Make Baby's Birthday a Smash

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Nov 28, 2013) - (Family Features) For many parents, a baby's first birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without a messy, hands-on cake tasting. According to a recent Betty Crocker survey conducted by KRC Research, 58 percent of moms think watching the birthday baby scoop, smear and smash their first cake is the most memorable moment of the party.

To make baby's birthday festivities extra special, Betty Crocker has created a collection of pint-sized, first birthday smash cake recipes designed to catch baby's eyes -- and hands -- on their big day. Baking up these adorable cakes for your little one is simple -- visit www.bettycrocker.com/smashcakes for more recipe ideas and smash cake inspiration.

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottom only of 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray, and place paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth. Place 1 3/4 cups batter into loaf pan. Spoon remaining batter into muffin cups.

Bake loaf cake 35 to 40 minutes and cupcakes 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. For easier handling, refrigerate or freeze loaf cake 30 to 60 minutes or until firm.

Stir together 1/2 cup frosting and green food color to desired color. Spoon green frosting into decorating bag fitted with small round tip; set aside.

Trim rounded top off loaf cake. Place loaf cake cut side down on plate. Trim cake into number one shape using template as guide. Frost sides and top of cake with white frosting. Pipe green frosting into stripes on cake. Use remaining frosting to frost cupcakes.

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottom only of 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray, and place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, bananas, oil, water and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth. Place 1 3/4 cups batter into loaf pan. Spoon remaining batter into muffin cups.

Bake loaf cake 35 to 40 minutes and cupcakes 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. For easier handling, refrigerate or freeze loaf cake 30 to 60 minutes or until firm.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese and yogurt with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Stir in baby food until well blended.

Trim rounded top off loaf cake. Using 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut 2 rounds from loaf cake. Place one round cake cut side up on plate. Spread cut side with cream cheese frosting. Top with remaining round cake, cut side down.

Frost sides and top of cake with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with peas. Use remaining frosting to frost cupcakes, if desired. Store cake and cupcakes loosely covered in refrigerator.

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