Naked Cake: the delicious recipe for a cake with no frosting

Despite its name, there’s nothing scandalous about this naked cake. It’s actually an easy dessert recipe. If you’ve been afraid to try your hand at baking cakes, this is one to try—especially if you’re afraid of frosting cakes. Why? Because there’s no frosting or decorating involved.

The cake is rich in chocolate flavor, with a creamy, slightly sweet filling between the layers. The eggs make the cake rise high enough for three layers, while the cream cheese adds a nice flavor. Simply bake a cake, divide it in three layers, and pipe the filling. It’s super easy to make and makes a great cake to serve at wedding parties or other special events.

What Is A Naked Cake?

Naked cakes are usually layer cakes that are served with little to no frosting on their sides, hence the name, “naked”, since the cake looks nude, with the cake layers and filling nicely exposed.

How To Make Naked Cake

This cake is a showstopper, but doesn’t involve many steps. Make the batter by whisking together the ingredients until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Grease the cake form well, pour in the batter, and bake until cooked through.

Tips For Making Homemade Naked Cake

Make a semi-naked cake (also known as the dirty wedding cake), by spreading a small amount of frosting on the sides (the cake should still be visible). Use a straight spatula to “clean” the sides of the cake if you want a semi-naked look. Just add a bit of frosting, and then scrape it off.

If you’re making a semi-naked cake, place the cake layers in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight), as this will make the frosting process easier.

For best results (and to make your life easier), use a non-stick baking pan (but not silicone!).

Use boxed cake mix if you want a shortcut, and don’t feel like baking your own. You can also use store-bought plain cake layers.

Naked Cake Variations

Try different flavors for the naked cake. Try vanilla cake with custard frosting, a chocolate cake with whipped cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, or chocolate buttercream.

Also try a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.

Naked Cake Decoration Ideas

Let your imagination run wild with this one. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Edible flowers (wash them first)
• Fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Candy (caramels or chocolates)
• Meringues
• Candied citrus
• Rainbow sprinkles

How To Store Naked Cake

If you want to make the Naked Cake ahead of time, you can store the individual layers in plastic wrap (or an airtight container) at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Leftover Naked cake can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1

In a bowl beat well eggs with sugar until frothy and smooth.

In a bowl beat well eggs with sugar until frothy and smooth.

Step 2

Step 2

Sift in the flour with cocoa powder and baking powder.

Sift in the flour with cocoa powder and baking powder.

Step 3

Step 3

Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4

Step 4

Transfer it to the baking bowl and bake for 25 minutes at 170°C (340°F).

Transfer it to the baking bowl and bake for 25 minutes at 170°C (340°F).

Step 5

Step 5

Whip the cream in a large mixing bowl until peaks begin to form.

Whip the cream in a large mixing bowl until peaks begin to form.

Step 6

Step 6

In another bowl mix together cream cheese, vanilla extract and powdered sugar add it to the whipped cream.

In another bowl mix together cream cheese, vanilla extract and powdered sugar add it to the whipped cream.

Step 7

Step 7

Divide the prepared cake into 3 pieces.

Divide the prepared cake into 3 pieces.

Step 8

Step 8

Layer each cake with a prepared cream mixture.

Layer each cake with a prepared cream mixture.

Step 9

Step 9

Decorate the cake with raspberries and mint.

Decorate the cake with raspberries and mint.

Notes

Grease the cake form properly. Because you won’t cover the cake with frosting, you want the cake to be as presentable as possible. If it sticks to the pan, the sides won’t be as smooth.