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.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Related To:

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Next Up

Lemon-Lavender Tea Cake Recipe

Serve up the perfect spring dessert with tiny bundt cakes drizzled in a lemon glaze and sprinkled with loose lavender.

How to Make a Bird Feeder From an Embroidery Hoop

Make this clever, upcycled bird feeder in less than an hour, then prepare for some amazing birdwatching.

Make Homemade Play Dough

Whip up this colorful DIY play dough in a snap with only a handful of simple pantry staples.

Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

You don't have to tap into your savings to throw a great party. Try our tasty recommendations for easy (and cheap!) party recipes.

Make 3 Infused Simple Syrup Recipes To Gift + Enjoy

Level up your at-home bartending skills and craft these syrups in minutes. Then bottle them as cute gifts because sharing is caring.

Make This Mother's Day Cocktail Gift Basket

Whip up a floral-inspired gift basket that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy. Plus, this blackberry simple syrup recipe will easily become your seasonal go-to.

How to Make Vegan Gluten-Free Brownies

These extra-chocolaty vegan brownies will satisfy any sweet tooth. A perfect non-dairy and gluten-free dessert, these treats are just as gooey as the original version and are ideal for dessert or a midday snack. You'll thank us later.

How to Make a Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

Satisfy every sweet tooth at your dining table with this easy-to-assemble platter of cakes, pies, cookies and more.

How to Make Marshmallow Spiderweb Croquembouche for Halloween

This tower of sweets may look complicated to make, but this easy recipe uses a shortcut with store-bought frozen profiteroles.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate-Avocado Pudding

Avocados aren't just for guacamole and toast — they are also amazing with chocolate. Skeptical? This choco-avocado pudding will change your mind.

More from:

HGTV Spring House

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Home Town

7am | 6c

Home Town

8am | 7c

Home Town

9am | 8c

Home Town

10am | 9c

Home Town

11am | 10c

Bargain Block

12pm | 11c

Bargain Block

1pm | 12c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

House Hunters

8pm | 7c

House Hunters

8:30pm | 7:30c

House Hunters

9:30pm | 8:30c

House Hunters

10pm | 9c

House Hunters

10:30pm | 9:30c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:30pm | 10:30c

House Hunters

12am | 11c

House Hunters

12:30am | 11:30c

House Hunters

1am | 12c

House Hunters

1:30am | 12:30c

House Hunters

2:30am | 1:30c

House Hunters

3:30am | 2:30c

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.