This Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With its layers of sweet vanilla cake, homemade berry puree, and luscious lemon whipped cream, this cake is not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a spring gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress. Its light and fluffy texture makes it an irresistible choice for dessert lovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla, fresh berries, and lemon creates a refreshing taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The naked style of the cake highlights the vibrant colors of the berries, making it perfect for celebrations.
- Easy to Customize: You can switch up the berries or add different flavors to suit your taste or seasonal availability.
- Perfect for Spring: This light and airy cake is ideal for springtime gatherings and picnics.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 15-16 slices, it’s great for parties and events where you need a dessert that serves many.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can simplify your baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need to create this Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make whipping cream and mixing batter quick and easy, ensuring even texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to prepare ingredients separately without creating a mess.
- Cooling rack: This helps cool your cakes evenly, preventing sogginess at the bottom.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 4 Eggland’s Best eggs (separated)
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk (whole is best, but 2% works as well)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sour cream
For the Berry Puree
- 1 cup strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
For the Lemon Whipped Cream
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 8 oz container whipped cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest (about the zest of 2 large lemons)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries (sliced and hulled)
How to Make Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in egg yolks one at a time while continuing to mix.
3. Mix in vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and sour cream until combined.
In another bowl:
4. Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
In a separate bowl:
6. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently fold egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans:
8. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Prepare Berry Puree
While cakes cool:
10. Blend strawberries and raspberries with sugar until smooth.
11. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if desired for a smoother texture.
Step 5: Make Lemon Whipped Cream
In a large bowl:
12. Beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
13. Add whipped cream cheese, lemon zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Once cakes are completely cool:
14. Place one layer on your serving plate; spread berry puree over it.
15. Top with whipped cream mixture; repeat with second layer.
16. Decorate top with remaining berries and extra whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy your stunning Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream!
How to Serve Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream
Serving your Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream can elevate any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to present this beautiful dessert.
Family Gatherings
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into generous slices and serve on decorative plates for a festive look.
- Add Fresh Berries: Top each slice with extra berries for color and flavor.
Birthday Celebrations
- Candle Topping: Place candles on top of the cake for birthday celebrations, making it the centerpiece of the dessert table.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in textures.
Afternoon Tea
- Tea Time Treat: Offer small wedges during afternoon tea, perfect for pairing with a variety of teas.
- Miniature Versions: Create mini naked cakes for individual servings, ideal for a charming tea party.
Special Events
- Elegant Presentation: Use cake stands to showcase the layers and frosting beautifully at weddings or special events.
- Lemon Zest Garnish: Add lemon zest on top of the whipped cream for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
How to Perfect Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream
To ensure your Berry Vanilla Naked Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Baking Technique: Make sure to separate the egg whites and yolks properly; this helps achieve a lighter cake texture.
- Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the cake’s balance.
- Bold Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting your lemon whipped cream.
- Bold Whip Cream Properly: Whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form so that it holds its shape when spread on the cake.
- Bold Layer Evenly: When stacking your cake layers, ensure they are level by trimming any domed tops off before frosting.
- Bold Store Correctly: If not serving immediately, store covered in the fridge to keep it fresh without drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream
Pairing side dishes with your Berry Vanilla Naked Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Lemon Sorbet: This light, tangy treat complements the flavors of the cake beautifully and offers a cool finish.
- Minty Green Salad: A salad with arugula, mint, and a citrus dressing adds brightness that balances out dessert richness.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, creating an interesting flavor combination.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent bites enhance the berry theme while adding an indulgent touch.
- Honey Yogurt Dip: Serve this simple dip alongside fruit or on its own as a creamy side that contrasts nicely with the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when baking a Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the egg separation: Make sure to separate your egg whites and yolks properly. This helps create a lighter cake texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for that fluffy consistency.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well the batter comes together. Let your butter, eggs, and milk sit out before mixing.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven and check that it’s at the correct temperature. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking.
- Using stale baking powder: Baking powder is essential for leavening. Always check the expiration date before use to ensure your cake rises perfectly.
- Neglecting to cool layers completely: Ensure that your cake layers cool completely before frosting them with lemon whipped cream. This prevents melting and sliding.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep any extra lemon whipped cream in a separate container.
Freezing Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream
- Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use other berries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with blueberries or blackberries for different flavors while keeping the berry puree delightful.
What if I can’t find heavy whipping cream?
If heavy whipping cream is unavailable, you can use a combination of half-and-half and unsweetened whipped topping as an alternative, though it may alter the texture slightly.
How long does it take to prepare this cake?
The entire process takes around 75 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes of baking time, making it perfect for a weekend treat!
Final Thoughts
The Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious and versatile. You can customize it by experimenting with different fruits or flavors in the whipped cream. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it! Enjoy making this delightful dessert!
Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream
Indulge in the enchanting flavors of our Berry Vanilla Naked Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream, a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or a delightful treat at home. This cake features soft layers of sweet vanilla cake, complemented by a luscious berry puree and topped with airy lemon whipped cream. Not only is it visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it also offers a refreshing burst of flavor from the combination of fresh berries and zesty lemon.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 16 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 Eggland’s Best eggs (separated)
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk (whole is best, but 2% works as well)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 8 oz container whipped cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest (about the zest of 2 large lemons)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries (sliced and hulled)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and sour cream.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold into the batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Cool cakes on a rack; prepare berry puree by blending strawberries and raspberries with sugar.
- For lemon whipped cream, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form; add whipped cream cheese, lemon zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble by layering cake with berry puree and whipped cream; decorate with fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by using different berries based on seasonal availability. For added flavor depth, consider incorporating additional citrus zest or extracts in the whipped cream.
