5 Naked Cake Ideas You Can Create at Home

Sometimes, less is more. A case in point: these simple naked cake recipes that feature only a little frosting, but a lot of good taste. In contrast to their heavily-frosted counterparts, these naked cake ideas let the cake shine. They're coated in a thin layer of frosting, or include frosting just between each cake layer rather than around the outside, so you get just enough of the homemade frosting goodness per bite. Tie on your apron, preheat the oven, and prepare to be inspired by these beautiful naked cake ideas.

Naked Cake

Remarkably moist (thanks to olive oil in the batter) and just sweet enough, this citrus-flavored cake is complemented by a thin layer of luscious lemon cream. Once you bake, stack, and spread with icing, dress your naked cake as desired. Our favorite outfit? Berries, for a welcome burst of freshness and color, and edible flowers. Nothing makes for a better spring or summer party centerpiece than a naked cake with flowers.

Dark Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Buttercream

If you like chocolate-covered strawberries, you'll love this dark chocolate naked cake with fruit. But don't just take our word for it. Here's what one BH&G home baker says about this recipe: "I've made this cake three times and it is absolutely delicious. The frosting is light and fluffy, not dense, and has a wonderful strawberry flavor. I highly recommend it; it has become one of our family favorites."

Layered Blueberry (Pan)Cake

Sticking with the brunch theme, this cake recipe is like the world's most glorious, supersized stack of blueberry pancakes—maple syrup and white chocolate "pats of butter" included. A thin layer of maple frosting is a sweet addition that still allows the hotcakes to take center stage.

Vanilla Cake with Buttercream, Berries, and Jam

This fluffy and practically cloud-like cake (thanks to whipped egg whites) would get overwhelmed by a heavy ganache or glaze. That's why this half-dressed cake calls for slight schmears of buttercream, jam, and fruit. Try it with whatever fresh produce is in season.

Chocolaty Harvest Fruit-Topped Cake

For an autumnal, cocoa twist on spice cake, try this recipe including dashes of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. (Trust us on that last one, it brings out the sweetness of the cake.) Melted chocolate and caramel-flavor ice cream topping are the only "frostings" you need for this naked cake.