Gone are the days when hot Summer weather makes icing drip down your wedding cake! Naked cakes — the trendy cakes that are mostly unfrosted — are great for warmer outdoor weddings and add a simple, elegant style to any sweet spread. By layering the cake and using a minimal amount of frosting, mainly to stick layers together or add a decorative touch, these wedding desserts offer a light sweetness in each bite. If you think that less icing means your cake will lack flair, then add fruity or flowery touches to accent the frosting and flavor. Check out these naked cakes below for inspiration!
Photo by Jeff Loves Jessica [1] via Style Me Pretty [2]
Chocolate Floral Cake
Make layers stand out by opting for a darker cake base like chocolate and pairing it with a lighter frosting or mousse.
Caramel Drip Dessert
Instead of vanilla- or chocolate-flavored topping, bring a new flavor to the mix and drizzle caramel over those bare layers.
Frosted Sectional Cake
This cake is a perfect combination of frosted and unfrosted, giving guests options and adding a unique, textured look.
Light Frosting Cake
If you don't want to fully undress your wedding dessert, then brush a light layer of frosting over the cake.
Vintage Bunting
Give the cake a vintage vibe with cool ticket toppers like these.
Chocolate Layers
Layer upon layer of chocolate? Always a crowd pleaser.
Succulent Accents
Succulents are way in right now — and they aren't just for hipster wedding cakes [15]. For a rustic, outdoorsy feel, top off your naked dessert with a variety of the plants.
Strawberry Floral
Get the best of both worlds and accent your bare cake lightly with flowers and fruit.
Dripping Red Velvet
This Fourth of July-inspired dripping red velvet dessert, topped with juicy fruit, makes our mouths water. Consider opting for a naked cake that pairs well with the season or holiday near your wedding.
Simple and Sweet
Add simple, girlie details to a minimalist cake by topping it with delicate flowers.
Powdered Up
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the nude layers for texture and an extra bit of sweetness.
Full of Fruit
When in doubt, pile on a ton of beautiful fruit to each layer of your naked cake — you can't go wrong!
Bunting and Layering
If you can't decide between bunting or layering or between several flavors, go for all of it.
Burst of Color
Add a pop of color to your frosting-free cake and accent with complementary-colored flowers.