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Toddler Birthday Cake: Healthy Banana Oat Smash Cake - A Soft, Simple First Cake

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better—this adds natural sweetness)
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for egg-free: 2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds nice flavor)
  • 2 cups oat flour (blend rolled oats to a fine flour if you don’t have oat flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy), as needed for batter consistency
  • For the frosting: 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt + 1–2 tablespoons cream cheese or thick coconut cream for stability
  • Optional toppings: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, banana coins, or a light sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut

Method
 

  1. Prep your pans: Grease and line two 6-inch round cake pans (or one 8-inch pan) with parchment. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make oat flour: If using rolled oats, blend them until very fine. Measure 2 cups after blending for accuracy.
  3. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Whisk in eggs, applesauce, and vanilla.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, stir together oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Bring it together: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. If the batter seems very thick, add 2–3 tablespoons milk to loosen. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
  6. Fill and smooth: Divide batter evenly between the two 6-inch pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake: Bake for 18–24 minutes, or until the centers are set and a toothpick comes out clean. An 8-inch pan may take 22–28 minutes.
  8. Cool completely: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack. Cool fully before frosting to avoid melting.
  9. Make the frosting: Stir yogurt with cream cheese (or coconut yogurt with coconut cream) until smooth and thick. For extra firmness, strain yogurt in a fine sieve or cheesecloth for 20–30 minutes.
  10. Assemble: Place one layer on a plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting, add a few thin fruit slices if you like, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides lightly.
  11. Chill briefly: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set the frosting. Add simple fruit decorations right before serving.
  12. Serve: Present as a smash cake or slice into soft wedges for sharing.