Neapolitan Cake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/neapolitan-cake-recipe/
