I am admittedly more than a little obsessed with fresh flowers…
and talk to me about fresh flowers on rustic, naked cakes
and it is pretty much perfection.
and it is pretty much perfection.
I have shared a couple different flower topped, naked and quick and easy cakes over the years.
Such as this
this recent rustic share
and even the secret to a last minute flower or berry topped cake
if you are so inclined.
if you are so inclined.
And today we are talking about the easiest
as in the easiest
way to get or make a gorgeous rustic/naked flower topped cake.
as in the easiest
way to get or make a gorgeous rustic/naked flower topped cake.
#1. Order one at the bakery
Yes, you can call your local market and ask them to make you a ‘naked’ or ‘rustic’ cake
without frosting. And surprisingly- they cost the same as one with fancy schmancy frosting
and loads of buttercream flowers.
#2. Bake your own
If you want to make a cake rather than buy a pre-made cake
you can use your favorite recipe or a simple white cake recipe
and this is a great one adapted via add a pinch
you can use your favorite recipe or a simple white cake recipe
and this is a great one adapted via add a pinch
Note:
I changed the flour from all purpose to cake flour-and a little less than amount for shortening
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
a little less than ½ cup vegetable shortening
3 cups granulated sugar
5 eggs, room temperature
3 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray and floured,
Cream together butter and shortening until light and fluffy with an electric mixer. Add sugar one cup at a time, and add eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate before adding another.
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour milks and vanilla into measuring cup and whisk and then add to butter and shortening mixture – alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Gently stir all ingredients until well combined.
Evenly distribute cake batter between cake pans and place pans into oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove and allow to cool slightly in cake pans for about 5 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
I recommend placing your cakes into the freezer for a bit before attempting to slice them.
After a few hours- take them out and start first by slicing the tops off to make them more ‘level’
and then slicing each cake in half- creating 2 layers from each layer.
(does that make sense?)
Then it is time for your frosting.
You can decide if you want to create a naked cake with a slight layer of frosting on the outside
or a more rustic cake frosting mostly wiped off – or natural cake texture on the outside.
But either way- you will want to make sure you have a decent amount of frosting for in between each layer of cake.
Plop it on there- spread it out and make sure it is thick enough for your liking
and then place the next layer of cake.
And repeat.
After that- depending on the frosting situation- you can take a spreader (or the back edge of a knife) and simply pull the frosting around the outside- and then frost the top.
Or leave it more rustic and call it good.
Don’t forget to add a layer of parchment on the frosting in between so the flowers do not touch the cake or any part that will be eaten. Not all flowers are edible- and ranunculus is a popular wedding cake decor- but is not considered one you should be eating.
Top with fresh, organic flowers that are edible (that is a BIG one)
and again-
ranunculus though popular on cakes is NOT considered an edible flower.
So layer that parchment if using it – or only use on a decor type cake rather than
the one that will be eaten.
and again-
ranunculus though popular on cakes is NOT considered an edible flower.
So layer that parchment if using it – or only use on a decor type cake rather than
the one that will be eaten.
Do your research by searching edible flowers if one is in question
and arrange the flowers with a few blackberries, blueberries or other type of fruits
and a couple sprigs of eucalyptus or rosemary for pretty presentation.
It is perfect for a romantic Valentine’s treat.
Up next in the naked cake chronicles…
a caramel sauce topped rustic cake.
And hint… it is so.delicious.
Up next in the naked cake chronicles…
a caramel sauce topped rustic cake.
And hint… it is so.delicious.
And if you are looking for a few tips for tomorrows table setting- you may enjoy this post about
7 tips for inspired romantic entertaining
7 tips for inspired romantic entertaining
And coming your way early tomorrow-
I will be sharing a few favorite romantic table settings
that you can recreate in a pinch for a Valentine Tuesday
or any day.
Happy Monday!
Decor To Adore says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Wicked Faerie Queen says
So beautiful, so simple and so natural. I love the rustic beauty of this cake. I am having a Goddess Solstice Party this summer and I am definitely doing some cakes like this.
Thank you
Sue
Marisa Franca @ Allourway says
So beautiful! Forget eating it! I would be too busy taking photos trying to preserve the memory of the gorgeous dessert. I'll have to do some investigating where I can find organic flowers that are edible. Have a wonderful weekend, Courtney! Tell the people at Balsam Hill ciao. Their tree worked perfectly in our living room window.
Kathy says
Hello Courtney, I'm making your cake again! The family is coming over for Easter. I have LOADS of strawberries and cream. For those who want a lighter dessert. For those who want cake – I'm making your cake in a pretty 13×9 pan and serving it naked. A couple things. This Southern girl let herself run out of shortening. I substituted coconut oil – the nearly solid kind and I'm a great fan of almond extract – so I used that instead. I'll let you know how the cake turns out. Have a blessed Easter!
Kathy
Unknown says
I love everything about this blog!