Slice of Neapolitan Cake featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers

Neapolitan Cake

why make this recipe

Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that brings together three classic flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It’s a fun and colorful cake that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any gathering. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fresh strawberry tastes makes every slice a little piece of joy. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also caters to different taste preferences, ensuring everyone finds a favorite layer.

how to make Neapolitan Cake

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)

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients without overmixing.
  4. Divide the batter into three portions: mix melted chocolate into one portion, pureed strawberries into another, and leave the third as vanilla.
  5. Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Frost between the layers with cream cheese frosting; cover the entire cake once assembled.

how to serve Neapolitan Cake

Serve Neapolitan Cake at room temperature. It’s best sliced into generous pieces to highlight the colorful layers. You can pair it with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch.

how to store Neapolitan Cake

Store any leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

tips to make Neapolitan Cake

  • Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help create a uniform batter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients; this will keep your cake light and fluffy.
  • Using pureed strawberries gives a fresher taste; you can also use strawberry extract if you prefer a stronger flavor.
  • For easier frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature.

variation

You can vary the flavors by using different extracts or fruit purees. For example, you can try using raspberry or lemon instead of strawberry for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

2. Can I freeze Neapolitan Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cakes. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw and frost.

3. What if I don’t have three cake pans?
If you only have two cake pans, you can bake the cake layers in batches. Just keep the batter covered while waiting for the first two to bake.

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Neapolitan Cake

A delightful cake featuring layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

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
Frosting Ingredients
  • 1 cup softened butter for frosting
  • 4 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened) for frosting
Flavor Additions
  • 1 portion melted chocolate for chocolate layer
  • 1 portion pureed strawberries for strawberry layer
  • 1 portion vanilla batter unchanged for vanilla layer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients without overmixing.
  4. Divide the batter into three portions: mix melted chocolate into one portion, pureed strawberries into another, and leave the third as vanilla.
Baking
  1. Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting and Assembly
  1. Frost between the layers with cream cheese frosting; cover the entire cake once assembled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30g

Notes

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help create a uniform batter. Don’t overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients to keep your cake light and fluffy. Using pureed strawberries gives a fresher taste; you can also use strawberry extract for a stronger flavor. Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened for easier frosting.
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