Celebrate your baby's first birthday in style with these adorable party recipes! From cakes to appetizers, you can't go wrong with these crowd favorites.
32 Recipes for a Baby’s First Birthday Party
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
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Unicorn Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This magical unicorn cake tastes as good as it looks. Baking in smaller pans creates impressive height, and a few simple decorating tricks turn it into a showstopping dessert. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa. If you’re looking for more recipes, then learn how to make smash cake.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 460 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Guac Crocs & Veggies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm all grown-up, but I still love to play with my food. Garbanzo beans in the guacamole add taste, texture and nutrition. The croc part is just plain fun. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 140 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Ham and Cheese Puffs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 110 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
4/32
Rhubarb Citrus Punch
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 153 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
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Party Cheese Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't go wrong with this recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 237 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
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Tangy Barbecue Wings
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
2 dozen wings (2 sections each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
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Pinwheel Pops
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom used to make pinwheels every Christmas, and I still love them. They are so colorful, and perfect for sharing in gift boxes.—Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 218 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pepperoni Rolls
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is a fast recipe that always goes over well at my house. Each bite has gooey melted cheese and real pizza flavor. Try serving them with pizza sauce for dipping. —Debra Purcell, Safford, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 roll-ups: 282 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
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Mini Sausage Pies
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The simple ingredients and family-friendly flavor of these little sausage cups make them a go-to dinner favorite. And everyone gets their own pies—which makes them even better! —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini pies: 551 calories, 36g fat (10g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
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Rainbow Strawberries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dip fresh strawberries in melted candy-coated discs to create a rainbow of color. Or get adventurous and make a unicorn. The creative possibilities are endless. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 308 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
12/32
Texas Taco Dip Platter
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
13/32
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe based on our family's love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Red heart-shaped sprinkles make them fun for Valentine's Day. Vary the color to match the occasion. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
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Celebration Punch
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings (about 1 gallon)
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty fruit punch has just the right amount of sweetness. The ice ring keeps it cool for hours without diluting the flavor.
—Marci Carl, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 140 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/32
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Pineapple Iced Tea
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a large family, so we go through beverages quickly at our house. This thirst-quenching tea is simple to mix together and has a sparkling citrus flavor we all enjoy. —K. Kitell, Lenexa, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 43 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Baked Wontons
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
18/32
Mac and Cheese Pizza
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love pizza, and I love macaroni and cheese. After lots of experimenting, I figured out a wonderful way to combine the two. The pizza is a big hit among my colleagues, friends and family! —Martha Muellenberg, Vermillion, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 514 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1127mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
19/32
Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 663 calories, 44g fat (18g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
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Lasagna Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
21/32
Glazed Doughnut Holes
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a simple recipe to create a colorful and fun breakfast—or snack! For the glaze, use any type of juice you like. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut hole: 225 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf down these cream cheese pinwheels. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 58 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The recipe for these filled and frosted cupcakes was handed down by my mother-in-law, who taught this fledgling cook what to do in the kitchen. She's no longer with us, but baking these treats reminds me of our good times together. —Judie Heiderscheit, Holy Cross, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 415 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
24/32
Mediterranean Tomato Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 pastries
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Mary served these lovely appetizers at a summer gathering several years ago, and I adapted it a bit to my taste. It's a great August recipe when tomatoes and herbs are at their freshest! —Susan Wilson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 106 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/32
Mini S’mores
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 145 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/32
Australian Sausage Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I was born and raised in Australia, but moved to the U.S. when I got married. When I long for some Australian recipes, I bake up a batch of this sausage roll recipe and share them with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 116 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
27/32
Lemony Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-3/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 288 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Mini Grilled Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/32
Homemade Butterfly Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Impress guests by making an adorable and delicious cake. It is actually easy to put together.—Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 775 calories, 40g fat (25g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 99g carbohydrate (76g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 treat: 72 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Ravioli Appetizer Pops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Ravioli on a stick is a tasty appetizer everyone talks about. They’re simple and fun to make and eat. Use packaged dipping sauces, or make your own. Get my recipes on my blog, thehopelesshousewife.com. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer (calculated without marinara sauce and pesto): 32 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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