Whether it’s an elegant, frosting-free cake or one that is finished in a homespun style, couples are simplifying their cake act. “Naked cakes are appealing for their rustic look and foodie appeal,” explains Andrea Boudewijn of Studio City–based Superfine Bakery, who has baked many a bare creation, from a chocolate cake layered with lavender icing and decorated with ripped gold leaf to simple versions with cascades of berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Veteran baker Leslie Maynor of Pasadena’s Fantasy Frostings, who created one of the first and most notable naked cakes for bride Hilary Duff four years ago, notes that what guests love about a naked cake is the aroma. “Once we unwrap, the whole space is permeated with the smell of freshly baked cake.”
And for those who insist on still covering up, but don’t want chewy fondant enrobing their cake, Santa Monica’s The Butter End Cakery goes back to the buttercream basics. Owner Kimberly Bailey bakes everything from fancy tiered creations to elegant homespun cakes, all eschewing fondant in favor of true buttercream frosting (a four-ingredient recipe that includes the best butter, organic milk, powdered sugar and pure extract) or a premium rolled chocolate that creates the same effect as fondant with a more pleasing taste and texture. Simple and chic, modern and delicious, elegant and homespun, there are cakes for every taste.
The Butter End Cakery created a romantic look by using hand-sculpted, wafer-thin strips of premium white rolled chocolate to create a textured look and layers of frills. “The dimension and whimsy of this cake make it special,” notes Bailey. Photo Credit: Christopher TODD Studio
Nestled among typewriters and adorned with fresh figs, this large, single-tier cake has been given an application of The Butter End’s unique “spackle finish” buttercream for an elegant homespun look. It’s accompanied by a matching gluten-free mini cake. Photo Credit: Brian Leahy Photography
Fantasy Frostings keeps the look clean, simple and true to the robust red velvet flavor. Double cream cheese frosting and a crown of fresh flowers complete the chic cake. Photo credit: Callaway Gable
Superfine Bakery’s tuxedo cake, with alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla cake, filled with salted caramel buttercream and a layer of salted caramel in the center. Finished with dripping caramel, fresh seasonal fruit, pink peppercorn sprigs and orange marzipan kumquats
