How to Make a Stunning Naked Cake with Fresh Berries and Vanilla Buttercream
Naked cakes are all the rage right now, and it’s easy to see why! With minimal frosting that exposes the beautiful cake layers, these cakes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, baby shower, birthday, or holiday gathering, a naked cake is the perfect showstopper that’s both rustic and chic.
In this post, I’m going to guide you through making your very own naked cake, from the ingredients to the decoration, complete with a helpful video tutorial. Trust me, it’s simpler than it looks, and I’ve got all the tips you need for success!
What is a Naked Cake?
A naked cake is a type of cake that is either minimally frosted or entirely un-frosted on the outside, letting the cake layers peek through. It’s a stylish and rustic cake that is perfect for occasions like weddings, birthdays, and showers. The trend started in 2013, thanks to Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi, and it has since become a popular option for creative bakers. The best part? You have the freedom to decorate your naked cake however you like—it’s totally customizable!
The two main types of naked cakes are:
- True Naked Cake – Where the sides are completely bare, showing off the layers inside (like my Fresh Berry Cream Cake).
- Semi-Naked Cake – A bit of frosting is applied to the sides, giving it a “half-dressed” appearance. This is what I used for today’s cake, and it’s a great middle-ground for a rustic yet polished look.
How to Make a Semi-Naked Vanilla Cake
Now that you know what a naked cake is, let’s dive into how to make it! This cake recipe starts with a fluffy, moist vanilla layer cake, and the process is surprisingly simple.
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by baking a vanilla layer cake. You can use my vanilla cake recipe below, or any recipe you like. This cake is sturdy enough to hold up to the semi-naked style. Make sure you’re using three layers of cake to give it height (but you can go for two layers if you prefer a smaller cake). Once baked, let the cakes cool before assembling.
Step 2: Add Fresh Berries
To add texture and a burst of flavor, I dotted fresh raspberries between the cake layers. These add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake and frosting. If you’re prepping this cake in advance, though, I’d recommend leaving out the berries as they can leak juice over time. But if you’re assembling on the same day, go for it!
Step 3: Frost the Cake
For a semi-naked look, we’re using vanilla buttercream. Spread a thin layer of buttercream between the cake layers. I find it easier to use an icing spatula instead of piping the frosting—it’s quicker and gives you a more relaxed finish. The goal is to have just enough frosting to hold everything together while leaving some of the cake exposed.
5 Tips for Decorating a Naked Cake
Here are some of my top tips to help you achieve the best results with your naked cake:
- Make a Plan: Decide whether you want a completely naked cake or a semi-naked one. Sketch out what you’d like in terms of decorations (berries, flowers, etc.).
- Prepare Your Cake Pans: Use high-quality, well-greased cake pans to ensure your layers come out smoothly. For evenly sized layers, use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter before pouring it into each pan.
- Level Your Cakes: Flat cake layers are key to a stable cake. After baking, level the top of each layer with a serrated knife to make sure everything sits evenly.
- Keep it Simple: Don’t stress over the decoration. A simple semi-naked cake looks stunning with just a few touches. You can add fruit, edible flowers, or sprinkles to enhance the look.
- Chill Your Cake: After frosting, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour. This helps the frosting set and makes it easier to slice without crumbs.
Tools I Love for Decorating Naked Cakes
These tools can make decorating your cake a lot easier and give you a smoother finish:
- Straight Spatula: I prefer this over an offset spatula for spreading frosting.
- Bench Scraper: For smoothing out the sides of the cake.
- Cake Turntable: While optional, it can make the decorating process smoother. I recommend using a cake circle to transfer your cake onto a cake stand.
Flavors and Frosting Variations for Your Naked Cake
The beauty of a naked cake is that it’s super customizable. You can mix and match your favorite cake and frosting flavors to create your unique creation. Here are some options:
Cake Flavors:
- Vanilla cake (the recipe below)
- Chocolate cake
- Carrot cake
- Lemon cake
- Red velvet cake
- Strawberry cake
- Banana cake
- Pumpkin cake
Frosting Flavors:
- Vanilla buttercream (recipe below)
- Chocolate buttercream
- Cream cheese frosting
- Lemon buttercream
- Strawberry buttercream
Naked Cake Decoration Ideas
Once your cake is frosted, it’s time to decorate! Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Fresh Flowers: Use pesticide-free flowers for a pretty, natural look. Edible flowers are even better!
- Fresh Fruit: Berries, citrus slices, or even figs make for a beautiful and flavorful topping.
- Smaller Sweet Treats: Candies, chocolates, and meringues can make your cake extra special.
- Candied Citrus: Add a touch of elegance with some candied lemon or orange slices.
- Nuts or Seeds: Toasted almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds add a fun crunch.
FAQ:
Q: How do I store a naked cake?
A: Keep your naked cake in a cool place, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. If you need to store it overnight, refrigerate it, but let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I make a naked cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! You can bake the layers in advance and store them in the fridge. Just make sure the layers are completely cool before assembling. If you’re adding fresh fruit, do so on the day of serving.
Q: Can I make a tiered naked cake?
A: Absolutely! Just scale up the recipe and use taller cake pans for more layers. You can stack multiple cakes for a show-stopping tiered creation.
Q: How do I keep my naked cake from drying out?
A: To keep your cake moist, ensure it’s well-baked and avoid over-baking. You can also add a simple syrup soak for extra moisture, but if you use a good, moist cake recipe, it’s usually not necessary.
Conclusion:
Making a naked cake is not as hard as it might seem! With the right tips and tools, you’ll be able to create a stunning dessert that looks professional but is simple to make. Whether you go for a semi-naked or true naked look, the result will be a cake that’s both beautiful and delicious, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy decorating your own masterpiece, and let your creativity shine!