Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour, made from finely ground blanched almonds. It's rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a popular choice for those following gluten-free or low-carb diets. The natural sweetness and light texture of almond flour make it an excellent base for a variety of baked goods, including cakes.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups blanched almond flour
1 cup oat flour
¾ cup pure maple syrup
3 large eggs
½ cup dairy-free milk (like almond milk)
⅓ cup melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 6-inch cake pans with cooking spray or coconut oil.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, dairy-free milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the almond flour, oat flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Add Sprinkles: If desired, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.

Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your favorite healthy frosting and top with additional sprinkles if desired.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cake is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a healthier option for birthday celebrations. The combination of almond and oat flour results in a fluffy, moist cake that is perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups blanched almond flour
½ cup ripe mashed banana (about 1-1½ bananas)
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
Frosting options: coconut whipped topping, plain Greek yogurt, or your favorite healthy frosting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 4-inch springform pans with cooking spray.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the mashed banana and vanilla, mixing until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Decorate: Let the cakes cool for 10-20 minutes before removing them from the pans. Once cooled, frost with your choice of healthy frosting and decorate as desired.

Benefits of This Smash Cake

This smash cake is perfect for babies celebrating their first birthday. Made with almond flour and naturally sweetened with bananas, it is free from added sugars and artificial ingredients. The light and fluffy texture makes it easy for little hands to smash and enjoy.

Using almond flour in your birthday recipes is a fantastic way to create healthier, delicious cakes that everyone can enjoy. Whether you opt for the fluffy birthday cake bread or the healthy smash cake for your little one, both options are nutritious and satisfying. Celebrate with these delightful recipes that prove you can have your cake and eat it too—without the guilt!