Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in one beautiful, layered dessert. Perfect for celebrations or a special weekend bake, this cake offers a rich and creamy experience with a smooth cream cheese frosting.

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 round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold together, taking care not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Melted chocolate should be stirred into one portion, pureed strawberries added to the second, and leave the third portion plain for the 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 the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Frost between each layer and cover the entire cake once assembled.

Tips & Variations

• For a fruitier strawberry layer, use fresh pureed strawberries or strawberry jam instead of processed puree.
• Warm the cream cheese and butter slightly if the frosting feels too stiff for easy spreading.
• Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a subtle tang that complements the sweetness.
• Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist on flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?

Yes, thaw and puree the frozen strawberries well before incorporating them into the batter to avoid excess moisture affecting the cake texture.

What is the best way to prevent the cake layers from drying out?

Cool the layers completely and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. Applying a thin layer of frosting or simple syrup before the final frosting can also help keep layers moist.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 747 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Neapolitan Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring three distinct flavors—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Each layer is baked separately then stacked with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a beautiful and delicious treat perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Additional Flavors

• Melted chocolate (quantity to preference, approximately 1/4 cup for mixing into one batter portion)
• Pureed strawberries (approximately 1/2 cup for mixing into one batter portion)

Frosting

• 1 cup softened butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and tender.
5. Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Into one bowl, mix in the melted chocolate for the chocolate layer. Into the second, stir in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third bowl as the plain vanilla batter.
6. Bake Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
7. Cool Layers: Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks until fully cooled.
8. Prepare Frosting: To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened butter and softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
9. Assemble Cake: Place the vanilla cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer and frost again, then top with the chocolate layer. Cover the entire assembled cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it evenly.

Notes

• For the strawberry puree, fresh or thawed frozen strawberries can be blended and strained to remove seeds for a smoother batter.
• If you prefer, you can use boxed strawberry gelatin mix instead of puree for the strawberry layer for a more intense flavor and color.
• Bring eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing for a better batter consistency.
• Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
• Refrigerate the cake after frosting if not serving immediately; remove about 30 minutes before serving for best texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layered cake, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, birthday cake, celebration dessert