15 Places to Find the Perfect 'Smash Cake Near Me' for Free or Cheap!

Find the ideal smash cake for your baby's first birthday with our guide on choosing flavors, sizes, and themes, plus tips for ordering and celebrating the special moment.

Need a ‘smash cake near me’? You’re likely envisioning your baby’s joyous first birthday, eagerly anticipating their first taste of a specially made cake. This guide points kids and moms straight to the sources: local bakeries and grocery stores that cater to your need for perfectly sized, delicious, and safe smash cake.

No matter the details, we focus on what’s truly important—your baby’s delight and safety—so you can make an informed choice without wading through fluff.

Let's celebrate!
 

1. Walmart Bakery

Known for affordability and convenience, Walmart offers a variety of customizable cake options, including free 6-inch smash cakes when you place a bakery order of $14.98 or more!

 

2. Publix Bakery

Publix is renowned for its delicious bakery items, including custom-made smash cakes that are both beautiful and tasty. If you place a smash cake order with Publix, be sure to also claim the free birthday ice cream or slice of cake when you pick up your order.

 

3. Whole Foods Market 

For those looking for organic or natural cake options, Whole Foods Market offers healthier smash birthday cake alternatives without compromising on flavor.

 

4. Safeway Bakery 

Safeway has a variety of cake designs and flavors to choose from, making it easy to find a smash cake that suits your baby's taste.

 

5. Kroger Bakery 

With a wide range of custom cake options, Kroger Bakery is a convenient choice for a personalized smash birthday cake experience.

 

6. Albertsons Bakery 

Albertsons offers a selection of customizable cakes, including smaller cakes suitable for a cake smash. Not to mention, if you purchase a quarter sheet cake or an 8" round cake or larger, Albertson's will give you a smash cake for FREE.

 

7. Harris Teeter Bakery 

Known for quality, Harris Teeter provides a range of custom cake options, including adorable smash cakes for the little ones. Simply fill out this form ahead of time and you can even score your baby's smfirst ash birthday cake for free!

 

8. Baskin-Robbins 

For those who prefer ice cream cakes, Baskin-Robbins offers a variety of fun and colorful cakes that can be used for a cake smash.

 

9. Fred Meyer

At Fred Meyer locations, you can get a free smash cake for your baby's birthday when you purchase a full sheet cake. Now that's a win-win for baby and party guests alike!

 

10. Shaw's 

At Shaw's, you can get a free 5-inch smash cake. All you have to do is place your order at least 24 hours in advance for the bakery to prepare it!

 

11. Wegman's 

If you live near a Wegman's grocery store, you just might be able to score a free smash cake when you order a sheet cake. Be sure to confirm with your local Wegman's store to see if they offer this sweet deal, particularly if it's your baby's first birthday!

 

12. Giant Food Stores

Giant Food Stores also have a nice bakery department with dozens of different birthday favorites, from smash cakes and regular cakes to cupcakes and more. Plus, you can get a free 7" single-layer cake for your baby's birthday when you purchase a quarter-inch sheet cake or larger. What a deal!

 

13. Dairy Queen

Another excellent choice for ice cream cake enthusiasts, Dairy Queen can create a custom smash cake with your baby's favorite flavors.

 

14. Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is another great choice to celebrate your baby's birthday. Plus, with a Nothing Bundt Cake promo code and membership, you can get a better price on your order and a birthday freebie!

Remember to place your order in advance to ensure the bakery can accommodate your custom requests for your baby’s special day!
 

15. SuperTarget Bakery

If you're lucky to live near a SuperTarget, then be sure to check out their bakery department for all kinds of cakes, including smash cakes. To place an order online, simply fill out this form and submit a couple of days before you want your Target order pickup scheduled. 

 

What's a Smash Cake?

A smash cake is a small, whimsically decorated cake specifically made for a baby's first birthday celebration. It's designed to be the baby's own cake to literally smash into, play with, and eat during their birthday party or photo session.

The idea is to let the little one have a blast making a mess and experiencing their very first taste of birthday cake in a memorable, picture-perfect moment. Typically, these cakes are about 4 to 6 inches in diameter, just the right size for tiny hands to explore—and smash!
 

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Smash Cake for Your Baby

When picking out the ideal smash cake, consider one that caters to your child’s palate while being appropriately sized for them to have fun with—and demolish! You’ll need to strike a careful balance between taste appeal, manageable size, and non-harmful ingredients.

Here are some tips for finding an excellent choice that will amplify the joy of this momentous occasion.

1. Flavor Options for Smash Cakes

The flavor of your baby’s smash birthday cake is a crucial decision. Not only should it be delicious, but it should also cater to your baby’s taste preferences. If it's your baby's first birthday, be sure to include a special 1st birthday cake topper decoration, too! Some popular flavor options for a smash cake include:

• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Fruit flavors (such as strawberry or banana)
• Butterscotch
• Buttercream
• Lemon
• Carrot

Remember, every baby is unique, and their smash cake should reflect their individual tastes. Take note of your baby’s preferences when choosing the perfect cake for their special day.
 

2. Order the Perfect Size

When selecting a smash cake, the size is significant. It’s essential to have a cake that comfortably sits on a high chair tray and yet is substantial enough for your baby to partake in the fun of smashing it.

For round cakes designed specifically for smashing at these joyous first birthdays, 4 inches in diameter tends to be just right. Should you opt for a square-shaped delight instead, aim for dimensions of about 6 inches on each side.

For those looking to make a scene with a larger birthday cake, consider going with a larger 6-inch layered confection boasting two or three tiers—this will surely catch everyone's attention!
 

3. Ingredients to Avoid

Although the primary goal of a smash cake is entertainment rather than eating, we must still be cautious about its contents. Ingredients that often cause allergic reactions, like eggs, nuts, and dairy products, could be hazardous if there is a history of food allergies in your family.

To make the cake both tasty and suitable for infants, consider using healthier substitutes such as almond flour or mashed ripe bananas instead of traditional sweeteners and fats. These alternatives provide flavor without compromising on making sure the cake remains appropriate for young ones to enjoy safely.
 

Preparing for the Big Smash Cake Moment

The preparations for the exciting birthday cake smash are in full swing now that we’ve secured our cake order and arranged for its collection. It’s crucial to organize how you’ll pick up and transport everything, create a visually appealing backdrop for the photoshoot, and pack all essentials required for the occasion.

Don’t forget to bring along:

• A change of clothes for both you and your baby, things can get chaotic with frosting everywhere!
• Towels and wipes to manage any mess swiftly
• Toys or treats that your little one loves to ensure they stay happy and engaged during the event

With thorough planning ahead of time, guests and family are sure to enjoy your baby’s cake smash as a delightful and unforgettable celebration.

 

 

- Vanessa