How to Make Perfect Mini Naked Cakes
Treat guests to these scrumptious desserts that almost look too good to eat. Plus, they’re as easy to make as they are pretty.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Cover_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662880573.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
Ingredients
- 2 boxes of cake mix (we used vanilla)
- frosting in desired flavor (we used vanilla buttercream)
- small, fresh flowers/buds, for garnish
Materials
- 13x9" baking pan
- parchment paper
- cake knife
- 2 3/4"-round biscuit cutter
- piping bag with round piping tip
- floral snips
Bake the Cake
Bake your favorite cake mix, following the instructions on the box. Be sure to line the baking pan with parchment paper.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step1-Preaper-Cake.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662893686.jpeg)
Cut the Cake
Remove the cake from the pan by lifting up the parchment paper. Place the cake on your work surface, then using a cake knife, cut the top of the cake off (Image 1) so you have a clean, flat surface (Image 2).
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step2_Cut-The-Cake_a.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662881891.jpeg)
Image 1
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step2_Cut-The-Cake_b.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662883623.jpeg)
Image 2
Cut Cake Rounds
Using the biscuit cutter, start cutting out the cake rounds. You should be able to get several rounds from one sheet cake.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step2_Cut-The-Cake_c.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662885218.jpeg)
Prep Piping Bag + Tip
Open the piping bag and insert the round tip into the bag so that the decorative tip peeks out the bag opening. Using a spoon or spatula, transfer the frosting into the bag and gently squeeze it, moving the air out of the bag and the frosting down towards the tip.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step3-Prep-Piping-Bag-and-Tip_a.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662882893.jpeg)
Frost the First Layer
To create your first cake, place the bottom cake round on a plate and frost the top. Start by frosting it along the outside edge, working your way in a spiral towards the center, then fill in anywhere you may have missed.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step4-Frost-the-First-Layer.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662889189.jpeg)
Frost the Second Layer
Place the top cake round on the bottom one, pressing down slightly. Then, frost the top round in the same manner. You can get a little fancy with it, since the frosting will be visible under the flowers.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step5-Add-and-Frost-Second-Layer.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662886498.jpeg)
Finish With Flowers
Now that the top is fully frosted, you’re ready to add some flowers. Start by selecting small flowers and greenery in a variety of colors and textures, then trim the stems down to about 1 1/2 inches long. Gently place them into the top of the cake, stems down. You only need a few flowers for each.
Not sure what flowers to use? You can opt for edibles like roses, gardenia, pansies, violets and dandelions, for example. If you choose to use non-edible flowers, be sure to pick them off before diving in.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step6-Add-Flowers_b.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662889141.jpeg)
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2016/3/10/0/HSH16_BPF_Mini-Naked-Cake-Recipe_Step6-Add%20Flowers_c.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1457662890073.jpeg)