Birthday Cake

[lily81]

I was just wondering if anyone has an alternative to a birthday cake for my boys 1st birthday. I didn't really want them having cake and icing etc. and wondered if there is a healthier alternative. I know alot of people would think it is mean that I don't want to give them cake but my husband and I suffer from allergies and I want to keep it as healthy as possible.

[wattle]

I have a lovely recipe for banana and sultana muffins. Ds adores them. Let me know if you want it. You could probably just dust them with a teeny bit of icing sugar to look pretty and pop a candle in the top.

[Oscar's mum]

If you are pretty talented and good with your hands what about making a pyramid out of cut up fruit?

Just a thought?

[Mummabear]

I LOVE that idea Oscar's Mum. How brilliant.

We also don't want to be introducing 'naughty' foods to DS any sooner than absolutely necessary (like when grandma and grandpa sneak him a choccy :rolleyes: ). Same reason as you Lily81, and also because all of my side of the family struggle with weight so I want to bring DS up to make healthy choices over unhealthy ones. Once he is sold on the good food then I'll start letting him have some treats. I know a 2.5 year old that has never had junk food, never drunk anything other than milk and water or ever had a lolly - and he doesn't know any better - he loves his fruit and veg and thinks it's normal. Imagine what a treat it's going to be for him when he gets to go to his first McDonalds birthday party! He'll then know that it's a treat and not something normal.

Mind you, I'm full of good intentions - let's just see how long it really is before I come home with a yummy lolly pop for my good boy :p

[Mummabear]

Hey - I just had a thought! What about a big jelly cake with fruit in it. Make up the no sugar jelly and put it in a cake tin to set (one of those spring tins so you can get the jelly out) with fruit in it. Would that work??? I'm not real handy in the kitchen, lol

Oh, hang on - would it leak out of a spring cake tin.... are they leak proof? I know tupperware has a range of plastic type baking ware.....

Okay, now I'm rambling. Sorry.

[Chickadee]

You're not strange or mean, not by my standards anyways. I also don't like DD having sweet or sugary things. She thinks "cake" means pikelets and doesn't like chocolate, yay!

Carrot cake is a favorite here but most recipes call for way too much oil. Take any recipe for carrot cake and substitute apple purree (apple sauce) and/or thickened yogurt (like greek style) for most of the oil. Either leave it unfrosted, or dust with icing sugar.

[Mummabear]

MarthaM - that's an awesome tip. Thanks. I'm rather challenged in the kitchen so I love finding out great tips like that (especially when they're healthy!).