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Air Fryer Smash Cake

Name: Air Fryer Smash Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup hot water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanillla extract; 1 cup frosting; sprinkles

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Air Fryer Smash Cake — Every child’s first birthday is an exciting time for parents, grandparents, and other family members.

The day that you brought your little one into the world should be celebrated mainly! One tradition that has stood the test of time is smashing cake into their tiny face. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to celebrate this milestone event in style, here are ten fun ideas to get started!

This small chocolate cake is perfect for your one-year-old’s first birthday. With its easy-to-make and straightforward instructions, you can have this dessert in no time!

A small smash cake will be an excellent treat to celebrate with the little ones on their big day of celebration – we know they’ll love it because our cakes never last long around here (that’s how good they are!).

Then again, who doesn’t like anything more than sweet treats?

1 Year Smash Cake Recipe

Celebrate your baby’s first birthday with this delightful and healthy smash cake! This recipe is designed with your little one in mind, using natural ingredients that are gentle on their tummy. The cake is made from simple ingredients like ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and whole wheat flour, making it both delicious and nutritious. It’s lightly sweetened with fruit, ensuring it’s perfect for baby’s first taste of cake. Top it with a smooth, yogurt-based frosting and some fresh fruit for a colorful and fun smash cake experience. Your baby will love getting messy and enjoying their special treat!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Smash Cake

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need for making a baby cake in air fryer:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cake, creating a soft and tender crumb that’s perfect for a baby’s first birthday.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake, ensuring it’s delicious and appealing for both babies and adults.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the cake a rich chocolate flavor, making it a delightful treat for a special celebration.
Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake to rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Hot Water: Helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and ensuring a smooth batter.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, ensuring a soft texture that’s easy for little ones to eat.
White Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and creates a lighter texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake, enhancing the overall taste and making it more enjoyable.

How To Make Smash Cake In Air Fryer

Here are the simple steps for making a air fryer baby cake:

Start by spraying your baking pans with non-stick cooking spray. Then, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix your wet ingredients. Slowly fold in your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix well.

Pour your cake batter into the prepared baking pan, about 2/3 way full. Set into the air fryer at 310 degrees F, air fryer setting for 8 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tips For Making Baby Cake In Air Fryer

Use a smaller pan that you are used to, today I used these, which are perfect for a mini-cake or smash cake
Check on your cake frequently during the cooking process; since every air fryer is slightly different, the time will vary by a few minutes.
Use a toothpick and stick it in the middle of the cake to ensure it’s perfectly cooked. If you find that the top is b growing too much and the inside is still raw, cover it tightly with aluminum foil.
These cakes can easily be frozen, ahead of time, then just frosted and decorated, on the day of serving.

Air Fryer Baby Cake Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular cake batter for an air fryer baby cake? Yes, you can use regular cake batter for an air fryer baby cake. Just ensure the portion size fits your air fryer basket, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller cakes may cook faster than larger ones.

What type of pan should I use for baking a cake in the air fryer? Use a small, oven-safe cake pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Silicone, metal, or ceramic pans work well. Ensure the pan is greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How long should I cook a baby cake in the air fryer? Cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model and cake size, but generally, a small baby cake should be cooked at 320°F (160°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.

Can I make a sugar-free or healthier version of the baby cake? Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like mashed bananas, applesauce, or honey. Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier version. Ensure any substitutions fit your dietary needs and the cake maintains a good texture.

What toppings or frostings are baby-friendly? Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey or mashed fruit makes a great baby-friendly frosting. Fresh fruit, such as berries or banana slices, can also be used as healthy and colorful toppings.

How do I store leftover baby cake? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Can I bake multiple layers in the air fryer? It’s best to bake single layers at a time for even cooking. If you need a layered cake, bake each layer separately and then stack them with frosting or filling in between.

How can I make the cake more festive for a birthday? Decorate the cake with colorful sprinkles (ensure they are baby-friendly), fresh fruit, or a yogurt-based frosting. You can also use themed cake toppers or candles (with supervision).