Neapolitan Cake
Neapolitan Cake is a vibrant and delicious three-layer cake inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This cake features moist, rich layers combined with a smooth cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
Additional Ingredients for Layers
- 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with whole milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently to combine without overmixing, preserving the batter’s light texture.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. To one bowl, fold in melted chocolate for the chocolate layer; to the second, fold in pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer; leave the third bowl as the vanilla batter.
- Bake the Layers: Pour each batter into its respective prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely in pans before removing.
- Prepare Cream Cheese 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: Place the chocolate layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer, frost it, then top with the vanilla layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to set the frosting before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Neapolitan Cake!
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Puree fresh strawberries and strain seeds for a smooth strawberry layer.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor.
- To avoid overmixing, gently fold ingredients together.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, three-layer cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake dessert