Semi-Homemade Naked Cake With Flowers

Create a stunning semi-homemade naked cake with flowers using this easy step-by-step guide. Rustic cake decorating tips for any occasion!

If you’re in a rush but still want to create a dessert that looks gorgeous and tastes fantastic, this cake recipe is your go-to. It is perfect for those times when you need a dessert quickly but don’t want to spend hours shopping and baking.

Sure, you can go all out with the best yellow cake and buttercream recipes from scratch. But if you prefer to keep it simple, grab your favorite cake mix and a creamy tub of buttercream frosting.

Let’s chat about how to level up your cake with fresh flowers for a stunning finish. Here’s what you need to know!

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What is a Naked Cake?

The naked cake trend has gained popularity in recent years for its simple and elegant aesthetic. It sounds a bit strange to call it a naked cake, but it’s not odd when you consider what it means.

Because it is typically left unfrosted or partially frosted, a naked cake has a rustic and minimalist appearance that allows the cake layers to peek through and be more visible.

Naked cakes are generally made with multiple layers of cake, stacked on top of each other with a filling or frosting between each layer. And the cake itself can be any flavor you want based on personal preferences.

Less is More With Rustic Cake Design

Naked cakes do not have a thick layer of icing. Instead, they are lightly frosted on the outside, leaving the sides of the cake exposed, or with a thin layer of frosting that only partially covers the cake layers.

If you are anything like me, I am constantly scraping most of the frosting off my cakes because I don’t love all that sugar. Well, the naked cake is a great solution to that because it balances the sweetness. So less is really more.

This results in a “naked” or “bare” appearance, with the cake layers peeking through the frosting, giving it a rustic and homemade look.

The filling and frosting flavors chosen are usually dependent upon personal preferences and what will best complement the cake. Popular choices for fillings and frostings in naked cakes include whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or fruit preserves.

Typical decorative elements for a naked cake include fresh berries, flowers, or other decorative elements. These additions add a touch of organic, natural beauty to the overall presentation.

Naked cakes are often used for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations where a less formal and more relaxed aesthetic is desired.

They can be decorated with a variety of styles, ranging from simple and rustic to elegant and sophisticated, depending on the occasion and personal preference.

Why I Love This Naked Cake Recipe

I’ve always had a special fondness for naked cakes. There’s something charming about their rustic, unfinished look that feels both elegant and down-to-earth. They remind me of the beautiful, effortless celebrations we have at home, where the focus is on the people and the moments we share, rather than perfection.

Naked cakes are perfect for special occasions because they are simple yet stunning, allowing the natural beauty of the cake and the added fresh flowers to shine. They’re my go-to for making any gathering feel extra special without the stress.

Not to mention, I’m more into savory flavors, so I prefer a little less frosting with my cake. Since a naked cake uses substantially less icing than a full frosted cake, there is a better balance between the cake and frosting flavors.

Plus, I love the rustic cake design, don’t you? And when you add a few pretty flowers to it?

It is perfection.

What is a Semi-Homemade Cake?

A semi-homemade cake refers to a cake that is made using a combination of store-bought or pre-made ingredients along with some homemade elements. It’s a convenient and time-saving approach to baking, as it allows you to take advantage of pre-made or ready-to-use ingredients while still adding your own personal touch to the cake.

A typical semi-homemade cake might involve using a store-bought cake mix as a base, but then customizing it with homemade additions such as frosting, fillings, or decorations. This can include using a pre-made cake mix for the cake layers, but making your own frosting from scratch, or using store-bought decorations like candy, sprinkles, or edible flowers to add a homemade touch to the cake’s appearance.

The extent of homemade versus store-bought ingredients in a semi-homemade cake can vary depending on individual preferences and time constraints. But overall, it’s a flexible approach that allows for creativity and customization while also simplifying the baking process.

It’s a popular option for those who may not have the time or expertise to make an entire cake from scratch but still want to add their own personal touch to a store-bought or pre-made cake mix.

By the way, just because you made a cake from a box, doesn’t mean it won’t taste good. Because it will. And by dressing it up with your own personal style, you can make it look more special. So that’s what we are doing today!

How to Make a Semi-Homemade Nake Cake with Flowers

Whether you make your own cake recipe or purchase a box, it’s important to make enough cake and have enough icing to make at least three layers. Two layers of cake are not enough so go with a minimum of three to make a gorgeous naked cake recipe. Wait until you see how easy this beautiful cake is to make!

Essential Ingredients

If you are making this recipe homemade, you won’t need a whole lot of ingredients.

• Box of vanilla or yellow cake mix
• Frosting
• Eggs
• Salted butter
• Water
• Mint
• Flowers (I used pansies)

To mix the cake, you’ll either need a good mixer or hand mixer.

How to Make a Naked Cake with Flowers: Step-by-Step Directions

• Prepare the Cake: Use a semi-homemade cake mix for convenience. You’ll want to make 3 layers to get a really beautiful cake. If you need an additional box of mix, do it.
• Frost the Cake: Apply a thin layer of frosting for the naked cake effect.
• Decorate with Flowers: Add edible flowers for a beautiful finish.

How Do You Decorate a Cake with Flowers?

This is where the fun begins because you can you really have fun decorating a cake with flowers depending on what you have growing in your garden or have access to locally. It can be a beautiful and elegant way to add a touch of natural beauty to your creation.

Here are some tips for decorating a cake with flowers.

Choosing Edible Flowers

When decorating a cake with flowers, it’s important to select flowers that are safe for consumption and are free from pesticides or chemicals. Ensure that the flowers you choose are food-grade and safe to eat. (See the list below of safe and unsafe flowers)

Do your research before using them in a dish because one part of the plant might be safe to eat, but other parts may not. Be sure to remove stamens and pistils from flowers and eat only the petals.

Follow these tips:

• Choose flowers that have not been treated with any form of pesticide
• Select plants that are certified organically grown or grow your own
• If found in the produce department at your local grocery store, they are specifically grown for consumption and are safe to eat.
• Do not use roadside flowers
• Keep in mind that garden nursery plants may have been treated with fertilizers and pesticides, so these are not great options for using as edibles.
• Purchase edible flowers from a reputable florist, nursery, or market that can guide you to what is safe for consumption.

For this semi-homemade naked cake with flowers, I used cuts of fresh mint for the greens and pansies that were well-washed for decoration only.

Preparing Flowers Safely and Carefully

• Once you have chosen your flowers, carefully wash them to remove any dirt or debris.
• Remove any leaves, thorns, or stems from the flowers, leaving only the edible leaves, petals, or blooms that you plan to use for decoration.
• Allow the flowers to dry completely before placing them on the cake.
• And always be gentle when handling delicate flowers to avoid damaging their petals.

Planning the Rustic Cake Design With Flowers

Consider the overall design you want to achieve with the flowers on the cake. Look for inspiration on social media, google, and food magazines or books. You can arrange them in a cascading pattern, create a wreath, or scatter them randomly for a more organic look.

It’s a good idea to lay out the flowers on the cake without attaching them first to determine the desired placement and spacing. Also, when making a naked cake, go with a minimum of three cake layers and it looks more aesthetically pleasing to work with odd numbers.

Attaching the Flowers and Greens

There are several methods to attach flowers to a cake. Here are a few options:

• Fresh flowers with stems: If using flowers with sturdy stems, you can insert them directly into the cake. Wrap the stems with floral tape or insert them into food-safe floral picks to prevent direct contact with the cake. Simply push the stems or picks into the cake, arranging them as desired.
• Flower blooms without stems: If using flowers without stems, you can attach them to the cake using floral wire or toothpicks. Insert a small piece of floral wire or a toothpick into the base of the flower, leaving a portion exposed that can be inserted into the cake.
• Flower petals: Alternatively, you can use individual flower petals to decorate the cake. Simply place the petals on the cake’s surface, arranging them in the desired pattern or design.
• Remove non-edible parts that include leaves, thorns, or stems from the flowers, and use only the petals or blooms for decoration. Non-edible parts of the flowers can pose a choking hazard or may contain toxins.

Always Consider Food Safety

I can’t stress this enough. It’s really important to ensure that the flowers you use for cake decoration are food-safe and have not been treated with any harmful chemicals. Because you do not want to consume them.

If you are not sure about the safety of the flowers, it’s best to use flowers specifically labeled for culinary use or consult with a florist or other knowledgeable source.

Don’t guess, be certain.

Adding the Finishing Touches to Your Cake With Flowers

Once the flowers are attached to the cake, you can add additional touches to enhance the overall appearance. This may include adding greenery, leaves, or other decorative elements to complement the flowers and create a cohesive look.

Chill the Cake

If the cake requires refrigeration due to the type of frosting or filling used, be sure to store the cake in the refrigerator until serving to keep the flowers fresh. Remember to always prioritize food safety and choose edible flowers that are safe for consumption.

List of Safe and Unsafe Flowers for Cake Decorating

When decorating a naked cake with fresh flowers, it’s crucial to choose blooms that are not only beautiful but also safe to use on food. While many flowers are edible and add a lovely touch to your cake, others can be toxic and should be avoided. To ensure your cake is both stunning and safe, here’s a guide to which flowers are perfect for decorating and which ones you should steer clear of.

Safe Flowers for Cake Decorating

When it comes to decorating cakes with flowers, it’s essential to use flowers that are safe for consumption and have not been treated with harmful chemicals. Here are ten common flowers that are considered safe to use on cakes.

• Roses Petals can be used but remove the white base of the petal as it’s bitter Rose hips (seed heads) can be used for tea and vinaigrette.
• Pansies and Violas come in bright, bold, and beautiful colors that are generally safe for consumption.
• Mint Flowers and Leaves are safe to eat.
• Lavender Flowers are commonly used for cake decorations, adding a lovely aroma and a touch of purple color. They are safe to eat in moderation.
• Calendula Flowers are bright, cheerful, and considered safe to eat, making them a popular choice for cake decorations.
• Nasturtium Flowers come in vibrant colors and have a slightly peppery flavor. They are often used to add a pop of color to cakes and are safe for consumption.
• Chamomile has daisy-like flowers with a pleasant aroma that is considered safe to eat.
• Borage flowers have a cucumber flavor and is considered safe to eat.
• Chive Flowers and Foliage have an onion flavor and is safe for consumption.
• Sage Flowers and Leaves are safe for consumption.

Additionally, be sure to thoroughly wash the flowers before using them on a cake, and use them sparingly for decoration.

Unsafe Blooms: What Flowers Not to Use on Cakes

There are several types of flowers that are not safe to use on cakes as decorations. These flowers may contain toxic compounds, harmful chemicals, or potential allergens that can pose a risk to human health if ingested.

Here are some examples of flowers that should not be used.

• Poisonous or toxic flowers. The following flowers should never be used on cakes or any other dish: daffodils, lilies of the valley, foxgloves, and hellebores.
• Non-edible flowers. Flowers that are not traditionally used for culinary purposes, such as gladiolus and sunflowers, should not be used on cakes. These flowers are typically not considered safe for consumption and may contain chemicals, pesticides, or other contaminants that can be harmful if ingested.
• Flowers with thorns or prickles.
• Flowers treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals.
• Flowers with heavy pollen, like lillies can stain cakes and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Unknown or unidentifiable flowers.

When using flowers on cakes, always exercise caution, do your research, and use only flowers that are known to be safe for consumption. At the end of the day, if you have any doubts or concerns about the safety of a particular flower, don’t use them or consult with a knowledgeable florist or qualified expert in edible flowers.

Naked Cake Recipe With Flowers FAQ

Is It OK to Put Fresh Flowers on a Cake?

Yes, it is generally safe to put fresh flowers on a cake, as long as certain precautions are taken. However, it’s important to use caution and follow food safety guidelines to ensure that the flowers are safe for consumption and do not pose any health risks.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when using fresh flowers on a cake:

• Only use edible flowers. Know the flowers before you use them.
• Remove non-edible parts that include leaves, thorns, or stems from the flowers, and use only the petals or blooms for decoration. Non-edible parts of the flowers can pose a choking hazard or may contain toxins.
• Use food-safe flower picks. If the flowers have sturdy stems, consider wrapping them with floral tape or inserting them into food-safe floral picks before placing them on the cake. This prevents direct contact between the flowers and the cake, ensuring food safety.
• Insert flowers securely.
• Use flowers sparingly. When using fresh flowers on a cake, less is often more.
• Communicate with guests. If you are serving a cake decorated with fresh flowers, let your guests know they are for decoration only and are not meant to be consumed.
• Consider food allergies. Take into consideration any potential food allergies or sensitivities of your guests when using fresh flowers on a cake.

Final Thoughts About This DIY Flower Cake

Creating a semi-homemade naked cake with fresh flowers is a delightful way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The rustic elegance of a naked cake, combined with the natural beauty of edible flowers, makes it perfect for any special occasion.

Remember to choose safe flowers and prepare them properly to ensure your cake is not only beautiful but also safe to eat. With these tips and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a stunning and delicious cake that everyone will love.

Happy baking!

Have you ever mixed flowers with your food? Like in a salad or another kind of dish? I would love to hear about your favorites. Let me know more in the comments below.

For more information about edible flowers, please read this article from the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear! And feel free to share this post with anyone you think would find it helpful too.

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo