20 Smash Cake Ideas for Baby’s First Bash

Baby’s craving something sweet, and it’s been a year in the making! If you have a little one celebrating their first birthday soon, you’ve likely put some thought into the ceremonious smash cake. This cute tradition involves exactly what it sounds like—a baby, a cake, and free rein to smash it as he or she takes their first sweet bites.  

You can set up a DIY smash cake at home and get snapping, or hire a professional photographer to take care of the dirty work for you. Either way, get inspired by some of the sweetest cake smash ideas around, with our deliciously cute roundup.

Super Simple Smash Cake

Photo: Instagram/christelleonie

A neutral color palette and easy background of just balloons make for a classy cake smash photoshoot you’ll never regret. Themes are great, but sometimes we all need a break from them, and this simple styling idea can grant you just that. 

Ombré Green Smash Cake Idea

Photo: Instagram/zelazowa_wola

Equal parts boho and glam, this fun smash cake idea works for a baby boy or girl. Bring in oversized faux greenery, an ombré effect in shades of green, and plenty of pops of gold. The muted twinkly lights in the background are subtle perfection. 

Donut Grow Up Smash Cake Idea

Photo: Instagram/ourlifeinrosegold

For a different take on the smash moment, how about a stack of donuts? Babies grow way too fast; this fun play on words works effortlessly with a unique cake smash idea in the form of sprinkly, colorful, delicious donuts for Baby to enjoy. Note: you should totally snag one for yourself off the top of the pile before the photoshoot is underway! 

Semi-Formal Smash Cake Idea

Photo: Elizabeth Frederick Photography

Get that one-derful little baby love all dolled up and set the tone for an extravaganza of tiny proportions. The color scheme of a New Year’s Eve party or milestone birthday is hilariously spot-on here: gold, white, and black do wonders. If you’re taking this “black tie” angle with a little girl, how about a high heel motif or pearls on the cake? 

One-Derland Vibes Smash Cake

Photo: Instagram/hollyheinephotography

We can’t talk about anything first birthday-related without making a pitstop in Onederland. This baby girl smash cake shoot nails it with all the whimsical trappings of a fairy tale come to life. The watercolor background, fancy outfit, and glamorous details are spot-on. Let’s just hope your little princess turns the cake this epically on its head for a glam-gone-messy scene you’ll treasure forever. 

Hook Line and Sinker Smash Cake Idea

Photo: Instagram/taralindleyphotography 

There’s something fishy going on around here… and we’re all about it! This little fisherman (or fisherwoman?) smash cake theme idea is absolutely adorable for the outdoorsy family.

Ice Cream Parlor Smash Cake

Photo: Instagram/andreapalmafotografia

Sugary-sweet and cute enough to eat! These parents took an ice cream theme and ran with it... to absolutely gorgeous effect. You can spin this more masculine with blues or greens, brighten it up with bolder hues, or make it flavor-specific (mint chip would be amazing!). Who ever said Baby’s first cake can’t be an ice cream one? Thought so.  

Petit Prince Smash Cake for Boys

Photo: Instagram/yeahbabygoods

Your little guy doesn’t necessarily need all the fanfare in order to enjoy his first taste of the good stuff. This high chair shoot proves that fancy backdrops are not what matters; the little crown and yummy smash cake for your baby boy say all they need to. 

Flower Child Smash Cake

Photo: MYMK Photography

Flower power is hers with a bright and blooming, floral-themed cake smash. Go with pink rosebuds and cherry blossoms like shown, or take an unexpected path with a wildflower inspired cake smash cake idea. All flowers are pretty flowers, and your little one will love these photos for years to come.  

Tutti Frutti Smash Cake

Photo: Gartcia Fotografia

More inspiration from nature, and this one is extra tasty! A fruit (or veggie) themed cake smash is beyond fun, and it offers up a trendy farmers-market feel. 

Smash Cake Sprinkled With Joy 

Photo: Instagram/svitlana_vronska

Another quintessential sweets themed cake smash idea for your little girl or boy… bring on the sprinkles for a decadent, lively, and colorful photoshoot that is sure to render some amazing wall art to cherish in the future.

Wild One Smash Cake

Photo: Instagram/merybuil

Where the wild things are, the cake will follow. We love this fun safari themed smash idea for your little cub’s first birthday.

Mixed Metallics Smash Cake Idea

Photo: Instagram/family.k1920

Super chic, yet still baby-friendly, a blend of silver, gold, and bronze for the smash cake shoot is an elegant memory in the making. 

Bright & Airy Smash Cake Idea

Photo & to Purchase Topper: Etsy/DeLovelyDetails

You can’t go wrong with lots of white … add in the pastels of your choice from blush to sky, and watch the shoot come together effortlessly and beautifully. 

Pancake Smash! 

Photo: Pineapple Prints Photography

Wake up and eat up! It’s a unique take on the cake smash birthday concept, and we absolutely love it. A stack of pancakes dripping with butter and syrup, or topped with whipped cream for that birthday feeling, is sure to make your little one smile and have their taste buds singing. Put them in jammies for an even more fun effect.  

Mini Super-Hero Smash Cake

Photo: Love What Matters 

It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s Super Baby! Save the day, or at least make it extra-delicious, with a theme of epic proportions like this Batman setup for the cutest little guy.

Berry Sweet Cake Smash Idea

Photo: Instagram/chaneleverlast

Strawberries burst with seasonal fun, and make for the perfectly sweet cake smash inspiration. Your little berry-lover will be in heaven with this fun concept, especially if the cake tastes as good as it looks.

Little Digger Smash Cake Idea

Photo: Instagram/camphotographyllc

Warning: Construction Zone. In this place was a baby and now loading...toddlerhood! Celebrate your little guy or girl’s love of all things that dig with a totally kid-friendly cake smash that will thrill and delight.

“Uni” Means ONE Smash Cake

Photo: Instagram/kijkjebijnadine 

It’s a modern classic, and any unicorn action you can bring into the mix is a definite yes for the littlest family member’s first birthday. We love the unicorn theme and think it’s one of the best cake smash ideas for marking such a magical moment. 

Baby Bear Smash Cake Idea

Photo: Instagram/mira_bebek_london 

Cute and cuddly as can be! It’s a gender neutral cake smash theme idea that celebrates the softness and sweetness of this absolutely precious stage of childhood. Looking for a bear-y cute gift to match? Check out SNOObear—an adorable lovey that doubles as an on-the-go sound machine! 

More Birthday Party Inspo:

• Memorable First Birthday Themes
• Virtual First Birthday Ideas
• Second Birthday Party Themes

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.