Neapolitan Cake Recipe: A Delightful Trio of Flavors

ByEmma

If you’ve ever wanted to bake a cake that looks as amazing as it tastes, this Neapolitan Cake is your answer. Combining the classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in a single dessert is pure genius. Not only is it a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also stunningly beautiful, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive in!

Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this flavor-packed masterpiece, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake Layers:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for the chocolate layer)
  • ½ cup strawberry puree (for the strawberry layer)

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Pro Tip: Use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh strawberry puree for the best flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly into three bowls:

  1. Leave one bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
  2. Add cocoa powder to the second bowl, mixing until fully incorporated, for the chocolate layer.
  3. Stir the strawberry puree into the third bowl for the strawberry layer.

Pro Tip: If you want extra vibrant colors, use a few drops of food coloring for the strawberry and chocolate layers.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

  1. Pour each batter into its respective prepared pan and smooth the tops.
  2. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

  1. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream.
  2. Mix in the vanilla extract and beat until fluffy and smooth.

Pro Tip: If you want to mimic the Neapolitan theme, divide the frosting into three portions and tint one chocolate, one pink, and leave one plain white.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place the chocolate layer on a cake stand and spread an even layer of frosting on top.
  2. Stack the strawberry layer next, followed by more frosting.
  3. Finally, add the vanilla layer and frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 15-20 minutes, then apply the final layer of frosting.

Pro Tip: Use a bench scraper for smooth frosting and decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for a polished look.

Serving and Storing the Neapolitan Cake

Once your cake is assembled, slice into it and marvel at the beautiful trio of layers. This cake is best served slightly chilled and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Neapolitan Cake is not only delicious but also a showstopper! The chocolate layer is rich and indulgent, the strawberry layer adds a fruity burst, and the vanilla layer ties it all together with classic sweetness. It’s the perfect dessert for when you can’t pick just one flavor.

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