Well, ds's Ist birthday party is Sat and I want to make him a not so unhealthy cake... :toothy: there is a recipe for a carrot cake in the book "What to Expect the First Year" but I don't like it much...I wouldn't mind carrot cake but just a different recipe....Does anyone have any ideas or recipes for a healthier version of the birthday cake? I am making a layer cake for everyone else but I wanted his cake to be not so bad for you...lol... thanks in advance for any help!

I made Brenda's Banama cake for dd's first birthday. I used sour cream instead of buttermilk. It was awesome! I'm not much for making cakes though and like to stick with the 9x13 flat type. I printed a cute pic on my computer to decorate the top.

You sound like you really don't want him to have cake. What if you made some banana or apple muffins in the morning and put some cool whip and a candle on it for the big moment? You could even make them in the Texas size mufifin tins for the dramatic effect in the pictures. My 3yo still hasn't figured this one out. He thinks mom makes cupcakes. ;)

Hi Cornelia, this is a great recipe, and the Banana Cake that Karen is talking about it pretty good too.

Carrot Pineapple Cake
The carrots and pineapple keep this cake moist

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix with wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in carrots, coconut, walnuts and pineapple.
Pour into 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about
45 minutes. Don't panic, the center will sink a little.

Let cool.

To make the frosting: Cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until creamy.