5 Ways to Receive a Smile Even If You Can’t Eat Cake

Sugar Angels get creative when a kiddo can’t indulge in a traditional cake for dietary restrictions or medical reasons.

Celebrating special occasions with cake is a cherished tradition that brings joy and happiness to many. However, for kiddos who are unable to eat cake due to dietary restrictions or medical reasons, it can be disheartening to miss out on this delightful treat. 

But fear not! Our Sugar Angels are a creative and resourceful bunch. There are numerous exciting ways to still receive a smile, even if your child can’t indulge in a traditional cake. 

“Maybe your child can’t eat the cake, but you can,” says Icing Smiles Founder Tracy Quisenberry. “You can still celebrate. You can still make it a big day for your child. The smell, the design — that’s the smile.” 

In this blog post, we’ll explore five alternatives that will make any celebration memorable and special.

1. Smash Cake

Sweet Junction made this smash cake for Xander. Photo by Amanda Danzilo Photography.

A smash cake is a small cake that is specifically designed and prepared for a child’s first birthday celebration. It is called a “smash” cake because the tradition involves the child being encouraged to dig into the cake with their hands, smashing it and making a mess. While your child may not be able to eat the cake, the sheer delight of smashing into it can still create an unforgettable moment. 

Smash cakes are typically smaller in size compared to a regular cake, often a single-layered cake that is just enough for the child to enjoy and make a mess with. Sugar Angel Ashley Knott Jean says she always creates a Dream Cake and a matching smash cake for first birthdays. “It’s a tradition I grew up with, and I consider it my duty to make sure every child within my realm of influence gets one,” she says.

2. Smell Cake

One of the most evocative aspects of cake is its tantalizing aroma. Even if your kiddo can’t enjoy a slice, they can still experience the joy of smelling a freshly baked cake. 

The idea behind a smell cake is to capture the sensory experience associated with cake. This concept is particularly relevant for children who are unable to consume cake due to dietary restrictions or other reasons but still want to enjoy the olfactory pleasure associated with baking.

Sugar Angels bake a cake that is visually appealing and aromatic, focusing on fragrant flavors that release a pleasant fragrance when baked, such as vanilla, chocolate, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even citrus zest. The delightful smell will fill the room and create an atmosphere that brings everyone together, ensuring a smile on everyone’s face.

A smell cake can still be decorated and presented in an appealing manner, much like a traditional cake, but the emphasis is primarily on the olfactory experience rather than the actual consumption of the cake itself. It provides a unique way to enjoy the sensory pleasure associated with cake baking and can be a thoughtful option for those who are unable to partake in eating cake but still want to be a part of the celebration.

3. Candle Cake

Sugar Angel Kristin Miller made a separate candle cake to go with the party cake so the recipient could blow out his candles safely.

The act of blowing out candles is a classic element of birthday celebrations. Even without eating cake, the presence of a beautifully decorated candle cake can add a touch of magic and joy to the occasion. 

Candle cakes are also great options for families worried about spreading germs. Sugar Angel Kristin Miller made a separate candle cake to go with the party cake so the recipient could blow out his candles safely. Sugar Angel Jean Plotkin designed a cake so the top part came off, and that’s what her daughter used for blowing out candles.

A candle cake is a simple yet powerful way to embrace the spirit of celebration and bring smiles to all.

4. Allergy-friendly Cake

Although not every Sugar Angel can accommodate dietary restrictions, Icing Smiles does work hard to find a baker who can make accommodations when the child receiving the cake has a dietary need. 

Sugar Angel Chrissy Jensen has a dedicated gluten-free, peanut-free, and tree-nut-free facility and recently delivered her first CTA — a cake based on the book Inky the Octopus. Sugar Angel Mary Borsuk Dalaba recently made a ​​dairy-free and soy-free cake, and Sugar Angel Pamela Evans made a Fun Cake without using artificial dyes or coloring.

5. Keto Cake

Sugar Angel Angela Longo Klonoski recently made a Dream Cake along with a second smaller cake for the birthday young man because he is on a keto diet.

For kids following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, a traditional cake may not be an option. However, there are a variety of keto-friendly cake recipes available that can be customized to suit their dietary needs. Whether it’s a decadent chocolate keto cake or a moist almond flour-based creation, these alternatives allow your family to enjoy a delicious dessert while staying true to your health goals. 

Sugar Angel Angela Longo Klonoski recently made a Dream Cake along with a second smaller cake for the birthday young man because he is on a keto diet. With the right recipe, you can still indulge in a slice of cake that aligns with your dietary requirements and receive a smile on your special day.

Although not being able to eat cake may feel like a limitation, it doesn’t mean your kiddo and family can’t celebrate and receive smiles on special occasions. From smash cakes to smell cakes, keto options to candle cakes, there are countless ways to make your celebrations memorable and joyous. The true essence of a celebration lies in the love, happiness, and togetherness it brings.

Apply for a Cake

We believe that something as simple as a cake can have a huge impact, not only on the kids and their families but also on their neighbors, doctors, nurses, and beyond. Each cake we serve is more than just a cake — these baked treats are a chance to smile, celebrate, feel normal, and temporarily escape from worry.

If your medically qualified child or their sibling would like a chance to make a magical memory, request a cake today.