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Neapolitan Cake

A Must-Try Delight for All Recipe

4.8 from 30 reviews

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.

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

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)

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 bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with whole milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, three-layer cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake dessert