Naked wedding cakes exploded in popularity back in 2016 thanks to an Instagram post by Country Living mag, and the trend shows no signs of dying. If you search #nakedcake on Instagram there are over one million posts!
What is a Naked Wedding Cake?
A naked wedding cake is a sponge cake traditionally split into three layers, with a covering of buttercream and jam between each layer. The style of the cake is designed for each layer of sponge and filling to be visible. There is also the semi-naked cake, the naked cake’s modest sister, with a thin layer of butter icing around the outside of the cake so you just get a hint of bare sponge peeking through. So, it appears we do still like our cakes covered up a little.
The appeal of naked wedding cakes is their simplicity. Whilst a naked cake is usually a classic vanilla sponge, using different coloured sponges, such a dark chocolate cake, will enhance their visual appeal. You can also create an ombre effect with lighter sponges at the top and darker sponges at the bottom.
Decorating Naked Wedding Cakes
Thanks to their exposed sponge, naked wedding cakes ooze rustic charm, and are a must-have for boho and vintage brides. This style of cake is more suited to a barn or outdoor wedding than a stately home event. The neutral colourings of the cakes mean they fit perfectly into any wedding colour scheme too.
You can decorate naked wedding cakes with a light dusting of icing sugar and a splattering of fresh berries, macaroons and even doughnuts. Another option is fresh flowers, but it is vital to ensure that your choice of blooms aren’t poisonous, are organically grown without the use of pesticides, and any flower stems are not inserted directly into the cake. The safest option is to use edible flowers, or you could ask your cake maker if they can make you some sugar flowers.
Preventing a Dry Cake
If you are considering a naked cake for your wedding think how long the cake will be sitting on display before you cut it. Ask your cake maker how far in advance they will bake the cake. Ideally this needs to be either the morning of the wedding or the day before the wedding at the earliest.
The advantage of a semi-naked cake is there is less risk of the sponge drying out if the cake sits on display for a prolonged period of time. The thin layer of buttercream around the outside will delay that process.
So, have I convinced you to have a naked or semi-naked wedding cake? I’m sure this beautiful cake trend will be around for a while yet.
Guest post by Michelle of La Belle Cake Company
Images from La Belle Cake Company
