How to Choose a Smash Cake for Your 1 Year Old
Cake Smash for Your One Year Milestone Session
I’m so excited to celebrate your little one’s first birthday with a cake smash! I’m happy to photograph it — all you need to do is bring the cake. Here’s what works best to make it look amazing on camera:
Cake Guidelines
Size & Shape: 5-6inch diameter, at least 4 inches tall — this gives a more dramatic look for the smash.
Icing: White or a very light color so it won’t stain teeth or clothes in photos.
Bottom Layer: Please avoid piping icing on the bottom tier — if there is pipping on the bottom I will not be able to transfer it without it smooshing all around the cake. Sprinkles or a plain bottom works perfectly. The part of the cake I use to transfer it we face to the back so you don’t see it.
Sponge: Soft sponge cake is a must so your baby can easily smash it.
Cake Stand: I have a 8-inch cake stand (cake can be no larger than 7 inches) and a 6.5 inch (cake can only be 5 inches - this one has a little lip) stand you’re welcome to use, as pictured. My 8 inch stand is sturdier.
Cake Topper: I have a “one” topper available for a couple of photos. It will be the first thing baby reaches for. So my goal is to get one photo of baby looking with the one in the photo then we remove it. If that can’t be done safely we will remove it earlier. You’re welcome to bring your own topper if you prefer.
Ordering Suggestions
You can order a cake from Safeway, QFC or Haggen (inexpensive and cute) or any bakery of your choice — just make sure to follow the specifications above.
Bakeries I also love, if you don’t mind spending a little more (yes the cupcake places ALSO do cakes):
Show the bakery the photo (green check mark) below and confirm: 5-6 inches diameter, at least 4 inches tall , white/light icing, no bottom piping, and sprinkles if desired.
Before your session
Your cake must sit out for 1-5 hours prior to the starts of your session. It depends on the density of the sponge, and how cold your fridge is.
Frozen cakes - 2 days before the smash put it in the fridge, 12 Horus before the smash, take out of the fridge.
Cakes from Safeway, QFC, Haggan etc. : Let the cake sit at room temperature for at least one hour before the session so it’s soft and ready to smash!
Cakes from bakeries like Sweet Side, Hollywood, NY cupcakes etc. - the cake must sit out for AT LEAST 4 hours prior to the shoot. The sponge on these cakes is way more dense. I’ve had too many parents not let it sit out for long enough and baby can’t smash it. It’s hard and cold, and the icing won’t even stick to adorable fingers.
