What Size Are Smash Cakes? A Comprehensive Guide
If you are preparing for your baby’s first birthday and you are asking the question, “What Size Are Smash Cakes?” then, you are in the right place. Deciding on the right size for a smash cake can sometimes prove a little challenging, however, you are in the right place.
Here, we will discuss all the necessary information on the smash cake sizes to ensure your child’s special day is a success. Well, are you ready to go straight to the point and discover the appropriate size for that cute cake smash session? Read on to know all the secrets and strategies!
What is a Smash Cake?
Smash cakes are small cakes intended for one-year-olds to destroy during a photo session. Parents often get two cakes for a first birthday: a birthday cake for the guests and a cake for the baby to destroy or rather ‘smash’ as the phrase goes.
Fadi Jaber, owner of The Cakeroom in Washington DC replies, “Customers order them by that name. We sell three to five per week.” These cakes are fun, tender, and often match the party theme, making them easy for babies to break apart.
Smash cakes are great for cute pictures as babies get to taste cake for the first time in a fun, destructive manner. It is whether to bake one at home or to buy one from a bakery, the idea is to ensure that the baby gets to have a wonderful time with his or her own cake.
What Size Are Smash Cakes?
Smash cakes are normally made by most bakers in a four-inch diameter. Megan Sesil, the manager at Padoca Bakery in New York City, added, “This is the smallest cake we make, and proportionally it is so cute! It is also easy for tiny hands to pick up. I think it is the perfect size for a 1-year-old.”
If you want a larger cake you can easily do that, just let us know in advance. As for photo sessions, some parents asked to order larger cakes, for instance, 6” or even 8”, – says Sesil. ‘So we have begun to incorporate the 6” into the usual products that we offer.’ “
Ingredients of Smash Cake
For the most part, bakers who make a smash cake go ahead and use their normal cake recipes. “Each of our cakes has a base and a filling of cake, a softer variety such as vanilla mascarpone, and is topped with Italian meringue buttercream,” explains Sesil.
However, if your child is allergic to certain foods, bakers should be able to accommodate the situation. “Egg allergies are very frequent in children at the age of one year, that is why there is an egg-free option,” Sesil explains. They also cater to persons with special needs such as the nut allergic persons. In case your child has severe allergies, ensure that you pass the information to the baker in a clear and concise manner.
As for sugar, smash cakes do not differ from other cakes and contain the same amount of sugar. The majority of the frosting winds up on the baby’s hands and face instead of in his or her mouth. “Parents shouldn’t stress too much about the sugar from a smash cake,” says Heidi Schauster, MS, RD, LDN, a nutrition therapist.
Kim Shapira, MS, RD, a nutritional therapist, also supports this opinion and adds that a little sugar will not make a person an addict. “If you do not offer sweet products on a constant basis, you do not have to be concerned Smash cake is a part of the fun of the birthday and you should not feel guilty about it,” she further says.
Other Options for Smash Cake
The following are some options you may wish to take if you are not comfortable with your child having to take cake and frosting that is sweet: You can either bake a better one for yourself or you can find a bakehouse that has special cakes that are free from allergens and low in sugar.
Here are some easy ingredient swaps that can help make a healthier smash cake, as suggested by nutritional therapist Kim Shapira:
- Cut down on sugar by using substitutes such as applesauce or mashed bananas.
- Replace white flour with whole wheat, almond, or coconut flour for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce or yogurt in order to cut down on fat.
- Use whipped coconut cream instead of frosting to reduce the amount of sugar and use fruit puree instead of cream-based frostings.
You might also consider different types of cakes that are naturally lower in sugar and fat:
- Angel Food Cake: This cake is light, fluffy and in most cases has a low fat content which makes it ideal for a healthier smash cake.
- 1/4 Sheet Cake: Mini cakes are ideal than full-sized cakes if you are concerned with the number of portions that you will take.
Are you still not convinced to use the traditional cake? If you don’t feel ready to give your child a cake yet, then you can build a sculpture from your child’s favorite healthy foods. You can try dishes like freeze Chocolate Cake or cake pops, which are both small and beautiful and can help you decorate the birthday space to make it more splendid.
Tips for Choosing Smash Cakes
Choosing the right cake for a smash photo session is all about selecting between the beautiful and the functional. Here are five tips:
Choose Flavor
Smash cake has many flavors for you to choose from. You can choose vanilla instead of chocolate because it is more beautiful and when applied to the baby’s body, it will be more delicious
Avoid Fondant
Buttercream is more suitable for a cake smash as it makes the cake look messy and fun for the photoshoot, unlike the fondant.
Decorate Simply
Ensure that the design on the cake complements the backdrop of the photographer use simple designs on it, and do not overdo the use of food colors. The cake is a prop; your baby is the star.
Introduce Cake Early
Take your baby close to the cake to feel and taste it before the shoot so that you do not have to deal with the texture or the sweetness at the wrong time.
Choose the Right Size
It is recommended to use a 2-3 layer 6-inch round cake. While mini-cakes are rather awkward, the larger ones are too massive.
Smash Cake Examples
When it comes to designing a smash cake, the possibilities are endless. You can truly let your creativity shine. Their rainbow cake is especially popular because it’s not only visually stunning but also fun for little ones to “paint” with their hands. The bakery is also open to custom requests from parents and photographers. “The focus is mostly on the design and theme that match the party or photoshoot,” explains Sesil. “We also love seeing parents add their own toppers.”
Another popular idea is to match the design of the smash cake with the larger cake that will be served to guests. This creates a cohesive look for your party and makes the desserts visually appealing for both kids and adults. Check out some adorable smash cake designs for inspiration and let your imagination run wild!
Here are some smash cake ideas for you:
Watercolor Smash Cake
This smash cake features a trendy ombre watercolor design that’s almost too beautiful to let your little one touch. Its soft, blended colors create a modern, eye-catching look, perfect for photos before the cake is enjoyed.
Flower Smash Cake
Looking almost too lovely to eat, this smash cake is decorated with fresh flowers. Remember to remove the flowers before your baby starts smashing to ensure the cake is safe and delicious!
Fruit Smash Cake
Ideal for fall or winter celebrations, this smash cake is topped with vibrant fruit and aromatic elements. It offers a fresh, colorful look and a lighter, healthier option for your baby’s first birthday.
Pink Smash Cake
Even if you’re not a baking expert, icing florets can cover imperfections and give your cake a polished finish. A pink smash cake is perfect for a princess theme or any color you choose, adding a sweet touch to the celebration.
Woodland Smash Cake
For a rustic, outdoorsy theme, try a woodland-inspired smash cake designed to look like a birch log. Top it with cute forest animal figurines for a charming and creative touch.
Sprinkle Smash Cake
Kids adore sprinkles, and this sprinkle-covered smash cake is sure to be a hit! It’s not just visually appealing; it’s also easy to make.
Conclusion
Thus, how big are smash cakes? Now that you know all of these you can make the best decision for your baby’s special day. Whether you opt for a miniature cake for two people or a slightly bigger one to have a piece of cake, the main idea is to have the cake just right to capture the perfect photo.
