I made this cake for a small anniversary dinner, and it instantly became one of my favorites. No piping, no frills — just smooth white frosting and a touch of gold. It felt so fancy, but was surprisingly simple to put together. It’s the kind of cake that makes people say, “Wait, you made that?!”

I used to think fancy cakes had to be covered in tons of frosting. But after making this naked cake for a friend’s baby shower, I realized how lovely a simple cake could be. It’s light, elegant, and so easy to decorate — no piping tips, no stress. Just cake, cream, and love.

Naked Vanilla Bean C...