minute until pale and fluffy.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.
  11. Add the cream or milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.
  12. Once the cake is completely cool, spread or swirl the frosting generously over the top and sides.
  13. Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh berries if desired.

Notes

Make the smash cake a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until shortly before the celebration; this will help the frosting hold its shape during photos.