The naked cake is a cake style that omits the majority of frosting you would typically see on the exterior of a cake. Cake layers are baked and stacked with plenty of filling to add flavor and moisture to the cake and served without an outer layer of frosting.
A naked cake is easily recognized by its absent or minimal outer layer of frosting, which shows off the cake’s natural texture and filling. Some naked cakes have zero frosting on their outer edge, while others have just a wisp of buttercream. The cake for naked cake is most often white or yellow,
What is a naked cake called?
Typically when people refer to a naked cake though, they’re referring to a semi-naked cake that has a minimal amount of frosting on the sides with the layers and fillings peeking through. This is also known as ‘half-dressed’ or a ‘crumb-coated’.
What is a naked wedding cake and should you have one?
And, in most cases, a naked wedding cake is a super-stylish addition to your ceremony. These wedding cakes are great examples of baking artistry because they fully showcase the inside of the cake.
Why is it called a naked cake?
Naked cakes are designed as layer cakes that proudly tout thick stripes of buttercream or chocolate ganache filling. Without the typical outer coat, the interior of the cake is completely exposed. Trust us, nothing’s left to the imagination.
What is a dirty wedding cake?
So, what is a dirty iced cake exactly? It’s a thin layer of icing that traps in all the cake crumbs before frosting. It’s usually decorated with simple florals or a cute cake topper. a bold naked wedding cake with neutral and burgundy blooms, with greenery and a calligraphy topper for a summer wedding.
What does bare cake mean?
What is a bare cake? A bare cake is one that is minimally iced or frosted. That means that you can spread frosting between each layer and on top. If you get a bit too much on the sides, you can just smooth it out for a wispy and trendy look.
Why are wedding cakes dry?
Wedding cakes tend to be made well in advance and hang around in the air going dry. It’s one of the reasons that they’re traditionally wrapped in fondant – it’s to try and keep moisture in. The circumstances of weddings make it difficult to keep them nice, but it is possible, you just need a really good baker.
Are wedding cakes stale?
Even worse, wedding cake often tastes stale. That’s because a lot of bakers make and freeze them, ice them frozen, then let them sit and harden for a couple of days so that they won’t fall under the weight of the layers or crack during transport. Even dowel rods installed inside the cake are no guarantee.
What is a naked wedding cake and should you have one?
And, in most cases, a naked wedding cake is a super-stylish addition to your ceremony. These wedding cakes are great examples of baking artistry because they fully showcase the inside of the cake.
How To Frost A Naked Cake For Beginners
- This basic guide on how to frost a naked cake or semi-naked cake for beginners is really straightforward to follow, and even the most inexperienced cake decorator will be able to complete it! This stunning rustic and stylish design has either no icing on the edges or little frosting with the cake layers and contents showing through. It is available in two sizes. Watch the YouTube video
- Learn how to build a piping bag out of a plastic bag with these simple steps
- Jump to:
- For a naked cake
- for a semi-naked cake
- for a semi-naked cake
- recipe
A naked cake is one that does not have any icing on the sides, according to technical definition.In most cases, though, when people talk about a naked cake, they’re really talking about a semi-naked cake with only a small bit of icing on the edges, with the layers and contents poking through.There are other names for this, including ″half-dressed″ and ″crumb-coated.″ Simply lovely, rustic, and stylish at the same time, naked cakes are a great option for any occasion.
- The options for decorating them are endless, so I’ll simply teach you the fundamentals and then you may add your own own touch of originality after that.
- You’ll need a layer cake recipe as well as a buttercream recipe to get started.
- Classic Keto Vanilla Cake or Ultimate Keto Chocolate Cake are my two top picks for a keto-friendly cake.
- I also recommend this Vanilla Keto Buttercream, this Keto Cream Cheese Frosting, and this Chocolate Buttercream for the frosting.
- To create this lesson, I utilized my keto vanilla cake recipe as well as my keto vanilla buttercream recipe.
Watch the YouTube video!
- Also, don’t forget to watch the video instruction to show just how simple icing a cake can be! You can see the entire video on YouTube by clicking here: Tutorial on How to Frost a Cake Several considerations should be kept in mind before getting started: Make use of the appropriate tools. To apply the frosting, you will need either a straight spatula or an offset spatula, as well as a bench scraper to level off the sides of the cake. Many people prefer to use a turntable, but this is entirely optional, and I will not be using one for this demonstration. Cake circles can be used after the cake is iced to help move it from the turntable to its final destination: the cake stand.
- Prepare the pans in the proper manner. If your cakes become stuck to the pan, the whole affair will be a complete failure. It is necessary to oil and line the pans with parchment paper before baking. To line the pans with parchment paper, follow these steps: 1) Place the pans on a big sheet of parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. 2) With a pencil, trace the bottoms of the pans to make sure they are straight. 3) Trace the lines on the parchment paper and cut along those lines. 2) Spray the pan with cooking spray, then set the parchment paper on top of the pan and spray the parchment paper with cooking spray. This will make removal simple, as the cakes will just slide out of the way.
- Make a decision on the décor in advance. Decide how much frosting you want to put on the sides of the cake before you begin. Do you want them to be completely barren or do you want a little bit of the cake to show through? What will you use to adorn your home? It’s possible to include everything from fresh flowers to berries to herbs to sprinkles, or even little keto-friendly snacks like chocolate, cookies, and sweets
- Refrigerate the cakes before serving.
- Wrap the layers securely in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before frosting them with the vanilla frosting. This will guarantee that they are totally cold and that the frosting adheres to them.
- Cake layers should be leveled. Prior to icing, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cupcakes to ensure that they are perfectly flat. The cake will be more stable if the layers are flat.
- After icing, allow to cool.
- Refrigerate for at least a few hours before cutting to allow the flavors to blend. This will guarantee that the frosting sticks to the cake and that the slice is more aesthetically pleasing. If you want to serve the cake at room temperature for the party or gathering, you can do so after it has set.
How to make a piping bag from a plastic bag
- A Ziplock or plastic bag may be used to create an inexpensive pastry or piping bag if you don’t already have one. Here are the simple steps to follow: To use the piping tip, cut a very little portion off the bottom corner of a big plastic baggie and insert it into the cut corner
- Placing the baggie into a cup with the piping tip facing down is recommended.
- The extra baggie should be folded over the outer edge of the cup.
- Lastly, add icing.
- Remove the baggie from the cup and push the frosting towards the tip of the cup, pressing any air out of the icing.
- Pipe the frosting into the baggie while keeping it upright and straight up and down. Easy-peasy
Easy instructions
To begin, use a serrated knife to level off the top of the cake layers to create a flat surface on which to bake.A tiny quantity of frosting should be placed on your cake stand or turntable at this point.This aids in keeping the cake in place when icing it.
- After that, place the first layer on the stand and cover it with four sheets of parchment paper to protect it from damage.
- My reason for using parchment paper is that I’m quite dirty and it makes cleaning a breeze.
- In the case of a turntable, you can omit the parchment paper altogether.
- Just make sure to arrange a cake circle below so that you can easily move it to a cake plate or stand once it has been iced.
- I like to pipe icing around the border of the layer to give it a finished look.
Despite the fact that it is not essential, it allows me to ensure that the frosting is even all the way around with a smooth edge.Then, using a straight spatula or an offset spatula, evenly spread the frosting on top of the cake.The following layer should be placed upside down to create a more level cake.Remove any air bubbles from the frosting by pressing it down into the icing and ensuring that it is layered uniformly.
Repetition of these techniques is required for each layer, including the top layer.
For a naked cake
Stop here if you’re looking for a nude cake.A true naked cake is one that has no frosting on the sides and is completely bare on the top and bottom.It’s both basic and stunningly gorgeous.
- Decorate the top of the cake as desired, then take it from the parchment paper or place it on a cake stand.
- Then, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two to allow the frosting to firm up properly.
- After it has been set, lay it out at room temperature for the party or gathering and then serve it to guests.
For a semi-naked cake
The place to go for a nude cake.A truly naked cake is one that has no icing on the sides and is fully bare on the top and sides.What a great combination of simplicity and beauty!
- Make any more decorations to the top and either remove the parchment paper or place the cake on a cake stand to finish.
- Afterwards, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two to enable the frosting to set.
- It should be left out at room temperature for the party or gathering after it has been completed.
Recipe
Decoration Ideas:
- Fresh berries
- fresh flowers
- sprinkles
- little Keto chocolates, cookies, or candies
- and
- Allow the cake layers to come to room temperature before assembling them. Wrap the mixture securely in plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. It is important to note that I recommend creating a 3-layer cake rather than a 2-layer cake simply because I believe it better displays the gorgeous layers
- Level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to ensure that they are of the same height. Then, in the center of the cake plate, turntable, or cake stand, spread a little quantity of frosting and set the cake on top of the icing. While the icing is entirely optional, it does aid in keeping the cake from wandering about while it is being decorated. If you’re using a turntable, set the cake layer on a cake circle to make it easier to transfer it to the cake plate after turning it. To make cleaning easier when decorating directly on a cake plate or stand, put four sheets of parchment paper underneath the borders of the cake before beginning to decorate.
- To decorate the top of the cake, pipe frosting all the way around the top border (optional). Then, using a straight spatula or an off-set spatula, spread frosting (about 1 12 cups) over the top of the cake. Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake, filling in the circle you just piped with it.
- Add more cake layers upside down to make a more level cake, frosting between each layer as we did in the previous stage, including the top layer, to get the desired levelness. Gentle but forceful pressing of each cake layer into the icing will ensure that each layer is evenly distributed and level. To achieve straight sides, the top and bottom layers must be perfectly parallel to one another.
- For a naked cake, use the following ingredients: Decorate the top of the cake as desired and either remove it from the parchment paper or transfer it to a cake stand. To ensure that the frosting sets properly, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two. After it has set, you may bring the cake to the party or gathering and serve it at room temperature.
- For a semi-naked cake, use the following ingredients: Starting at the bottom of the cake and working your way up to the top, add frosting to the sides of the cake with your spatula. Nothing has to be flawless, and you may include as much or as little information as you like. Work the sides of the cake with a bench scraper until they are smooth and only a few crumbs remain visible. Keep the pressure down or you may puncture the cake. It is simple to add additional buttercream to regions that require it by spreading it with the spatula and smoothing it out with a bench scraper until the desired look is achieved. In general, the more perpendicularly you hold the bench scraper, the more icing will be scraped off the surface. It is important to remember that the closer you keep the bench scraper to the cake, the less icing you will scrape off and the greater the smoothing effect you will get. The top edges should be smoothed out by holding your spatula or bench scraper parallel to the top edge of the cake and gently smoothing the extra icing inwards toward the center. Make an effort to create a straight and crisp edge. Afterwards, smooth off the top of the cake to ensure that there is no dome formed as a result of pressing the extra frosting inside. Decorate the top of the cake as desired and either remove it from the parchment paper or place it on a cake stand. To ensure that the frosting sets properly, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two. After it has set, you may bring the cake to the party or gathering and serve it at room temperature.
- You can discover how simple it may be to frost a cake by watching the whole clip on YouTube. You can see the entire video here: Cake Frosting Tutorials and Ideas for Decorating Fresh berries
- flowers (that have been well cleaned and dried! )
- and more.
- Herbs
- sprinkles
- keto chocolate, candies, biscuits, and other sweets
- and more.
- In order to achieve long, beautiful drips, I recommend thinning out the chocolate ganache (the linked recipe is fairly thick
- I recommend thinning it out with additional non-dairy milk or cream to achieve long, beautiful drips!).
- To decorate the top of the cake, I pipe a creative border around it and fill the center with berries and fresh flowers, before sprinkling the entire thing with powdered sugar. Instructions on how to make a piping bag out of a plastic bag A Ziplock or plastic bag may be used to create an inexpensive pastry or piping bag if you don’t already have one. Here are the simple steps to follow: To use the piping tip, cut a very little portion off the bottom corner of a big plastic baggie and insert it into the cut corner
- Placing the baggie into a cup with the piping tip facing down is recommended.
- The extra baggie should be folded over the outer edge of the cup.
- Lastly, add icing.
- Remove the baggie from the cup and push the frosting towards the tip of the cup, pressing any air out of the icing.
- Pipe the frosting into the baggie while keeping it upright and straight up and down. Easy-peasy
To decorate the top of the cake, I pipe a creative border around it and fill the center with berries and fresh flowers before sprinkling the entire thing with powdered sugar.The Best Way to Make a Piping Bag Out of an Ordinary Plastic Bag A Ziplock or plastic bag may be used to produce an inexpensive pastry or piping bag if you don’t already have one.Follow these simple steps to complete the task.
- To use the piping tip, cut a very little portion off the bottom corner of a big plastic baggie and insert it into the cut corner.
- Positioning your baggie in a piping tip-down cup is a good idea;
The extra baggie should be folded over the outside of the cup. - Sprinkle with icing sugar
To remove any air bubbles from the frosting, take the baggie and press it all the way to the tip of the cup
Make a piping motion with the baggie while holding it straight up and down. - Easy-peasy;
What Is a Naked Wedding Cake and Should You Do It?
Your wedding day is rapidly approaching, and you have your heart set on a naked wedding cake.Over the course of the last few years, this relatively new style has gained increasing popularity.The attractiveness is derived from the stylish appearance.
- If you and your partner want a delightful cake that will stand out from the crowd, a naked cake should do the job nicely.
- But what exactly is a ″naked wedding cake″ in this context?
- What are some of the advantages of this new wedding trend, specifically?
- And are there any bad factors that you should take into account?
What is a Naked Wedding Cake?
Due to the fact that there is typically no outside layer of icing on a naked wedding cake, it is impossible to overlook one.In addition, a naked wedding cake is a very attractive touch to your event in the majority of circumstances.These wedding cakes are excellent examples of baking artistry because they allow the inside of the cake to be fully shown.
- Some naked wedding cakes, on the other hand, have only a mist of icing around the outside corners.
- You can have practically any flavor you can imagine, however the cake is generally always vanilla or chocolate in flavor.
- Christina Tosi, famous chef and proprietor of Milk Bar, might be credited with starting this baking craze in her home.
- In 2014, she pioneered the naked wedding cake in an attempt to expose all of the interior tastes of a wedding cake in a visually appealing manner.
- A trend was born out of this, and it is growing in popularity among those who want to produce mouth-watering baking masterpieces.
The sponge cakes that are used for naked wedding cakes are really a type of sponge cake.A creamy buttercream frosting is sandwiched between three or more layers of cake that are stacked on top of one another.Some naked wedding cakes are topped with buttercream on the outside, while others are not.Aside from the visually pleasing exposed layers, there are virtually limitless possibilities for further decorating a naked wedding cake.
Fresh fruit, flowers, and other organic decorations are popular choices among prospective partners.Semi-naked wedding cakes are also becoming increasingly trendy.Let’s have a look at what distinguishes them and what makes them interesting to us.
Semi-Naked Wedding Cakes
The outer buttercream coating on semi-naked wedding cakes is a little heavier than the outer buttercream coating on naked wedding cakes.The heavier buttercream coating was introduced as a form of enhancement over the previous lighter buttercream coating.If you leave your cake entirely uncovered, it runs the danger of drying out very rapidly very quickly.
- Because of this, you might want to consider getting a semi-naked wedding cake, especially if you plan to have the cake on display for more than a couple of hours.
The Reasons You Should Go for a Naked Wedding Cake
You may be wondering what the advantages of having a nude wedding cake are. Take a look at some of the features that distinguish these cakes from the competition:
Very Easy to Decorate
Naked wedding cakes should be a no-brainer when it comes to decorating them, especially if you opt to bake them yourself.Some people are unsure of their frosting abilities, which is why they choose for a bare cake rather than a decorated cake.Of course, in order to highlight the deliciousness of the sponge and filling, it is necessary to precisely arrange them.
- However, as far as the frosting is concerned, a gentle swipe across the top of the cake should be sufficient.
- On top of the levels, you may place more decorations.
- Fresh fruit and flowers are common choices, but you are only limited by your ingenuity when it comes to your decorations.
A Rustic Charm
Naked cakes have a unique texture and ornamentation that is difficult to reproduce. This style has a retro feel to it that harkens back to a period when grandmothers baked wedding cakes for their grandchildren. If you are holding your wedding ceremony outside or in your garden, a naked wedding cake might be the ideal final touch to your celebration.
Displaying the Tasty Filling and Layers
Many potential spouses prefer to highlight the rich filling of a cake rather than the cake itself. Nothing does this quite like a wedding cake that is completely bare. The absence of icing draws attention to the flavor of the cake’s inside, which is both mouth-watering and aesthetically pleasing.
Great for Summer Weddings
When it comes to summer weddings, naked wedding cakes are a fantastic choice.This is due to the fact that the increasing warmth causes the filling and cream to somewhat melt.The end product is a cake that is absolutely moist.
- However, because the temperatures might reach dangerously high levels, you should be cautious about the sort of filler you use, which should be determined by your local climate.
Are There Any Negatives?
A nude wedding cake is a fashionable alternative for a wedding that is slanted in this direction…. There are several disadvantages, however, that you should take into consideration:
Drying Out
Because there is no outside layer of icing on bare cakes, they are more prone to drying out.In the heat, they normally don’t last more than a couple of hours, so take care not to burn your fingers on the display.Consider a semi-naked wedding cake if you want to have the cake out on display for at least a few hours after the ceremony has concluded.
- A large number of bakers like semi-naked cakes because of the added preservation they provide.
Melting
When a nude wedding cake begins to melt, it creates a stunning visual effect. However, this feature might also pose a threat to your wedding cake’s safety. If the wedding ceremony is held in an inside, air-conditioned setting, there should be no issues with the weather. All you have to do now is make sure the cake is baked at the proper time and use ingredients that won’t melt quickly.
On-Spot Assembly
Naked wedding cakes must be built at the location where your wedding ceremony will take place.As a result, your cake designer may be limited in terms of space or may not have access to certain amenities that are available to him or her at the cake store.As a result, establish a distinct location where the cake designer will be able to operate without difficulty.
- You may even come up with an idea for something that will make a show out of the cake assembling.
Conclusion
Some individuals may be concerned about whether the popularity of nude wedding cakes will continue to grow in the future.To be really honest, it’s a lot like predicting the weather.However, what is very evident is that this is not a fleeting craze, and it appears to be a long-term phenomenon.
- More and more prospective spouses are seeking for a wedding cake that complements and displays their own taste.
- Therefore, the naked wedding cake will continue to be popular in the future, even if it does not totally replace its fully-dressed version.
35 Naked Wedding Cakes We Love
In the case of the naked wedding cake craze, the ancient adage, ″It’s what’s on the inside that matters,″ is absolutely applicable.No, you are not need to blush at the mention of this dish; this is one area of your wedding day in which it is perfectly appropriate to be completely undressed.For a more fresh (and tasty) look, many bakers are increasing the filling between layers of cake rather than icing the outside of the cake with layer upon layer of fondant and buttercream.
What Is a Naked Cake?
The naked cake is a type of cake in which the bulk of the icing that would normally be seen on the outside of the cake is left off.Rather of using an outer layer of icing, cake layers are cooked and piled with lots of filling to provide taste and moisture to the cake.In 2013, the popularity of naked cakes grew as more bakeries began to provide these unique confections to their customers.
- In recent years, this design has been developed and entirely enhanced to provide an appearance that is absolutely deserving of a spot on the dessert table at your wedding.
- According to Ashley Lattier of Ashley Cakes, ″Most of our clients pick a nude or semi-naked design simply because they enjoy the aesthetic and it complements the rustic or occasionally industrial tone of their location and wedding event.″ A semi-naked cake is made in the same manner as a naked cake, but with a little extra icing on the cake.
- In order to get this look, the baker often applies a very thin coating of frosting on the cake and scrapes the edges to allow the cake layers to show through to the outside.
- Meet the Subject Matter Expert Ashley Lattier is the proprietor of Ashley Cakes, a boutique wedding cake company situated in North Carolina that specializes in custom-designed wedding cakes.
- When it comes to naked wedding cakes, you’ll have just as many options as when it comes to fully frosted counterparts, which means you’ll be able to collaborate with your baker to create a look that reflects your wedding style, whether you’re planning a rustic barn wedding, an outdoor garden dinner, or a modern soirée.
The fact that this cake design will match your wedding theme is not the only advantage of this design.According to Lattier, it may also be the ideal alternative for individuals who aren’t major fans of sweets or for a couple that wants to keep their overall cake spending to a minimum while still celebrating.According to Lattier, ″we have had clients choose this form of cake because they may not have a strong sweet tooth, and clearly with this style of cake, there is less frosting.″ ″In many circumstances, the pricing of this design is an additional advantage.Your baker will spend less time on the ornamentation because he or she will not have to ice the cake to a perfect finish, which may result in a savings in labor costs.″ When it comes to naked wedding cakes, one disadvantage to be aware of is the possibility that the cake layers could dry up before being served.
While it is rare, it is important to double-check with your baker to see if they can bake and assemble your cake on the day of your wedding to avoid the possibility of drying out the cake.Are you looking for some serious naked cake inspiration?Here are 35 of our all-time favorite songs.
01 out of 35
Chocolate Drip Semi-Naked Cake
Cake without a frosting, but it is oozing with a chocolate glaze, and it is decorated with luscious pink flowers and figs to finish it off. It would be a great touch to a late summer wedding, and it would be the ideal cake for a couple looking for something truly different. 02 out of 35
Simple and Sweet Summer Naked Cake
This naked cake is topped with a bouquet of pink-hued blooms and a cluster of rosy-red strawberries, which adds a pop of color to the otherwise plain cake. This is such a beautiful choice for a low-key outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. Take use of this notion and change the blooms and fruits to suit the season. 03 out of 35
Bright Fall Inspired Semi-Naked Cake
In Lattier’s opinion, one of the most effective approaches to designing a naked cake for a wedding is to think of the cake as a blank canvas.According to her, ″there are so many possibilities to customize the completed cake to each particular client’s wedding taste.″ ″One of our favorite ways to do this is to experiment with the color palette and flower arrangement.Fresh flowers on a cake are one of my favorite things to do, and it’s a terrific way to incorporate the cake into your reception décor.″ Because of the semi-naked layers, gold flecks, a colorful drip, and exquisite blossoms, this cake would be very stunning for an early fall wedding reception.
- 04 out of 35
Rustic Semi-Naked Cake With Florals
This classic-yet-rustic cake is softly iced with white buttercream and adorned with fresh flowers and succulents for a really memorable celebration! Place it on a wooden server, like the one seen here, for a picture-perfect bohemian aesthetic. 05th out of 35
Indulgent Berry Naked Cake
This cake style is ideal for a couple that wishes to break away from convention with their wedding cake.The rustic hazelnut cake is filled with mascarpone cream and blackberries, which are distributed throughout the layers, with more berries and greenery on top to complete the presentation.The concept of presenting this treat at an outdoor wedding or combining it with other sweets to create a dessert table display is one we are excited about.
- 06 out of 35
Fruity Semi-Naked Cake
This is a fantastic way to create a fashion statement with fresh fruit! According to Lattier, ″a fun idea that we have tried is to use fresh fruit instead of traditional flowers for a summer wedding.″ In addition to adding color and making the cake seem particularly fresh and delicious, the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries also make the cake taste even better! 07 out of 35
All-Chocolate Naked Cake
A naked chocolate cake adorned with berries and figs is the perfect choice for a whimsical, forest-themed wedding reception. We adore the straightforwardness of this chocolate confection, which is topped with the most delicious cake topper. 08 out of 35
Sweet Pink Ombré Semi-Naked Cake
A modest approach to include the trend into your dessert, this pink ombré confection has a more traditional vibe owing to the pink tulips that are bunched on top. If you’re planning a late-spring wedding or a garden-themed soiree, this would be the ideal complement. You may even change the hue of the ombré to match any color scheme. 09 out of 35
Chocolate Semi-Naked Cake With Caramel Drizzle
Adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate to a semi-naked cake is a fantastic way to make it even more appealing than it already is.The designer, Lattier, believes that this is a terrific style to put on show in an industrial setting with exposed brick, concrete, or wood beams.According to her, ″the unpolished and exposed texture of the semi-naked aesthetic is the right suit for them.″ While naked cakes are devoid of icing, don’t be afraid to incorporate additional ingredients into the batter in order to provide taste and moisture.
- Examine the possibility of incorporating a chocolate glaze, raspberry sauce, or caramel with a flavoring like as whiskey or vanilla into your dessert with your baker.
- 10 out of 35
Towering Tall Naked Cake
At a preppy or nautical wedding, this three-tier vanilla cake decorated with beautiful flowers and luscious buttercream is a show-stopper that should be put on full display. We can’t get over how much of a statement the separation of the levels genuinely makes on its own. 11 out of 35
Island-Ready Semi-Naked Cake
With its wildflower-like blossoms, this three-tier wedding cake appears to be ready for a destination wedding on an island in the Caribbean. The simplicity of this style is something we like. 12 out of 35
Rustic Semi-Naked Cake With Piped Borders
The thin rows of piped icing liven up an otherwise plain cake a little. On the surface, this vanilla cake is stunning, but on the inside, it features alternating layers of rose-raspberry buttercream and salted caramel filling that elevate it to a whole new level of elegance. 13 out of 35
Elegant Semi-Naked Cake With Purple Florals
However, while bare cakes are often associated with more rustic weddings, it is very feasible to incorporate the design into a more formal event as well. It has a bit of the bare appearance to provide texture and contrast, which is then mixed with lovely purple blossoms to create an elegant and sophisticated cake design. 14 out of 35
Tall Tiered Semi-Naked Cake
So, who says your naked cake has to have the same number of layers as it does?″Another fantastic technique to freshen up the design is to modify the height or forms of the different layers,″ explains Lattier.To generate contrast, this stunning centerpiece pairs a really tall bottom tier with a two-tier top tier, which are then topped off with exquisite blooms and foliage to bring the whole thing together.
- 15 out of 35
Flower-Covered Semi-Naked Cake
A stunning, large arrangement of roses and foliage on the edge of this naked cake makes it difficult to realize it isn’t covered in chocolate frosting. The absence of the icing that would typically be present around the borders allows the flowers to really stand out, creating a highly romantic atmosphere. 16 out of 35
Short Layered Semi-Naked Cake
This semi-naked wedding cake is adorned with white roses and sprigs of greenery to create a romantic atmosphere. This naked cake has a natural look and feel to it throughout, making it suitable for any wedding theme. 17 out of 35
Summertime Strawberry Naked Cake
Using roses, foliage, and fresh strawberries, this three-tiered, 12-layer vanilla cake with buttercream filling is topped with a floral arrangement. Summer is in the air with this charming and simple design that boasts plenty of height. 18 out of 35
Gold Painted Semi-Naked Cake With Florals
Don’t be scared to experiment with the naked wedding cake concept and to combine different styles in one cake. When it comes to making a cake stand out from the crowd, Lattier recommends using metallic finishes such as 24K edible gold foil. 19 out of 35
Desert Inspired Semi-Naked Cake
If you’re getting married in the desert, skip the flowers and instead opt for a nude wedding. Go nearly entirely naked on the edges of your cake, and then top it with a cactus for a classy nod to your venue! 20 out of 35
The Ultimate Party Cake
If you want to add some excitement to your wedding reception, make sure your cake is up for the occasion as well. With this naked cake, rainbow confetti is on full show, and the decorative jewel-toned dahlias add even more color and vibrancy to the design. twenty-first out of thirty-five
Sweet Peach Semi-Naked Cake
An elegant treat, this peach-colored cake with barely-there icing and rich blossoms is both beautiful and delicious. This would be the most adorable cake to serve at a garden party wedding in the spring or summer. 22nd out of 35
Bold Florals Semi-Naked Cake
Featuring spreading white flowers and rich foliage on top, this semi-naked cake is a show-stopping piece of decor for a romantic wedding reception. Our favorite part about this cake is how the chocolate shines through the delicate icing, creating a wonderful contrast and pop of color. 23 out of 35
Bright Pink Peony Naked Cake
Sometimes all you need to spruce up a bare cake for your backyard wedding is a beautiful pink peony in a vase of water. This cake is extremely beautiful in pink, thanks to the basic layers of vanilla cake and vanilla buttercream that make it up. 24 out of 35
Refreshing Berry Naked Cake
The vibrant berries and whipped cream on top of this incredibly tall cake give it a light and refreshing appearance, while also making a statement about how impressive it is. We adore how each of the two levels features a distinct filling, allowing us to fully appreciate the fresh vegetables that was utilized in this delicacy. 25 out of 35
Muted Fall Semi-Naked Cake
Just because you’ve decided on an autumn wedding doesn’t mean you have to go overboard with the gloomy colors in your décor. This lightly frosted three-tier cake is decorated with fall berries and blossoms, but does not use the traditional fall colors to do so. 26th out of 35
Vanilla and Chocolate Naked Cake
Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? If you don’t want to make a choice between chocolate and vanilla, this is the ideal solution. This one-tier naked cake boasts a plethora of contrast, making it the ideal choice for a creative wedding. 27 out of 35
Dotted-Edge Naked Cake
This is the epitome of straightforwardness! We adore the way the tall layers of vanilla cake are coupled with icing in between to create a cake that is both elegant and striking. A beautiful touch of innocence is added to a spring or summer wedding with dotted piping on the layers of the dress. thirty-fifth of thirty-five
Strawberries and Cream Naked Cake
Do these gorgeous candies not scream ″summertime″ to you? This layered cake, with icing and berries peeking out between each layer, is definitely something amazing to behold. Utilize this technique for any season, showing taste components via the steps of preparation. thirty-fifth of thirty-five
Bright White Floral Semi-Naked Cake
We adore the brilliant white color scheme of this cake, as well as the simplicity of the design, which is complemented with greenery.Can you imagine this treat being served at a garden-themed wedding?According to Lattier, ″adding gorgeous floral and plant cascades just gives the cake a natural, organic aesthetic that complements the outside garden scene so beautifully.″ thirty-fifth of thirty-five
Fig and Chocolate Drizzle Naked Cake
However, depending on your décor, naked cakes might have the reverse effect of reducing the sweetness of a cake. For a delectable presentation, this indulgent delicacy combines chocolate cake and icing with chocolate ganache, dried fruit, and berries for a lovely aesthetic that is great for a winter wedding. thirty-fifth out of thirty-five
Tall Statement Semi-Naked Cake With Florals
While naked cakes are often associated with a more rustic aesthetic, there are ways to incorporate them into a more contemporary setting. As Lattier points out, ″tall, slim tiers have a more modern aesthetic and integrate extremely nicely into that sort of venue.″ We adore the way this semi-naked cake makes such a stunning statement on its own. 32 out of 35
Metallic Semi-Naked Cake
Never be hesitant to integrate a little sheen into your cake design. And who would have thought it would go so well with such lovely berries? We adore the way this exhibit showcases so many mouthwatering summer tastes in one place. 33 out of 35
Figs and Greenery Semi-Naked Cake
The addition of aspects of elegance to a bare cake presentation can be accomplished in several ways, and entirely icing one of the tiers is unquestionably one of the most effective. Featuring a tall bottom tier and a small semi-naked tier on top, this stunning cake is the epitome of European elegance. It is accented with greenery and figs to complete the design. 34 out of 35
Single Layer Semi-Naked Cake
Are you considering a more intimate wedding? There’s no need to add many layers in your design! Naked cakes are also a great alternative for a little cake display because they are so simple. 35 out of 35
Semi-Naked Cake With White Chocolate Drizzle
If you’re making a nude cake, don’t be afraid to mix up the design for each layer. Choose to include one semi-naked tier in addition to one completely frosted tier for a more contrasting appearance. And when you add a drizzle over top, along with berries and foliage, the finished effect is incredibly stunning.
What Is a Naked Cake? (and Why You Should Give it a Try.)
Courtesy of Shutterstock / Cristalov When it comes to celebrations, cakes are unquestionably the most significant aspect to consider.With out one, it wouldn’t be a birthday, wedding, or baby shower at all.The flavor and decoration of a cake are quite significant since it serves as the focal point of a gathering.
- As a result, it’s simple to see why the baking community let out a collective scream when they heard about the ″naked cake″ aesthetic trend.
What is a naked cake?
This expression refers to a cake that is fully (or virtually) naked on the outside (i.e., without frosting).Yes, you read that correctly: there will be no icing swirls or brightly colored piped designs.Consider a basic golden-brown sponge cake perched atop a cake stand.
- The flavor, on the other hand, remains unchanged.
- No-bake cakes are built as layer cakes with thick stripes of buttercream or chocolate ganache filling that are shown boldly on the tops.
- The interior of the cake is totally exposed in the absence of the traditional outer coating.
- Believe us when we say that nothing is left to the imagination.
How did it get popular?
What was the source of this bizarre concept?Christina Tosi, the chef, founder, and owner of Milk Bar, began selling nude desserts for $400 apiece in 2014, when she opened the restaurant.Tosi thought that the sumptuous layers of the cake were the most thrilling, sensory, and intriguing aspects of the cake, and she couldn’t understand why bakers fought so hard to keep them hidden.
- She reasoned that a magnificent tiered cake (such as this one!) would be able to speak for itself.
- It wasn’t until Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt presented a nude cake at their wedding that things got interesting.
- Naked cakes were appearing everywhere faster than you could say ″hold the icing.″
A naked cake’s (delicious) benefits
Some people may believe that displaying your dessert in its natural state is a little cheap or trashy, but there are various advantages to doing so.For starters, this technique accentuates the richness of the cake ingredients while projecting an organic, rustic atmosphere that is ideal for backyard gatherings and barbecues.Having a bare cake, on the other hand, eliminates the possibility of ending up with an unsatisfactory design or, worse, a misspelled word on your wedding day.
- Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one.
- It’s also somewhat healthier and slightly less sweet than its fully-frosted sibling, which is a nice bonus.
- For those of you who prefer cake to its sweet topping, you’ve come to the right place to find your ideal dessert.
- (An order of homemade icing on the side will suffice for the rest of us.)
Looking to make your own? Keep the following tips in mind:
You should give this baking fad a try if you are fascinated by the notion.But proceed with caution.A cake that does not have a thick exterior casing might be difficult to make since there is little room to cover up faults.
- Here’s a short piece of advice: Find out how to properly oil a cake pan in this tutorial.
- Furthermore, without additional frosting, the cake may dry up more quickly than a traditional cake.
- You should store the final cake in an airtight container if you intend to save it for later.
- Our most crucial piece of advice?
- Have a good time.
Cake decorating is all about expressing one’s individuality.Instead of frosting, use fruit toppings or powdered sugar to decorate your cake.The choices for frosting-free desserts are virtually limitless.It doesn’t matter if you like the notion of bare-faced cakes or not; you have to admit that these fashionable slices look very delectable.
At the very least, the naked cake fad demonstrates that it is what is on the inside that counts.I’m talking about you, German Chocolate Cake, which has gooey layers of coconut-pecan filling on the inside—and I’m not talking about the outside!
What’s a Naked Cake (and Why Is It Naked?)
We independently choose these items, and if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a commission.Naked cakes were formerly only seen by bakers in between layers of icing, as a crumb coat before the final layer of frosting was applied, but today they have advanced from being a proven fad to becoming a bakery mainstay.A standard style for anything from handmade birthday cakes to multi-tiered wedding cakes, these cakes are easily distinguished by their exposed layers and little garnishing.
- More than simply a cake with less icing, here’s everything you need to know about the naked-cake fad and why you might really want to give it a shot at your next birthday party!
- A naked cake is clearly distinguished by the absence or limited presence of an exterior layer of icing, which allows the cake’s inherent texture and contents to shine through.
- Some naked cakes have no icing on the outside edge, while others have only a sliver of buttercream around the edge.
- The cake for a naked cake is often white or yellow in color, while naked cakes are available in a variety of flavors ranging from chocolate to funfetti.
- It is said that Christina Tosi, of Milk Bar fame, was the one who popularized the practice in roughly 2014.
According to Tosi, keeping the icing off the sides of the cake helps the flavors of the cake and filling to come through more clearly.However, there are a slew of other reasons to bake your next cake without frosting.
5 Good Reasons for Making Naked Cakes
- You want to make a statement with the cake and filling. If you’ve spent a lot of time creating a gorgeous cake and a decadent filling, forgo the frosting and let their color and texture to stand out instead of being hidden by it. For this application, avoid using the thin coating of frosting that is commonly used on naked cakes and instead go for an entirely icing-free cake.
- You’re running low on icing. You’ve finished filling and stacking your cake, but you’ve forgotten about the icing! Forget about it and go for something as delicious but less sugary
- you’re serving cake on a hot day after all. Due to the fact that buttercream might melt in the hot summer heat, many summer brides opt for a bare cake. If temperature is one of the factors influencing the lack of frosting, be sure to choose a jam or meringue-based filling
- you want something that looks charmingly rustic. Cakes baked without icing have a unique texture and aesthetic appeal that frosting cannot match. They’re especially well-suited for outside ceremonies and baby showers when you want something simple to arrange yet that still looks elegant. Naked cakes are ideal for those of us who are intimidated by the prospect of icing a multi-layer cake. Concentrate on creating visually appealing cake layers and a delicious filling, and your cake will just require a smear of icing on top.
Meghan Splawn is a fictional character created by author Meghan Splawn.Skills as a Food Editor Meghan worked as the Food Editor for the Kitchn’s Skills content for a number of years.She specializes in everyday baking, family cooking, and capturing natural light in her photographs.
- Meghan approaches food with an eye toward saving money and time while still having a good time.
- Meghan has a bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts and spent the first ten years of her professional life as a member of Alton Brown’s culinary team.
- Didn’t I Just Feed You?
- is a weekly podcast about food and family that she co-hosts with her husband.
- Meghan should be followed.
Basic Naked Cake Recipe
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Directions
- Checklist for Instructions Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 3 (8-inch) round cake pans should be greased and floured. Advertisement
- Step 2 In a medium-sized mixing basin, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a mental note to put it away. Step 3: Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Combine with vanilla extract.
- Step 4 In a separate dish, whisk together the milk and egg whites until just mixed. Toss in the flour mixture and milk mixture in two batches, beginning and finishing with the flour mixture, and mix on low speed until barely mixed. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl as required. Step 6 Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Baking the cakes on the middle rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, is the best method. Step 7: Wrap cake layers individually in plastic wrap and freeze for 4 to 6 hours after cooling in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes
- remove cake layers from pans and cool fully on wire racks, about 1 hour
- Step 8: Bake cake according to package directions. (This step is optional, but frozen layers are much simpler to deal with than unfrozen layers.) In order to prevent crumbs from falling into the frosting while constructing a naked cake, we recommend freezing it for at least one hour before assembling it. Step 8: When you are ready to ice the cake, take the layers out of the freezer and unwrap them. Step 9
- Step 10: Arrange a dab of frosting in the center of a cake stand or serving plate (to keep the cake from sliding around) and place 1 cake layer on top of the frosting. Repeat with remaining cake layers and icing until the cake is completely finished. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top of the first layer, going just over the edges of the first layer. Place about 1 cup of frosting immediately on top of the first layer. Placing the second cake layer upside-down on top of the first cake layer and repeating the frosting process will result in a delicious cake! Place the third cake layer on top of the second cake layer to complete the stack. Distribute approximately 1 1/2 cups of frosting immediately on top of the third layer, and lightly frost the entire cake, beginning at the top and working your way down the sides, leaving the layers mainly visible. To allow the frosting to set, place the completed cake in the freezer for 20 minutes after it has been assembled. Decorate according to your tastes.
How To Make A Naked Cake
However, while rolled-on fondant has traditionally been the preferred method of decorating traditional wedding cakes, some couples prefer something a little more unconventional, offbeat, and whimsical when it comes to cake decorating; this has resulted in the increasing popularity of naked wedding cakes.But what exactly is a naked cake, and how do you make one?Starting with what a naked cake isn’t, let’s define what it is.
- For starters, there is no fondant or icing to cover the top of the cake.
- To put it another way, it’s a cake with no sides.
- A plain, unfrosted cake that reveals all of the layers and contents underneath, with heaps of mixed berries on top, or possibly drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce, and generously powdered with icing sugar all over.
- The naked cake, which was created by renowned pastry chef Christina Tosi of the Momofuku Milk Bar fame, has become something of a game changer during the wedding season, especially if the wedding motif is rustic or shabby chic.
- When making a nude cake on your own, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Keep it up to date!Traditional fondant cakes, on the other hand, must be produced ahead of time in order to provide adequate time for real decoration, whereas bare cakes can be created the day before, or even on the day of the event.Unfortunately, a naked cake dries up considerably more quickly than a decorated cake, so construct it as late as possible to ensure that it retains its freshness.Maintain a neat and even appearance!
Because there is no fondant or icing to conceal imperfections in your cakes, you must ensure that they come out of their pans firm and even, with no crusty corners, before serving.Prepare your cake pans by carefully greasing them and distributing the cake batter equally in them.It’s crucial to remember that the sides of the cake will be the focal point of the presentation, so it’s critical that they turn out wonderfully once they’ve been removed from the pans.
Make it as specific as possible!Before you begin to cut your cake into layers, take the time to measure them.Not only do evenly-sized layers improve the beauty of the cake, but they also improve the general solidity of the confection.Select the ideal layer cake filling for your cake!As a cake decorator, you must also take into consideration the location where the cake will be presented.
- Is it going to be held outside in the hot and humid weather?
- Don’t let the weather spoil something you’ve worked so hard to create – select a filling that will not readily melt in the heat and will be able to withstand all weather conditions.
- Keep things as basic as possible!
- Even while you may be tempted to overfill your cake, keep in mind that doing so may undermine its solidity.
- It is possible to overfill your cake, especially in warm weather, which might result in a tragedy.
- The weight of the following layer or tier will cause your filling to expand out naturally, so always leave a tiny space at the margins of each filling to prevent this from happening.
- Make it as stable as possible!
- The buttercream, cream cheese, or whatever filling you choose to use to layer your cake should be chilled before transporting the cakes.
- This will ensure that the cakes are solid enough to endure shipping.
- However, you must be careful not to overchill the cake because this procedure will cause the cake to dry up, which is something we must avoid.
- After freezing the cakes, insert a center dowel into the middle of each layer to offer additional solidity and support.
Keep it hydrated at all times!When preparing naked cakes, one of the main worries is that the cakes would dry out because there is no fondant or frosting to protect them from drying out.You may fix this by coating the edges of the cake with a little quantity of sugar syrup to keep the moisture in while maintaining the flavor of the cake itself.
The amount of liquid should not be excessive, since it might make the outside of the cake appear mushy.Maintain your integrity!The final touches should be applied now that you’ve finished baking, filling, and stacking the cupcakes.
- You are not need to beautify the sides of the cake, but you are required to enhance the top of the cake with ornaments.
- Due to the fact that naked cakes do not often pair well with gum paste flowers, natural components should always be added into the design in order to maintain the ″natural″ motif.
- With this one, the sky is the limit, so be creative and use items such as seasonal fresh fruits, freshly cut flowers, leaves, succulents, nuts, or figs into your arrangement.
- When it comes to decorating a nude cake, there are no hard and fast rules.
- When it comes to aesthetics, the most significant aspects to consider are the sides, the fillings, and the toppings of the pizza.
- And remember that there is no wrong way to go about creating the perfect naked cake, and that is part of its allure.
- Whether you want clean and precise lines or muddled and uneven layers, whether you want a towering cake or a petit gâteau, always remember that there is no wrong way to go about creating the perfect naked cake, and that is part of its allure.
- Thank you to Niki S Kunos, the owner of Oh My Cake!
- for her assistance.
Vanilla Naked Cake
It is possible that this content contains affiliate links.Please take the time to read my disclosure policy.Learn how to bake a stunning naked cake that is topped with fresh berries and a vanilla buttercream filling.
- This elegant cake decorating method is considerably easier to do than it appears.
- If you want to make your own naked cake, follow my success strategies and watch the instructional video guide.
- Today, we’ll be baking, decorating, and arranging nude cakes for a party tomorrow.
- I’m going to share my techniques for decorating a nude cake, as well as a video demonstration of how I did it, the vanilla cake recipe I used, and lots of inspiration to get you started.
- The territory we need to cover is extensive, so let’s get right into it.
What Is a Naked Cake?
Naked cakes, which have no or very little icing on the outside, allow the cake layers and contents to be seen.On the wedding, baby shower, bridal shower, and party scenes, this rustic-chic cake presentation has been cropping up everywhere.Christina Tosi, the owner of Milk Bar, is credited with establishing the trend in 2013 when she began emphasizing the cake layers rather than simply the icing.
- Naked cakes are now a common sight at bakeries!
- Naked cakes are a lovely complement to any event, and they are especially suitable for Easter, Mother’s Day, small weddings, showers, and birthdays.
- The fact that you have creative control is something I appreciate about the style.
- You may personalize the nude cake by decorating it in your own style, which makes this dish 100 times more enjoyable.
- If you’re interested in making a tiered cake, check out my easy DIY wedding cake recipe!
Two Types of Naked Cakes
Naked cakes are classified into two categories.Traditionally, a semi-naked or ″half clothed″ cake is what you’ll see in today’s images.There is only a small quantity of frosting applied to the edges of the cake.
- In other terms, a semi-naked cake is a cake that has been crumb-coated.
- Alternatively, a truly naked cake can be used to streamline the design even more.
- This implies that the edges of the cake will be naked, similar to my fresh berry cream cake recipe.
- Both styles are straightforward, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing.
Overview: How to Make a Vanilla Semi-Naked Cake
For today’s photographs and video, let’s concentrate on a semi-naked cake because that is how I decorated the cake in the previous photos and film.
- Make the cake from scratch. In order to start, you’ll need a layer cake. You may use any of my layer cake recipes, the vanilla layer cake recipe provided below, or any other layer cake recipe that you enjoy making. It is similar to my vanilla cake recipe, but it has more structure to accommodate the naked cake decorating technique, therefore I have included it below. The height provided by cake recipes that generate three or four layers is sufficient for decorating purposes, but you may also simply adorn a two layer cake in this manner. Tiered cakes, such as my handmade wedding cake, are very delicious
- simply garnish with berries. Fresh raspberries were interspersed between the layers of my dessert. To be honest, I only used a few of them around the perimeter because I had run out of raspberries to utilize. Oops! However, I really like how they peek out the sides. The fresh raspberries also add a beautiful difference in texture to the dish. Those who want to do so should be aware that the raspberries will begin to leak juice around the borders of the container after a day or two of storage. If you’re baking this cake ahead of time for a party or celebration, I’d recommend omitting the berries and instead frosting the cake. When it comes to half-dressed cakes, vanilla buttercream is my go-to frosting. It’s straightforward, and it highlights the semi-exposed cake layers as well as the cake’s ornamental elements. The frosting recipe below is quite similar to my vanilla buttercream recipe, except that the proportions of the components are raised in order to produce a bigger volume of frosting.
Vanilla Naked Cake Video Tutorial
5 Tips for Homemade Naked Cakes
- Make a strategy. Consider the kind of cake you want–naked or semi-naked–as well as any decorations or garnishes you want to use. This will determine the amount of frosting you will require.
- Prepare your cake pans in the proper manner. Make use of high-quality cake pans and oil them thoroughly so that the cakes will release easily — I always use nonstick spray for this. Make sure that each pan has the same amount of batter in order to get uniform layers. Using a kitchen scale is the quickest and most precise method of accomplishing this. Place your cake pan on top and begin pouring the batter into the pan– continue this process for all of the pans, ensuring sure that each pan weights the same amount of batter.
- Make sure your cakes are level. Remove the top of each cake layer and level it so that both sides are flat. This is vital because flat and even layers help your cake to be more stable when it’s completed. You may use a cake leveler or a broad serrated knife to achieve this result. I usually use a serrated knife to cut things
- keep things simple. Make things as simple as possible for yourself! My recipe and accompanying directions are basic and easy to follow. In many naked cake recipes, a simple syrup soak is recommended to keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out. Taking this path is completely acceptable, especially if you’re building a genuine naked cake, but I don’t think it’s required if your cake is already wet in the first place (like my vanilla cake below). An icing spatula may be used to distribute the frosting between each cake layer instead of piping it, which saves time and simplifies the process. The frosting recipe shown below makes approximately 4.5 cups. Use 1.5 cups between each layer, and 1.5 cups on top and around the sides
- the refrigerator is