Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful three-flavored treat that brings together chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in one beautiful dessert. Perfect for celebrations, this cake offers a familiar taste with a colorful twist that everyone will enjoy.

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)
• 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
• 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 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, mixing gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter into three equal portions. Stir the melted chocolate into one portion for the chocolate layer, mix the pureed strawberries into the second for the strawberry layer, and leave the third plain for the vanilla layer.
5. Step 5: Pour each flavored batter into its own prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
6. Step 6: Prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting between each layer and cover the entire cake once assembled.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, use fresh pureed strawberries and a bit of strawberry extract if available.
• You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple buttercream if you prefer a sweeter topping.
• If you don’t have three pans, bake each layer one at a time and let them cool completely before stacking.
• Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra special touch.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting and assembling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

Is it necessary to have three cake pans?

No, if you don’t have three pans, bake each layer separately. Just make sure the previous layer is completely cooled before baking the next to avoid mixing flavors.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

This Neapolitan Cake features three distinct layers of classic ice cream-inspired flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Each layer is individually flavored and baked, then stacked and frosted with a smooth cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful and visually appealing dessert perfect for any celebration.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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
• Additional ingredients for layers: melted chocolate (quantity as needed), pureed strawberries (quantity as needed)

Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until uniformly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, folding gently to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
4. Divide and Flavor the Batter: Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one portion, stir in melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To another portion, gently fold in pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
5. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before handling.
6. Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
7. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, place the chocolate layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer and frost again, then top with the vanilla layer. Cover the entire cake evenly with the remaining frosting for a polished finish.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs and softened butter and cream cheese for best mixing results.
• Melt chocolate carefully using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning.
• Puree fresh strawberries and strain if desired to remove seeds for a smoother strawberry layer.
• Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• For extra strawberry flavor, add a drop of strawberry extract if pureed fruit is not sweet enough.
• Store the finished cake refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layered cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, party cake, easy dessert, homemade cake