Healthier Baby Smash Cake

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Butter and flour a 6-inch cake pan. 

Place a round of parchment paper the size of the pan in the bottom of the pan. 

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. 

In a blender or food processor, purée banana, strawberries and applesauce on high until throughly blended and smooth.  

In another small bowl, mix together 1 cup of the fruit purée, milk, egg and vanilla extract. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir together until just combined.  

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  

Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack. 

Remove parchment paper. 

Once cooked and cooled, use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to separate cake into two layers.  

Frosting preparation: 

With an electric or stand mixer, beat cream cheese on low for about one minute. 

Add butter and increase speed to medium for 1 minute or until throughly combined. 

Turn mixer to low and add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract. 

Beat until frosting is smooth.  

Spread frosting on one of the cake layers, top with second layer then spread frosting over tops and sides of cake. 

Top with fresh strawberries, sprinkles or candles.