This adorable milestone photoshoot is hilarious, but it can also be healthy.



It's almost here… baby’s first birthday, the first of many milestone birthdays. It’s also probably the first morning you’ll get your baby dressed and actually hope that they make the biggest mess possible.


Yes, were talking about a cake smash!


There are all kinds of special moments that deserve to be captured, and seeing your baby tear into their first cake is definitely one for the books. Sure, it’s mainly for you right now, but the laughs it will continue to bring in the future are for the whole family. 


You might be wondering, is there a way to do this without a sugar overload? Upset tummies and a sugar crash are not exactly on the menu.


Don’t worry, there are tons of creative alternatives and substitutions for your baby’s first cake smash.

Cake Smash Alternatives

If you’re still looking to feature baked goods and desserts in your photoshoot, there are a few things you can opt for. 

  • Sugar-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegan


Instead of processed sugar, think about natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or agave nectar. For the base, consider a muffin mix or banana bread. For the icing, consider healthier alternatives such as coconut cream or cashew cream.


There are many different ways of getting that indulgent sweet treat cake smash, while still being health conscious. And messy of course!


To get the creative juices flowing, here are some alternatives…

  • Banana Bread with Coconut Cream
  • Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream 
  • Mini Muffins
  • Mini Cupcakes
  • Jumbo Cupcake
  • Waffles or Pancakes 
  • Popsicles
  • Ice Cream

Maybe youre considering a cake smash that doesnt involve cake at all…


There are many healthy cake smash alternatives that are bound to leave an adorable mess. 


The best part is your baby will already be familiar with many of these foods, and you’ll probably already have them laying around the house. 


Birthday Smash Ideas: Healthy Foods

  • Yogurt with Mixed Berries
  • Oatmeal with Mixed Berries
  • Avocado Mash
  • Sweet Potato Mash
  • Watermelon and Raspberries
  • Blackberries and Blueberries
  • Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce


Whether you are looking to plan your babys cake smash, or you just have a sweet tooth, let me introduce you to some of my favourite local bakeries. 

Sugar Blooms and Cakes

@sugarbloomsandcakes | www.sugarbloomsandcakes.com

Find them at 1020 Mc Phillips St in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 


Sugar Blooms and Cakes specializes in hand-crafted cakes for every occasion. This mother-daughter duo bakes everything from scratch using only premium ingredients. 

Cake-ology

@cake_ology | www.cakeology.ca

Find them in the Exchange District at 85 Arthur Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 


Cake-ology creatively crafts everything from flaky pastries to custom cakes. All treats are made in-house, from scratch, using local ingredients. 

Pinkys Bakeshop

@pinkys_bakeshop | www.pinkysbakeshop.com

Located at 439 Stradbrook Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba.


Pinky’s Bakeshop offers cakes, macarons, cookies and more, but their main showcase is traditional cupcakes! Pinky’s Bakeshop loves testing new recipes that add Asian fusion to traditional baked goods.

I hope this blog post has sparked some fresh inspiration for your baby’s cake smash.


Share this post on social media and tag @littlemoons.ca, let everyone know what other fun ideas you come up with!