Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful dessert featuring three distinct flavors layered together—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This colorful cake is perfect for celebrations or whenever you want a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup softened butter (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter equally into three bowls. To one, add melted chocolate for a rich chocolate layer. To another, fold in pureed strawberries for a fresh fruity layer. Leave the last portion plain for a classic vanilla layer.
5. Step 5: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting between each cake layer, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh strawberries for the puree or substitute with raspberry puree for a different fruity twist.
• Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting or sliding layers.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives.
• Add a tablespoon of coffee to the chocolate batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the frosted Neapolitan Cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use jam instead of strawberry puree?

Yes, you can substitute strawberry puree with your favorite berry jam for a similar flavor and easier preparation.

How do I prevent the cake layers from drying out?

Make sure to wrap each layer in plastic wrap as soon as they cool if you’re not assembling immediately. Using frosting between layers also adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This Neapolitan Cake is a delightful tri-flavored dessert featuring layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Each layer is baked separately and then stacked with a rich cream cheese frosting, creating a beautiful and delicious cake perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting

• 1 cup softened butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• Additional ingredients (not listed): melted chocolate for the chocolate layer batter, pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer batter

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure consistent texture and flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well mixed.
4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixes: Gradually add the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until fully combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and tender.
5. Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter into three equal portions. Add melted chocolate to one portion for the chocolate layer, pureed strawberries to another for the strawberry layer, and leave the third portion as vanilla.
6. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan. Bake each layer for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans before removing.
7. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until light and fluffy.
8. Assemble the Cake: Frost between each cooled cake layer to create the tri-color effect. Once stacked, cover the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting for a smooth finish.

Notes

• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve better batter consistency.
• You can substitute pureed strawberries with strawberry jam if fresh strawberries are unavailable, but fresh puree provides a more natural flavor.
• Allow each cake layer to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
• For a more intense chocolate layer, use high-quality melted dark chocolate.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting and bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, tri-flavored cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, dessert