Rustic naked cake with flowers, made simple! Learn semi-homemade tricks for a stunning, easy dessert. Perfect for any occasion.

Okay, real talk? We’ve all been there: you need a show-stopping dessert, fast. But ‘fast’ doesn’t have to mean ‘boring.’ This recipe? Your secret weapon. It’s all about that gorgeous, tastes-like-you-spent-hours vibe, without actually spending hours.

Look, you could go full gourmet, whipping up everything from scratch. But let’s be honest, sometimes a killer boxed mix and a tub of creamy frosting are calling your name. And that’s totally fine.

Now, let’s talk about taking this cake from ‘meh’ to magnificent. We’re adding fresh flowers, because why not? Trust me, it’s easier than you think. Ready to make some magic?

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close up of naked cake with fresh flowers on counter with pansies and fresh mint

What is a Naked Cake?

Naked cakes: they’re the ‘less is more’ of the cake world. Basically, it’s about showing off the cake itself, with minimal frosting, for that rustic, elegant look. Think layers, filling, and frosting—but not slathered on. You get to see the cake, which is the whole point. And flavor-wise? Sky’s the limit. Whatever you love, goes.

Less is More With Rustic Cake Design

Naked cakes? They’re all about that ‘less is more’ vibe. Think: light frosting, sides showing, rustic charm. Perfect for folks like me who ditch half the frosting anyway—it’s that sweet spot of balance.

You get that gorgeous ‘bare’ look, layers peeking through, totally homemade feel. Fillings and frostings? Whatever floats your boat! Whipped cream, cream cheese, buttercream, fruit—you name it.

And the decorations? Fresh berries, flowers, natural beauty all the way. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, any celebration where you want it real, not fussy. Dress it up simple or fancy, it’s all about your style.

Why I Love This Naked Cake Recipe

I’m a sucker for naked cakes. They’ve got this effortlessly elegant, homey vibe that just hits right. It’s like, ‘celebration, but make it real.’

For special occasions? They’re my secret weapon. Stunningly simple, letting the cake and flowers do the talking. No stress, just pure beauty. And here’s the thing—I’m a savory gal at heart. So, less frosting? Yes, please! Naked cakes nail that perfect cake-to-frosting balance.

Seriously, that rustic look? Add some flowers? Perfection.

close up of a naked cake with pansy flowers and mint on a stone wall on a glass cake stand

What is a Semi-Homemade Cake?

So, what’s a semi-homemade cake? It’s basically a cake where you mix store-bought stuff with your own homemade touches. Think: boxed cake mix, but bam—homemade frosting, or maybe some fancy sprinkles you picked out. It’s all about speed and your personal style.

You might start with a pre-made mix for the cake itself, then whip up your own frosting. Or, grab some store-bought decorations and arrange them just so. The balance of store-bought versus homemade? That’s totally up to you.

It’s perfect when you want a delicious cake without spending hours from scratch. And honestly, a boxed cake? It can be delicious. The real magic is in how you dress it up, making it uniquely yours. That’s exactly what we’re doing today!

making a semi-homemade naked cake with flowers using packaged cake mix and a tub of frosting. Mixing the ingredients in a bowl to make the cake

How to Make a Semi-Homemade Nake Cake with Flowers

Alright, let’s get down to baking. First things first: layers. We’re aiming for at least three. Trust me, two just won’t cut it for that show-stopping naked cake look we’re after. Whether you’re baking from scratch or grabbing a box, make sure you’ve got enough batter and frosting to build that height.

Seriously, you’re about to see how ridiculously easy it is to make a cake that looks like you’re a baking wizard.

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.
close up of lavender flowers

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.

close up of purple pansies and violas

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.

adding frosting to yellow cake on glass cake stand on granite counter top

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.
adding icing to the semi homemade naked cake on a glass cake dish

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.

after frosting a naked cake, started with mint on the top to add a touch of green
Mint on a naked cake

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.

  • Rose 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.

A close-up of a hand placing a purple pansy on a DIY flower cake decorated with colorful pansies and green leaves. The cake is frosted with light-colored icing and is set against a blurred background of beige and gray furniture. This delightful scene will remind you of the beauty of growing pansies flowers.
Adding pansies flowers to a cake with mint from the garden

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.

A semi-homemade cake that is layered with light white frosting is displayed on a glass cake stand. The naked cake with flowers is decorated with vibrant purple, yellow, and pink edible blooms. Green foliage is visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor setting.

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.
close up of a naked cake with pansy flowers and mint on a stone wall on a glass cake stand
A layered naked cake adorned with colorful pansies flowers sits on a clear glass cake stand outdoors. The cake is decorated with vibrant purple, yellow, and pink blooms, with additional flowers scattered on the rock base around the stand. Greenery is visible in the background.

Easy Semi-Homemade Naked Cake With Flowers

Stacy Ling
Create a stunning semi-homemade naked cake with flowers using this easy step-by-step guide. Perfect for any occasion!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 557 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350
  • Thoroughly prepare the flowers and herbs, wash them well, and fully dry them before using.
  • Follow directions according to cake mix.
    A glass bowl of melted butter is being poured into a mixing bowl containing cake mix and eggs. Next to the bowl are six eggs in an egg carton and a box of Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Butter Golden cake mix. The scene, perfect for a semi-homemade naked cake recipe, is set on a granite countertop.
  • Mix eggs, salted butter and water with mix for 4 minutes on high.
    mixing cake ingredients to make a naked cake with flowers
  • Pour into (3) 9" greased baking sheet
  • Bake for 22 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
  • Remove from oven and allow to completely cool before frosting
  • Lightly frost the cake. How much or how little you do depends on the look you want. I prefer more in-between layers and the top and less on the sides.
    A cake being frosted with a layer of creamy white icing. A knife is spreading the icing evenly over the surface of the cake, which sits on a glass plate on a granite countertop.
  • Decorate your cake with flowers, berries, and herbs depending on the look you want to achieve.
    A close-up of a hand placing a purple pansy on a DIY flower cake decorated with colorful pansies and green leaves. The cake is frosted with light-colored icing and is set against a blurred background of beige and gray furniture. This delightful scene will remind you of the beauty of growing pansies flowers.
  • Depending on the icing used, refrigerate if necessary.
  • Serve and enjoy
    A layered naked cake adorned with colorful pansies flowers sits on a clear glass cake stand outdoors. The cake is decorated with vibrant purple, yellow, and pink blooms, with additional flowers scattered on the rock base around the stand. Greenery is visible in the background.

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcalCarbohydrates: 88gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 758mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 4gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 494IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 269mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Naked Cake With Flowers, Semi-Homemade Cake
Tried this?Let us know how it was!

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

Stacy Ling bricksnblooms logo
close up of semi homemade naked cake with flowers that include pansies and mint on a stone wall in the garden
Home and Garden Blogger Stacy Ling cutting zinnia flowers in her cottage garden with wood picket fence in front of garden shed
The bricks \'n Blooms guide to a beautiful and easy-care flower garden book by stacy ling
The Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy Care Flower Garden
  • Have you never met a plant you couldn’t kill?
  • Have you dug around in the dirt with nothing to show for it except a sunburn and a sore back?
  • Do you currently enjoy growing flowers, but are looking for more tips and ideas to level up your gardening game?

Then the Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide is for YOU

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18 Comments

  1. Such a lovely cake, Stacy. I think naked cakes with fresh flowers are elegant and beautiful for any occasion.

  2. What a show stopper! I love that I feel like I can safely add flowers to a cake now. You really took time to educate me. Pinned!

  3. Yum! Who doesn’t love cake? And it looks so pretty, too! Thank you for sharing all tips, Stacy, including info on the best flowers to use. VERY helpful!

  4. This cake is so gorgeous Stacy! And this is one I might actually get made. Thanks for sharing all of the tips on using flowers on food – I didn’t know a lot of it. Pinning this one and can’t wait to see if I can make mine as pretty!

  5. This cake is stunning Stacy and sounds yummy! I will definitely be using this idea for my next ladies get together!

    1. The flowers totally make it! I love less frosting though too – looks so vintage! Thank you!