A Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream is a stunning yet simple dessert with layers of vanilla cake, fresh berries, and light, tangy lemon whipped cream. The “naked” style leaves the sides exposed, creating a beautiful, rustic presentation.
Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Lemon Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the Berry Filling and Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for macerating the berries)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Make the Vanilla Cake:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Lemon Whipped Cream:
- In a large chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Keep the whipped cream in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare the Berries:
- If desired, toss the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar to lightly macerate them. Set aside.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of lemon whipped cream over the top, followed by a layer of mixed berries.
- Repeat with the second layer, adding more whipped cream and berries.
- Place the final cake layer on top and spread the whipped cream on the top of the cake (leave the sides bare for the “naked” effect).
- Decorate and Serve:
- Pile fresh berries on top of the cake for a beautiful garnish. Add more lemon zest if desired for a burst of color.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the whipped cream to set slightly.
This Berry Vanilla Naked Cake is light, fresh, and perfect for celebrations, offering a delicious mix of vanilla cake, tangy lemon whipped cream, and sweet, juicy berries!