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Number One 1st Birthday Cake (No Cake Pan Needed)

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

This number one 1st birthday cake is so easy that you won’t need to buy a #1 shaped cake pan. In fact, you won’t need a cake pan at all!

You may remember that I made a pact with myself to start making my kids’ birthday cakes, come hell or high water. And I resisted the urge to order Liam’s number one 1st birthday cake from my favorite neighborhood bakery and I’m happy to report that my number one 1st birthday cake turned out pretty darn good.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

I used a store-bought pound cake and cut it into pieces, using the leftover bits to make letter L-shaped mini birthday cakes and cake balls for party guests.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

I used a little child labor to help sort out orange, red, blue and green sprinkles while I was whipping up the icing so we could add some polka dots to match the fabric in Liam’s DIY 1st birthday bib.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

Later at his 1st birthday party, Liam dove right into his number one birthday cake with both of his little hands.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

But he also remembered to share a bit of his smash cake with his adoring mommy …yum!

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

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Supplies for making a Number One 1st Birthday Cake:

Pound cake
Icing recipe
Food coloring
Serrated knife
Offset spatula
Confetti sprinkles

How to make a Number One 1st Birthday Cake:

Buy 1-2 pound cakes depending on the size cake you want to make. After using both fresh and frozen, I’d say frozen is best because it’s easier to cut and ice.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

Using a serrated knife, slice off the very top of the pound cake to make it level. Cut off a shallow triangle from the top and add a little piece for the end of the 1.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

Add a piece on the bottom to elongate the shape of the one. I put it onto an aluminum foil-covered piece of cardboard; in hindsight I should have made it bigger to center the cake but I’ll remember that next time.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

Make your icing. I like the Cakegirls buttercream icing recipe because it tastes so good. Color it up using food coloring.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

I mixed up some light blue to match Liam’s xoxo Hugs and Kisses birthday theme.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

Take I had Elise sort out the colors for me from primary color confetti, what a good big sister.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

Then I put the confetti around the edge to define the shape a bit more and try to hide my amateur (but yummy!) icing job.

How to make a #1 birthday cake for a 1st birthday

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Copyright stuff: You’re more than welcome to use this free project and tutorial for personal use. Contact me for commercial use and etsy sales.

Sadaf's Kitchen

Saturday 19th of October 2013

Love this project. I'm planning to make one for my sons first birthday next month!!! Thanks!