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Ditch the Copious Frosting with These 13 Gorgeous Naked Cakes

Presenting the naked cake, the dessert that’s light on frosting but still surprisingly beautiful. Whip one of these babies up for your next dinner party or a show-stopping wedding cake—and scandalize your loved ones with your newfound (culinary) nudity.

10 Unconventional Cakes to Make for Any Occasion


naked cookies cream cake recipe list
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Cookies-and-cream Naked Cake

Your favorite cookie gets an upgrade.

naked lemon olive oil caked recipe list
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Naked Lemon And Olive Oil Layer Cake

Absolutely stunning (and surprisingly easy to pull off).

Chai Spice Cake With Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Hey, is it cool if we eat this for breakfast?

1-bowl Vegan Gluten-free Carrot Cake

Equal parts rustic and sophisticated.

Blackberry Lavender Naked Cake With White Chocolate Buttercream

Doubles as a centerpiece.

Vanilla Naked Cake

Pairs perfectly with a side of fresh fruit. 

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

This is giving us some serious spring and summer vibes. 

Red Velvet Cake

Oh hi, cake of our dreams.


Triple Chocolate Easter Cake

These little eggs make the perfect garnish. 

spiced cranberry elton mess naked cake
Cupcake Project

Spiced Cranberry Eton Mess Cake

Celebrate pretty much anything with this freaking beautiful dessert. All thanks to Coterie Member Stefani Pollack.

Get the recipe

Two-persimmon Layer Cake With Vanilla Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting

No gluten, no problem. 

White Christmas Sparkle Cake

If the North Pole was a dessert. 

Chocolate Pistachio Pear Naked Layer Cake

Did we mention this one’s flourless?

Additional reporting by Alexandra Hough



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Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.