Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake is an exquisite dessert that combines the delicate floral notes of chamomile with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. This naked cake, with its rustic, understated beauty, is a perfect way to showcase these two ingredients, creating a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The cake layers are light and fluffy, with a rich, creamy chamomile-infused buttercream and fresh strawberry slices tucked in between. Topped with more strawberries and edible chamomile flowers, this cake offers a refined touch for any special occasion.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a bridal shower, or simply treating yourself, Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake brings elegance and a burst of fresh flavor to any gathering. In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for making this beautiful and delicious cake, along with tips for success and fun variations to try.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

• Delicate, Floral Flavor: The chamomile adds a light, calming floral flavor to the buttercream, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the strawberries. The combination is refreshing and sophisticated.
• Fresh, Vibrant Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this cake, providing juicy, bright pops of color and flavor in each bite.
• Rustic Naked Cake Style: The “naked” style of this cake showcases its layers without heavy frosting, giving it a rustic yet elegant appearance that makes it the perfect centerpiece for a dessert table.
• Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Flavor: The lightness of the cake, the richness of the chamomile buttercream, and the tart sweetness of the strawberries come together in a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and refined.
• Ideal for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a wedding, a shower, or a casual brunch, this cake adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour for the frosting
• Servings: Approximately 10-12 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per slice, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30-35g

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon chamomile flowers, dried
• 1 tablespoon boiling water

For the Chamomile Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons chamomile tea (brewed and cooled)
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Strawberry Filling and Topping:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional)
• Edible chamomile flowers for decoration (optional)

Special Equipment

Making a beautiful and delicious Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake requires a few key pieces of equipment to ensure that everything comes together perfectly:

1. Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is essential for creaming the butter and sugar and whipping the buttercream to a light and fluffy texture. It can also make mixing the batter and ensuring everything is well incorporated much easier.
2. Cake Pans: You will need two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans to bake the layers of the cake. Using parchment paper or greasing and flouring the pans will ensure the cakes come out easily.
3. Strainer or Tea Infuser: A fine-mesh strainer or a tea infuser will help steep the chamomile flowers in hot water for making the chamomile tea to use in both the cake and the buttercream.
4. Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is helpful for spreading the buttercream smoothly and evenly between the layers of cake and along the sides of the naked cake.
5. Cake Stand or Serving Plate: A cake stand or a flat serving plate is perfect for assembling and presenting the naked cake. It gives the cake a professional look and makes it easy to serve.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to ensuring the perfect balance of ingredients for both the cake and the buttercream.
7. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is necessary for cooling the cake layers properly. Cooling them on a rack allows air to circulate around the cakes, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chamomile Tea

Start by making chamomile tea. In a small bowl, steep the chamomile flowers in 1 tablespoon of boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. After steeping, strain the tea into a separate container to remove the flowers. Set the tea aside to cool.

2. Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for getting a tender cake texture.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. After each addition, mix until just combined.

Next, add the cooled chamomile tea to the batter and mix until fully incorporated. The tea will infuse the cake with the delicate chamomile flavor.

3. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops of the batter with a spatula for even baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Chamomile Buttercream

While the cakes are cooling, make the chamomile buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Add the cooled chamomile tea, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat the mixture for 4-5 minutes, or until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Filling and Topping

Wash and slice the strawberries, reserving a few whole strawberries for decoration. If you want to sweeten the strawberries, drizzle them with 1-2 tablespoons of honey and mix gently to coat.

6. Assemble the Naked Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, it’s time to assemble the cake.

Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a thin layer of chamomile buttercream on top of the cake. Add a layer of sliced strawberries over the buttercream.

Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries. Spread a thin layer of buttercream over the top and sides of the cake, ensuring that some of the cake layers are exposed on the sides (this is the “naked” effect).

Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries, and if desired, decorate with edible chamomile flowers for a beautiful, fragrant finish.

7. Chill and Serve

For the best results, allow the assembled cake to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the buttercream set and makes the cake easier to slice.

Serve the cake chilled, slicing it carefully to reveal the layers of strawberries and chamomile buttercream. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

• Ensure the Cakes Are Completely Cool: Before assembling, make sure the cake layers are completely cool to prevent the buttercream from melting.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key to the bright flavor and texture of this cake. If you can, use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best results.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense.
• Chill the Cake: Chilling the cake before serving will help the buttercream firm up, making it easier to cut and serving it at the perfect texture.
• Infuse Chamomile Flavor: If you want a more intense chamomile flavor, you can steep the chamomile flowers longer or add a bit of chamomile extract to the buttercream.

Variations of Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

• Strawberry-Rose Naked Cake: Replace chamomile with rose water or rose petals for a floral twist that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Lemon-Strawberry Naked Cake: Add fresh lemon zest to the cake batter and a splash of lemon juice to the buttercream for a tangy citrus contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Chocolate-Chamomile Naked Cake: Incorporate a rich chocolate ganache in between the layers of cake along with the strawberries and chamomile buttercream for a more indulgent dessert.
• Vegan Strawberry Chamomile Cake: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, and vegan butter to make this cake vegan-friendly.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist, but the exposed sides may dry out slightly over time. For best results, eat within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake

Pair this elegant cake with the following to complete your dessert experience:

• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like berries or citrus slices, can complement the light, refreshing flavors of the cake.
• Herbal Tea: A delicate herbal tea, such as chamomile or green tea, would pair beautifully with the floral notes of the cake.
• Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The cake’s lightness and freshness make it an excellent pairing with a glass of bubbly.

Print

Conclusion

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake is a stunning dessert that brings together the delicate flavors of chamomile and the brightness of fresh strawberries. Its simple yet elegant presentation makes it perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a wedding, a birthday, or simply enjoying a homemade treat, this cake is sure to impress. With a soft, fluffy texture, fragrant buttercream, and vibrant strawberries, it’s a dessert that combines beauty with taste. Enjoy every bite of this sophisticated, floral-inspired treat!