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Neapolitan Cake Recipe: A Must-Try Delight for All

Neapolitan Cake Recipe: A Must-Try Delight for All

4.8 from 5 reviews

This Neapolitan Cake is a delicious, vibrant three-layer dessert that combines classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Each layer is distinct in flavor and color, beautifully representing the Neapolitan ice cream tribute. The cake is moist, fluffy, and topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the flavors. Ideal for celebrations or as a delightful treat, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a visually stunning dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

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 ensuring they are well combined to create a uniform dry base.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and fully blended.
  4. Create the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently and just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.
  5. Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter evenly into three bowls. To one portion, fold in the melted chocolate for the chocolate layer. To the second, fold in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
  6. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its own prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans, then transfer them to wire racks.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy. Optionally, add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place the vanilla layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then add the strawberry layer followed by more frosting, and finally the chocolate layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
  9. Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to let the frosting set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful Neapolitan Cake!

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Puree fresh or frozen strawberries for natural flavor in the strawberry layer.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and melted chocolate for a richer chocolate layer.
  • The cake pans should be the same size for even layers.
  • Refrigerate the cake after frosting to help the layers set and make slicing easier.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, three-layer cake, colorful cake, dessert recipe