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Perfect Naked Leo Birthday Layer Cake Recipe with Fresh Florals and Gold Leaf Tutorial

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A stunning yet simple naked birthday layer cake featuring light vanilla sponge, subtle cream filling, fresh edible florals, and delicate edible gold leaf accents. Perfect for birthdays and gatherings with a natural, elegant touch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed slightly (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional)
  • Fresh edible florals (roses, pansies, violets), pesticide-free
  • 2–3 small sheets edible gold leaf

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with warmed milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently but thoroughly after each addition.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks and cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  8. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until soft peaks form.
  9. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the top.
  10. Add the second cake layer and spread cream on top and slightly around edges to keep the naked look.
  11. Decorate with fresh edible flowers and carefully apply edible gold leaf using tweezers.
  12. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. Remove from fridge 15 minutes prior to serving for best texture.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for better batter texture. Do not overmix batter to avoid toughness. Chill bowls and beaters for whipping cream. Handle gold leaf delicately with tweezers. Use pesticide-free edible flowers and rinse gently before decorating. Cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature. Whip cream and assemble on serving day for freshness. If gold leaf gets condensation, gently dab with a dry brush to restore shine.

Nutrition

Keywords: naked cake, birthday cake, layer cake, vanilla cake, edible flowers, gold leaf, easy cake recipe, celebration cake

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/perfect-naked-leo-birthday-layer-cake-recipe-with-fresh-florals-and-gold-leaf-tutorial/