Neapolitan Cake Recipe
Introduction
The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in one beautiful layered dessert. This cake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress with a colorful and flavorful dessert.
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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing.
- Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three portions. Mix melted chocolate into one portion for the chocolate layer, pureed strawberries into the second portion for the strawberry layer, and leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
- Step 5: Pour each colored batter into its prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans before removing.
- Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Step 7: Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between each layer. Once all layers are stacked, cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a smooth finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the strawberry batter.
- You can substitute cream cheese frosting with whipped cream for a lighter option.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature before mixing for better batter texture.
- If you don’t have three pans, bake layers one at a time, cooling them completely before stacking.
Storage
Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting. Leftover cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for the frosting.
How do I prevent the cake layers from shrinking?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and avoid opening the oven door during baking. Also, measure ingredients accurately and use room temperature eggs for best rise.
PrintNeapolitan Cake Recipe
This classic Neapolitan Cake combines three distinct flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—in luscious layers, all covered in creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a beautifully flavored cake that delights both the eyes and the palate.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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
Flavor Add-ins
- Melted chocolate (quantity to taste, approximately 1/4 cup for chocolate layer)
- Pureed strawberries (approximately 1/2 cup for strawberry layer)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup softened butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 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 fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous. Slowly add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing and ensure the batter remains light.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one portion, mix in melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To the second, fold in pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
- Bake the Layers: Pour each distinct batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans before removing.
- Prepare Frosting and Assemble: Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Use this frosting to spread between each cake layer and then cover the entire assembled cake evenly.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for the best texture and consistency.
- Melted chocolate for the chocolate layer should be cooled slightly before mixing into the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Pureed strawberries can be strained to remove excess liquid for a firmer batter consistency.
- For a more vibrant strawberry layer, consider adding a few drops of red or pink food coloring.
- Chill the cake after frosting for at least an hour to set the frosting before serving.
Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, layered cake, vanilla chocolate strawberry, cream cheese frosting, classic cake, homemade dessert
