Refined Sugar Free Banana Smash Cake
A refined sugar free banana smash cake naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and applesauce, made with whole wheat or oat flour, eggs, and milk, and frosted with a light greek yogurt cream cheese frosting or a richer peanut butter cream cheese version. Baby friendly, soft and tender, and completely nourishing for your little one's first birthday smash cake celebration.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 medium ripe bananas mashed
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce optional, adds moisture and extra sweetness
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk or unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour for a softer, gluten-free option
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
For the frosting:
- ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt or plain coconut yogurt
- 2-3 tbs cream cheese or coconut cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional for adults tasting it too: 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or mashed banana
For a Richer Option:
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 4-inch round cake pans (or one 6-inch pan) and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Whisk in applesauce, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before removing from pans and frosting.
- Make the frosting: Stir together yogurt, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. If it’s too soft, chill for 20 minutes before spreading.
- Assemble: Spread frosting between layers and on top. Decorate simply with banana slices or berries.
For the richer option frosting:
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat all ingredients together until fluffy and smooth. Chill before using for easier spreading.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- For babies under one year, skip any added sweetener in the frosting.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk and coconut yogurt.
- For a firmer frosting, use more cream cheese or chilled coconut cream.
- Store leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- First birthday photoshoots
- Smash cake sessions
- Healthier first birthday parties