This wholesome vegan smash cake is made without eggs or dairy, using banana and plant-based ingredients for a nutritious and baby-friendly birthday treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1 ripe mashed banana
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil (melted vegan butter works too)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or date syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup coco whip (vegan whipped topping)
- 1 cup plain vegan yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
How To Make a Vegan Smash Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease three 6-inch round cake pans with oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed banana, applesauce, plant-based milk, melted oil, maple syrup, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add the flour and mix well until a smooth batter forms.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three cake pans.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cakes cool, mix coco whip, vegan yogurt, and maple syrup to make the frosting. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let it stiffen.
- To assemble, spread a small amount of frosting (about the size of two quarters) on your serving plate. Place the first cake layer on top, then spread about ½ inch of frosting over it.
- Repeat with the second cake layer and frosting, then add the third layer and frost the top.
- Frost the outside of the cake for a classic finish, or leave it “naked style” with exposed sides. Decorate as you like.
- Serve this sweet vegan smash cake to your little one and enjoy their first birthday celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead. Store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Prepare the frosting the day of or the day before and keep it refrigerated. Assemble and frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Yes! I have a classic vanilla smash cake recipe made with eggs, butter, and cream cheese frosting. It’s slightly less sweet and more nutritious than traditional recipes. Let me know if you want me to share it with you!
Absolutely! Storebought frosting like Miss Jones Baking Co. is a great option if you want a quick and clean alternative. Just be sure to check ingredients if you want to keep it vegan or baby-friendly.
You can use natural powders or purees to color your frosting gently and healthfully. Here are some of my favorites:
Watkins natural food colors - easy to use and vibrant
Sweet potato puree - soft orange or peach hue
Spinach powder or puree - green
Spirulina powder - deep blue
Dragonfruit powder or puree - bright pink or red
Turmeric - yellow
Add a little at a time until you reach your desired color. Natural colors tend to be more subtle but add beautiful, wholesome tones.
Vegan Smash Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Vegan Smash Cake Ingredients
- 1 ripe mashed bananas
- ½ cup applesauce, unsweetened
- 1 cup almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil melted vegan butter will also work
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or date syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups regular or gluten-free all purpose flour
For The Frosting
- 1 cup coco whip
- 1 cup vegan plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
How To Make a Vegan Smash Cake
- Begin by preheating the oven to 325. Grease 3 small (6 inch) round cake pans with oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine your mashed banana, applesauce, milk, oil, maple syrup, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla. Then, add the flour and mix well.
- Transfer the batter evenly into three cake rounds and bake them in the oven for 25 minutes or until they are completely cooked through the center.
- Remove them from the cake pans and let them cool on a wire rack.
- While the cakes cool, combine the coco whip, yogurt, and maple syrup to create the frosting. Let this sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to stiffen.
- When you're ready to frost, spread a small amount of frosting (about the size of two quarters) on your serving dish. Place the first cake layer on top, then spread about ½ inch thick frosting over the top. Repeat with the second layer and frosting, then add the third layer and frost the top.
- Frost the outside of the cake for a classic look, or leave “naked style” with exposed sides. Decorate as you wish. Serve to your sweet little one for their first birthday smash cake!
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