Number "1" Cake

• Create a cake for a first birthday party that is shaped like the number "1." You can purchase a cake pan at a specialty baking store, craft store or online that is shaped like a "1, so all you have to do is pour in your batter and bake the cake. If you can't find an appropriate pan, simply bake a large rectangular sheet cake and carve the number out of it. If you want to create a smash cake, simply bake a smaller version of the big cake. Frost the cakes in colors that coordinate with the colors of the party. A nice final touch is to add sprinkles and candles shaped like the number "1."
  
  

Theme Cake

• If your first birthday party has a theme, choose a cake that coordinates with it. For example, if you are throwing a princess party for a girl's first birthday, create a cake that is shaped like a tiara or is decorated with princesses. When you are planning a cake for a little boy's party, consider a cake shaped like a train or decorated with a variety of jungle animals.
  
  

Building Blocks

• If you want to make the cake yourself, a simple choice is a cake that looks like a set of building blocks. Bake three cakes that are shaped like squares. Frost each of the square cakes in a different primary color, such as red, blue and yellow. Place the cakes on a large cake platter with two below and one above, so when you look down at the cake it looks like they are stacked. Next, use a piping bag to pipe either A, B and C or 1, 2, and 3 on to the cakes.
  
  

Cupcakes

• Rather than choosing a traditional cake for the party, consider serving cupcakes. Bake a batch of cupcakes, and frost them with a color that coordinates with the rest of the party. Next, roll fondant to about 1/8-in. thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out fondant shapes to place on the top of the cupcakes. You could choose the number "1," a flower, an animal or anything else that coordinates with your party theme.