Time flies and your little one is nearly one! How on earth did that happen?! With their special day fast approaching, I’ve got some great hassle-free ideas for a 1st birthday cake.
For such an occasion there’s enough to think about as it is, so this may just help make your life that little bit simpler. It’s very easy to get caught up in Pinterest peer pressure. Yes, it’s a great place to look for ideas but be mindful not to feel you have to produce anything quite as intricate and glorious as you find there. Whatever you produce will be made with love. Remember, the birthday child is not going to critique the cake like Paul Hollywood. To be fair, your little one is probably not going to be too interested in the actual cake anyway so be prepared for that and adjust your baking expectations accordingly.
Easy ideas for a 1st birthday cake
There are so many great cake ideas for even the most reluctant home-baker. Have a read through these suggestions and see which one suits you best.
- If you’re baking from scratch then you can’t go wrong with an easy bake hedgehog cake. Who didn’t have one of these in their childhood? Or simpler still, use a packet mix. Honestly, who is going to tell the difference? This Betty Crocker recipe is ideal. With a total time of 1 hour 15 minutes, it can be made even if you’re tight on time.
- If you think creating a cute hedgerow creature from cake is beyond you, and want something simpler, I have one word for you: traybake. Traybake is your friend. Pop the cake mix in a rectangular tin, no shaping required. Simply cover with icing and spell out the birthday child’s name in Smarties.
- Or bake your traybake, then cut it into the shape of a number 1 (nice & easy straight lines!) – top with sprinkles, sweets, macarons, fruit, edible flowers etc. Whatever you fancy, or whatever is their favourite treat. Easy to make it look as simple or as elaborate as you like.
- To avoid the cake cutting and portioning once the candle’s been blown out, bake (or buy!) a batch of cupcakes. Make sure you have enough for one for each guest and a couple spare. Then simply arrange on a plate or board in the shape of a number 1.
- Similarly, buy a box of donuts and pile them high.
Got something more adventurous in mind?
- But if you want to have a go at baking something more advanced, but don’t trust your sculpting skills, you can hire shaped cake tins from cake shops, party shops, supermarkets even. Usually you can choose from a variety of styles. Letters, numbers, or animals and vehicles. No carving necessary. Bake your batter in the prepared tin and once it’s cool you can ice it.
- Repeat after me: There is no shame in using a packet mix. Most food stores will sell them. Just check what you’ll need to add, most likely an egg or some vegetable oil.
- If you simply cannot face baking a thing, or are just too pushed for time, then shop-bought is the answer. Again, a huge variety to choose from in just about every supermarket, so you can find something to suit your budget, whether you opt for a cute chocolate caterpillar or classic Victoria sponge.
Easy decorations
Any cake – homemade or shop-bought – can be transformed with a number 1 candle or simply just a single candle. For more impact there are plenty of toppers available. Again, you can buy a Happy Birthday topper in most supermarkets, maybe even newsagents. Or you can splurge a little more and buy personalised ones from Etsy or notonthehighstreet. Check delivery times though, because you don’t want to be disappointed if you’re ordering last minute.
Do bear in mind, unless you have loads of children coming to a party, make sure the cake is adult friendly, as there is bound to be lots leftover.
Or how about a Cake Smash?
Of course, you can always rely on me to help you celebrate such a special birthday. Perhaps you have heard of a Cake Smash but are unsure what’s involved. Head over to What is a Cake Smash? This should explain everything.
It sounds amazing! How do I book in?
If you are interested in booking a Cake Smash session with Samphire Photography there are plenty of ways you can do that. You can email me on info@samphirephotography.co.uk or you can call me on 07989 594236 to discuss. Alternatively you can get in touch through the Contact form or book in directly right here.
I look forward to hearing from you, whichever way you choose xx
SAMPHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY | HORSHAM PHOTOGRAPHER | SPECIALISING IN NEWBORN, BABY AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY
