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Smash Cake

A tiny, tender vanilla cake perfect for a first birthday photo-op, sturdy enough for little hands yet delicious for adults to sneak a bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1 individual cake
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk or buttermilk
Frosting (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 –2 drops food coloring optional

Equipment

  • 4–6 inch ramekin or small cake pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
  • oven
  • cooling rack or plate
  • piping bag and tip (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 4–6-inch ramekin or small cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl cream softened butter with granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Stir in half of the dry ingredients, add milk, then fold in the remaining dry ingredients just until no streaks of flour remain.
  6. Transfer batter to the prepared ramekin, filling it about two-thirds full and smoothing the top.
  7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the ramekin for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and let cool completely, about 10 minutes.
  9. For optional frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, then add vanilla, salt, and food coloring if using.
  10. Spread or pipe frosting over the cooled cake, decorate as desired, and serve.

Notes

Bake the cake the morning of the party and frost just before photos for the freshest look and taste.