A first birthday deserves something gentle and joyful. Many baby cake recipes create far more batter than one small child needs, especially when the goal is a simple and healthy moment. This mini oat smash cake is naturally sweetened, refined sugar free and baked in a small European sized tin. The texture is soft, the flavour is mild, and the look is beautifully natural. It is perfect for babies who are tasting cake for the first time and it photographs wonderfully in a cosy home setting.
Many families choose to celebrate this milestone with an at home photo session. This recipe suits those sessions because it stays modest in size and adds a soft and timeless touch to the images.
Ingredients for the cake
75 g oat flour, equal to ¾ cup
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
1 small pinch of salt
40 g unsalted butter, melted
60 ml maple syrup, equal to ¼ cup
1 egg
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 spoon of mashed berries, banana or apple for natural colour and extra softness.
Ingredients for the frosting
120 ml full fat Greek yogurt, equal to ½ cup
0.5 tablespoon maple syrup
A few drops of vanilla extract
Place the oat flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
In a separate bowl whisk the melted butter with the maple syrup, the egg and the vanilla.
Combine both bowls and mix gently until smooth. If the batter feels thick, add a small splash of milk or yogurt so it becomes easy to spoon into the tin.
Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. The cake is ready when the top looks lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Mix the yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla to create the frosting. Spread it over the cooled cake and decorate with a few berries or small edible flowers if you like a natural look.
You can bake this cake 1 day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add the frosting shortly before serving for the best texture. The recipe creates 1 small cake which is perfect for a first birthday moment. If you want a two layer cake for extra height in photos, simply repeat the recipe and stack the cakes with yogurt frosting between them.
This cake works well for babies who have already tried eggs and dairy. The sweetness comes only from maple syrup which gives a gentle flavour suitable for a first birthday.
Soft yogurt frosting, pale oat tones and simple decoration create a timeless and honest look in photographs. There is no artificial colouring and nothing overwhelming. The focus remains on your baby, their curiosity and their joy. This quiet authenticity is exactly what I aim to capture in my at home sessions.
If you would like to document your child’s first birthday, I offer relaxed and personal photography sessions in your home. Being at home helps babies feel safe, comfortable and free to explore. I capture natural moments, small details and the real atmosphere of your family life.
You can explore my maternity, newborn, baby and family sessions on my website and you are welcome to get in touch for a personalised experience. You can also find more inspiration on Instagram at @_ola_lab.
I visited the Negenmaandenbeurs in Amsterdam 2026 for the first time this year. What stayed were small gestures, fragile stories, and the enduring power of heirlooms. A reflection on memory, motherhood, and why I photograph at all.
