Cindy "TheSweetNerd" Rodriguez Double the trouble with this showstopper! Today, I am unveiling this chocolate naked cake extraordinaire and also many more romantic, fantastic, and beautiful desserts from some of my favorite friend bloggers around the country. It’s a Virtual-Valentine’s Celebration!
It is sort of a lonely job blogging, baking, and eating cake all by yourself. Boo hoo, right? Who am I kidding? I my job. And, I know quite a few others who do too! Please scroll down to check out some awesome ideas for Valentine’s Day from some great gals from around the country. So inspiring.
Today, I am sharing a double chocolate naked cake by Miette. It is everything a chocolate cake should be: moist and rich, yet perfectly light and smooth. By “naked”, we mean that this cake bares all – thick slices of dark chocolate cake stacked between delicate slates of airy pink frosting. This dessert appears innocent and charming, yet at the same time it’s, well, naked. Can you think of a better combo for Valentine’s Day?
I’m calling this one the double-chocolate naked cake in honor of these stunning layers. I suppose, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could go for a third layer, and create the triple-chocolate naked cake. Send picts!
This luscious cream cheese buttercream frosting is tinted pink in honor of Valentine’s Day, and has been a go-to frosting of the late simply because it’s just so dang delicious. More importantly, it’s remarkably easy to whip-up in the mixer. If that doesn’t convince you, just check-out how perfect it looks!
To top my first layer of 6″ chocolate cake, I used a piping bag to line the edge of the cake, then worked my way inwards. The star tip was 100% unnecessary, as I proceeded to smoosh the design with the second cake layer, but it was gorgeous while it lasted!
For a naked cake like this, it’s important to get a nice even layer of frosting in the middle so that the dark bands of the cake don’t appear askew once you’re finished. (I’ll admit – I myself have used frosting to mask an uneven cake. Only once…okay maybe twice.)
Once your two base layers are in-place and level, you can be a little more freestyle with the frosting on top. Scoop a heap on top to finish it off, then smooth, and level with your spatula.
This simple heart-shaped cake topper was made by Juniper & Ivy Design and I wanted to give it a pink make-over. I gave it an easy spray paint job and a layer of pink sanding sugar on both sides. Simple tricks to transform something from ‘pretty’ to ‘show-stopping’.
With a light sprinkling of the same sanding sugar on the top of this nude dessert, your double chocolate naked cake is completely ready to unveil all on the big day!
Virtual Blogger List:
What Should I Make For, Raspberry Triple Chocolate Cheesecake in a Jar
http://whatshouldimakefor.com/raspberry-triple-chocolate-cheesecake-in-a-jar
Instagram: @whatshouldimakefor
The Road to Honey, Chocolate Tart with Champagne & Truffles
Instagram: @the_road_to_honey
Beyond Mere Sustenance, Chocolate Dipped Candied Blood Oranges
http://beyondmeresustenance.com/chocolate-dipped-candied-blood-oranges/
@beyondmeresustenance
Girl Heart Food, Lemon Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Raspberries and White Chocolate Drizzle
@dawn.girlheartfood
Seasonal Cravings, Chocolate Donut Holes with Pomegranate Cream Filling
www.seasonalcravings.com/chocolate-donut-holes-with-pomegranate-cream-filliing/
Instagram: @seasonal_cravings
No Spoon Necessary, Chocolate Velvet Skillet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
http://www.nospoonnecessary.com/chocolate-velvet-skillet-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/
Instagram: @nospoonnecessary
Seasons and Suppers, Swedish Goey Chocolate Cake
http://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/swedish-goey-chocolate-cake/
Instagram: @seasonsandsuppers
Beer Girl Cooks, Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
Instagram: @beergirlcooks
Ciao Chow Bambina, Roasted Strawberry & Chocolate Hazelnut Panini
http://www.ciaochowbambina.com/roasted-strawberry-hazelnut-panini/
Instagram: @ciaochowbambina
The Beach House Kitchen, Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies
http://thebeachhousekitchen.com/2017/02/02/valentine’s-raspberry-pinwheel-cookies/
Instagram: @thebeachhousekitchen
Photos by: Maria Hedrick Photography
January 8, 2020 Cake Recipe Credits: Miette Chocolate Cake (Adapted from Miette) 1 1/4 cups natural unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ounces 70% cacao chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 large eggs, at room temperature Vanilla Cream Cheese Buttercream (adapted from lyndel miller) 6 ounces unsalted butter, softened 9.5 ounces or 2 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, sifted Chocolate Cake 1Liberally butter two 6-by-3 inch cake pans and dust with sifted cocoa powder. Tap out the excess cocoa. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl and set aside. 3Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Whisk until the chocolate is melted. Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes. 4In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla. Set aside. 5In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the eggs on high speed until foamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and slowly pour into the oil, whisking until combined, about 30 seconds. Raise the speed to medium and whisk until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds longer. 6Reduce the speed to low and slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Slowly pour in the buttermilk and vanilla mixture. Add the sugar and whisk until the batter is smooth and liquid, about 2 minutes. 7Stop the mixer. Remove the bowl and add the sifted dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated, preferably by hand, lifting and folding in from the bottom center. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again just briefly by hand. The batter may still look a little lumpy, but stop mixing. 8Pour the batter through a medium-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps. Press against the solids in the sieve with a rubber spatula to push through as much batter as possible, then discard the lumps. Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. 9Transfer to wire racks and let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. When the cakes are cooled enough to handle the pans but still a tad warm to the touch, carefully run an offset spatula around the edges of the pans to loosen them, then invert the cakes onto the racks and remove the pans. Let cool for about 20 minutes longer. Wrap the cakes tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to ensure that the interiors are completely cooled before decorating, at least 1 hour. To freeze, wrap tightly in a second layer of plastic and store in freezer for up to 2 months. Vanilla Cream Cheese Buttercream 1Using an electric mixer, beat all the ingredients together for 3-5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Use it to fill or top the cake of your choice.Double Chocolate Cake
Frosting Recipe Credits: Lyndel MillerIngredients
Directions
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Wow, this is pretty and looks delish! I need to try this for my family!
Thanks Anna Banana! Appreciate the love.
Oh goodness, this is romantic, and sinful…perfect dessert to celebrate love!
Thanks so much! Let me know if you try it!
Thank you for this post. You have some amazing cakes. Love your creativity, too!
Hi Bee! Appreciate the compliment. I love cake! Hope you do too.
What a pretty cake! And love the contrast between the chocolate layer and the beautiful pink frosting. That heart on top is just too cute too! Pinned! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Awww, thanks Dawn. I love the heart topper too. I have a few street artist friends that inspire those fun dripping love toppings. XO
This post just makes me happy! So pretty, so creative, so apropos! I’d love to get in the kitchen with you! Always looks like a party! xo
Thanks Ann. Love the compliment, and appreciate the love. Between your choco hazelnut panini and this naked cake, I think we have the choco loving covered!
This cake is an absolute show stopper Cindy! I’m totally in love with naked cakes! This would be the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert. I love how you changed up the cake topper too. Great idea!!
MaryAnn. Thanks for the love. I have a street artist friend named Karlos Marquez who inspired the dripping heart topper. My mind is always racing with fun topper ideas. Loved the pinwheels – so fun and whimsical.
i want to take a great big lick off that beater! your cake is gorgeous and i love that whimsical heart topper. I have the book from Miette too (Tessa actually gave it to me) and trust me, she’s got nothing on you! i’m a sucker for a naked cake and this one has my heart…pun intended 😉
You are too funny. Lick away sister. Awww, that book is so delicate and fun and I loved adding a little ‘street’ to the topper. It was designed by my street artist bud, Karlos Marquez. He is awesome!
I’m SO thrilled to be participating in this virtual Valentine’s Day celebration with you, girlfriend! All your creations are just gorgeous and this cake is no exception! I want to reach through my screen, grab that beater and eat off ALL the cream cheese buttercream frosting!!! I love that you tinted it pink and the heart topper is just perfect! If this cake doesn’t scream valentine’s day, I don’t know what does! Pinned! Cheers, girlie!
You are so funny. Reach away, or better yet, just head on over to Cali. Mi casa es su casa. Thanks for the compliment.
Absolutely stunning! This cake has been on my “to make” list, too and your have reminded me to get to it, because it looks absolutely delicious. I know mine will not be nearly as pretty as yours, though. What a wonderful treat 🙂
Oh thank you so much Jennifer. I love this double layer of trouble and then adding a fun ‘street’ topper made it near dangerous. Loved your warm choco cake. Can’t wait to try it. XO
Gorgeous! I didn’t know my favorite kind of cake had a name… “naked” Lol. I tend to eat around the icing on a good cake, and I know this one is diving… I’m with Cathy – I want to lick that beater!
It’s so fun to connect with other bloggers, and I’m in awe of the beautiful work each of you is doing! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Oh thanks so much Tamara! Naked was a fun play on this bare cake. I agree – it is awesome meeting you. I gushed over your blood orange delights. YUM!
The cake looks soooo amazing!! I need to try the recipe at home…thank you for sharing!!
Tawny you are the best. Thanks for the love.
Anyone who uses the words naked and smoosh in one recipe wins in my book! I want to eat the whole beater-frosting extravaganza too. I’ve never written that sentence before…
That is the best sentence ever. Smoosh, beater, and naked…. tell me when you start a blog yourself ok?
Omgosh I am in LOVE with this cake! Can I ask it to “be my valentine”? 😉 I especially love that heart topper. Thanks for another great recipe!
I am your Valentine! Don’t you know that? You will when this cake shows up at your doorstep one day. HA! I love the topper too, thanks to my buddy Karlos Marquez and his awesome work.
It’s a good thing I don’t live near Cindy. This is the yummiest looking stuff ever!
Oh no! I wish you did live near me. We could bake and run!
This cake looks amazing and delicious. I want to try this recipe for Valentine’s Day!
Awww shucks… thanks Alicia. You are my fave supporter!
What a beautiful – and sexy- cake for Valentine’s Day. I’m going to make this with Lylita. Or try to anyway. Thanks, Sweet Nerd!
Oh I love your comment… sexy, eh? I am gonna take that and run with it. Thanks!
I am not a baker, but I love reading your blog. The photos are just mouth-watering. I’m forwarding this one on the chocolate naked cake to my dessert-baking friends so I can hopefully taste it!
Oh Diana, thanks for the love and support. You don’t have to be a baker, just a tester. XO
Can’t wait to try this out! Looks so yummy, and the directions are perfectly clear, which is just what I need.
Thanks Annabel. Let me know if you try it! I hope the post makes it easie peasie for ya.
Looks delish!! Yum!
I miss my chef partner in crime. Thanks Alex.
Looks delish! Yum!
Mmmmm…. caaaaaake….
EXACTLY!!!!!
Oh, I’m trying this one for sure. I had my first naked cake at a friends B-day party and loved it. More cake less frosting is for me!!
Mary, thanks for the love for the naked cake. I am all about more cake too!
Looks so yummy! Pretty cake
Pretty yummy, I say!
Perfect for Valentine’s day. Every layer looks so delicious!
It is sinfully yummy…. just have to do a mini-triathlon if you eat the whole thing!
love that I already have all the ingredients!! Totally making this for V-day
OH you are a baker at heart girl! Hope it turns out perfectly wonderful for you.
OMG I didn’t have a sweet tooth this morning, NOW I DO!! looks absolutely delicious and even makes me want to try baking it myself!! jkjk I will leave it to the pros! YUM! XoXox
Oh no! Morning sweet tooth? That is super dangerous. But, I know you – you will make it, then run a 10k!
This looks oh so decadent and I bet it tastes that way too. I love to read about baking and looking at the pictures. Maybe you will inspire me to finally give it a try myself. Keep up the awesome work!!
Love the love… you are the best supporter ever. Thanks Karen girl!
Both Sweet and Sinful 🙂 Love the concept. I can’t wait to try for myself! Happy V Day and thanks for sharing!
Sweet, sinful, naked? Need we say more? Thanks Kim!
So pretty! I love this, and I’m totally going to check out the other bloggers here. Thanks!
Awww, thanks April. The other bloggers are blowing my mind. You will find some awesome stuff.
Looks A-mazing! Can’t wait to try!
THANKS CINDY! Appreciate the love.
I remember loving the Miette shop in San Francisco – they made little cupcakes for Dylan’s first birthday and topped each with a card with the guest’s handwritten name. But this cake – wow – it looks so yummy, YOU make it look so easy, and I love your personal touch with the cake topper. Bravo!
OMG? Really… I love that. The Embarcadero store always makes me swoon. XOOXO
What a magnificent cake. You Make it look so easy!
Thanks Jen. Maybe we can get the kiddos to whip out their versions of naked cakes, eh? That would be hilarious.
What a magnificent cake. You make it look so easy!
This looks amazing, and I might actually be able to pull it off at my own home, with zero baking skills! 🙂
I have a question, can I make the buttercream ahead of time, and refrigerate it until ready, or does it need to be piped and spread immediately?
Hi Christine. Buttercream lasts in the refrigerator for a week or so, or you can freeze it for up to a month. If you freeze it, thaw it out in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Then, once you are ready to use it, leave it at room temperature for at least an hour and then whip up that goodness!
GORGEOUS!!!!
Thank you for sharing such a user friendly recipe with beautiful end results!
You are the best, thanks Caitlin. I am inspired by your love.
This looks and sounds DELISH!! Perfect tint of rose for the frosting (:
So glad you like it Ms. Natalie! The pink is so delicate and just shouts feminine. I love this one.
I LOVE this…layers of chocolate and frosting. Yummm
Awww, thanks Robyn. I think we ditch soccer practice and make frosting together instead!
LOVE.LOVE.LOVE IT!! I will be making one this weekend!!
Oh I hope so! YEAH:)
This cake is absolutely beautiful! I love that pink frosting! It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Hi Rachelle! So glad you dig it. I love your site, so fun and full of perfected recipes.
What a gorgeous cake!
Thank you Marilu. Appreciate the love!
OMG! Looks delicious…and I love all the other recipes too. I think the month of February (not just V-day) should be a month full of love and sweets 🙂
Thanks Issa. I hear ya, long live V-day! Hugs and smooches to you and yours today and forever.
This looks amazing and delicious – just gorgeous! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks Jen. Happy Valentine’s to you too! Appreciate the love.
Love this stunning, classy, beautiful cake! The thickness of frosting between layers is perfection. Going to add this to my to-do list of your amazing creations! Thanks for posting! ????
Thanks Rose! I love your compliments. They inspire me to do more.
This is such a stunning cake Cindy. I love the look of the dark chocolate cake against the soft & feminine frosting. And the squared off look to the frosting is just so special. Anyone would be lucky enough to receive this on “V” day.
Wow Cindy! What can I say other than this cake is so feminine and so pretty. I just adore the look of a naked cake. . .although, surprising enough, I don’t think I have actually ever made one (definitely going to need to change this). I love how yours has that squared off frosting on the top. It almost looks like you used molds to achieve that. So pretty! And that topper. . .absolutely adorable and so perfect for Valentines Day, anniversaries, and baby showers.
Thanks a million Lynn. I love the topper too! I work with some Angeleno street artists, and the edge of this ‘street’ dripping heart was too fun to pass up. Cheers!
This is the most enticing valentine’s dessert I’ve seen this year. Love your ingenuity on the cake topper too!
Aww thanks so much Margot. Love these cake toppers too. Working with some street artist to create the dripping heart. It is so sweet.