New Trend: 1st Birthday Melon Cakes
Today’s parents are more aware than ever of the health consequences of introducing an infant’s gut to sugars too early in life. With the avocado toast and superfood-super packed smoothie bowls came a first birthday trend that we are 100% on board with: Melon-Based Birthday Cakes.
Whether your baby has a food allergy, or you are trying to protect her gut, you may want to consider creating a fruit-based cake for her first birthday party. Not only will it be delicious and healthy, but your pictures will be adorable!
How to Create a Melon Cake
Ingredients:
- Seedless Watermelon
- Any Favorite Fruits
- Coconut or Almond-Based Yogurt (to keep it dairy-free)
- Drizzle of Maple Syrup or Honey
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla
- Extra Toppings (organic sprinkles, chocolate shavings, sliced nuts, etc.)
Tools:
- Large Kitchen Knife
- Small Cookie Cutters
- Cutting Board
- Cake Stand
- Mixing Bowl
- Icing Spatula
- Melon Baller (optional)
With a sharp knife, cut the rind off the vertical bottom and top of the watermelon, so it stands flat. Place the watermelon upright and carefully cut the rind off the sides of the watermelon into a rounded (or shape of your preference) cake-like shape. If you’re using a large watermelon, you can then cut 1/3 or so off and create a smaller layer to place on top of the larger section later.
Lay the larger piece on a cake platter and whip up your icing but mixing 2 cups of your yogurt with the sweetener of your choice. Add in the vanilla and mix well. Scoop a portion out and spread on top of your watermelon before adding the optional second (and/or third!) layer. This will help your layers ‘stick’ together.
Now comes the fun part: decorating! Using your small cookie cutters and melon baller, create balls, hearts, and stars with your other fruits. Strawberries, honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple - the sky is the limit! Small berries are also a great decorating addition! Use your icing to help them stick to your cake. You can also choose to ice your entire cake if you’d like it to look more like a mainstream birthday cake!
Keep your cake in the refrigerator until you are ready to light the candles.
Links to see these beautiful cakes:
