A 1st birthday is a major milestone worth celebrating, and a cake smash photoshoot is the perfect way to capture all the messy, adorable fun! But before your little one dives in, choosing the right cake is key to ensuring the session is both photogenic and baby-friendly.
Here’s everything you need to know about picking the perfect cake for your baby’s big day.
1. Keep It Simple but Stunning
When it comes to cake smash sessions, less is more. Simple, clean designs photograph beautifully and let the focus stay on your baby and their adorable reactions. Consider:
Pastel Colours: Soft pinks, blues, or yellows are timeless and add a sweet pop of colour without overwhelming the scene.
Minimal Decorations: Avoid elaborate details like heavy fondant or large toppers—they’re tricky for babies to smash and eat. Instead, opt for light buttercream swirls or a subtle sprinkle of decorations.
Minimal cakes keep the focus on your child's cute expressions. © Amy Tong Photography
2. The Perfect Size
A small, single-tier cake is ideal for a cake smash. Aim for something about 6 inches in diameter—big enough for baby to dive into but not so large that it overwhelms them or takes forever to clean up.
3. Soft and Smushy Textures
Babies love to explore textures with their hands, so a cake with soft, easily smashable icing and sponge is best. Think:
Buttercream Frosting: It’s soft, creamy, and easy for little fingers to dig into. Plus, it creates a gorgeous "smeared" look in photos.
Naked or Semi-Naked Cakes: These cakes have minimal icing, making them less messy and perfect for a natural, rustic aesthetic.
4. Baby-Safe Ingredients
Keep your baby’s safety in mind when selecting a cake:
Avoid nuts, honey, or any ingredients that could be choking hazards or allergens.
Stick to simple flavours like vanilla or banana, which are gentle on little tummies.
If your baby has any food sensitivities, communicate this with your baker to ensure the cake is safe.
5. Don’t Forget Colour Contrast
Consider how the cake will complement your photoshoot setup:
A light-coloured cake works well with bright or pastel-themed shoots.
A chocolate or red cakes should be avoided (unless you're after a Halloween horror theme!)
6. DIY or Professional Baker?
DIY Cakes: If you love baking, a simple homemade cake can be a heartfelt and budget-friendly option. Bonus: you control every ingredient!
Professional Bakers: They can create stunning designs and ensure the cake is baby-friendly. Many are experienced with cake smash requests and know exactly what works best.
Bonus Tip: Bring a Backup
While most babies dive right in, some can be hesitant with new textures or flavours. Bring a small cupcake or extra snacks to help encourage interaction with the cake if needed.
Otherwise, if you worry that your baby won't like cake at all, or would like your child to have a healthier option, try bringing a quarter-cut piece of watermelon.
A 1st birthday cake smash is a celebration of all the joyful chaos that comes with this milestone. The right cake can elevate the entire experience, creating magical memories and stunning photos.
When you book a cake smash session with us, we’re happy to guide you on cake choices, backdrop styling, and more to ensure the session is as sweet as your little one.
Ready to celebrate your baby’s big milestone? Get in touch today to book your 1st birthday cake smash photoshoot! 🎂✨
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