As your baby's first birthday approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable! It's a milestone worth celebrating! And how can a birthday celebration be complete without a delicious cake, right?

Your child's first year has been full of growth, love, and joy – what better way to celebrate than with a cake that reflects those values and sets the stage for a lifetime of health and happiness?

Choosing a healthier cake isn't just about the first birthday; it's about setting a positive tone for a lifetime of good nutrition. Here are two healthy and yummy cake recipes that can be made for any family members’ birthday. The best part is that these cakes are made with healthier flours like ragi and oat, and are loved by kids and adults!

Yummy Ragi, Oats, Banana Cake (eggless & gluten-free)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups ragi flour
• 1 cup quick oats
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 7-8 seedless dates
• ½ cup melted butter or oil
• ½ cup curd
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Prepare two 6-inch loaf pans by lining them with butter paper and oiling all sides.
2. Begin by soaking the dates in hot water for 15-20 minutes until they soften. Once softened, blend them in a mixer to create a smooth paste.
3. Next, blend the rolled oats to make oat flour.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ragi flour, oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the dates paste, melted butter or oil, curd, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients until well combined.
6. Pour the liquid banana mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to form a smooth batter.
7. Evenly distribute the batter into the two 6-inch cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

For the Frosting:

1. Soften 200g of cream cheese at room temperature for about an hour. Place it in a bowl and add ½ tsp of vanilla extract, the date paste, and a fruit of your choice.
2. Beat the mixture using an electric mixer until it becomes fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes have cooled, spread a generous layer of the frosting on top of one cake layer.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
3. Decorate with your favorite fruit or cake topper and serve. 

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Ragi and Oats Banana Cake!

Healthy Oat Banana Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (200g) rolled oats, ground into oat flour
• ¾ cup (6 ounces) whole milk plain hung yogurt or Greek yogurt
• 3 mashed bananas (about 1 cup)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 small beetroots, peeled and finely grated
• ½ cup coconut oil or melted butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with butter paper and greasing all sides.
2. Clean and peel the beetroots, then finely grate them.
3. Add the rolled oats to a food processor or blender and process them into oat flour. Alternatively, you can use pre-made oat flour if available.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the hung yogurt or Greek Yogurt, mashed bananas, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and the grated beetroots.
6. Combine the flour mixture with the banana-beetroot mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
7. Divide the batter evenly into two 6-inch cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting:

1. In a bowl, combine 1-2 cups of Greek yogurt, ½ tsp vanilla extract, date paste, and a fruit of your choice. Blend them together to create the frosting.

Assembly:

1. Trim the rounded tops of each cake to create a flat surface.
2. Spread dollops of frosting on the first cake layer and spread it evenly.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process. Alternatively, frost the entire cake.

Enjoy your nutritious and delicious Oat Banana Cake!