Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Neapolitan Cake brings together the classic trio of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors in a single, stunning dessert. This layered cake is perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a bit of variety in every bite.

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)
• Additional ingredients for flavoring: melted chocolate, pureed strawberries (quantities as preferred)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three portions. Into one portion, stir in melted chocolate for the chocolate layer; into the second, fold in pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer; leave the third portion as vanilla.
5. Step 5: Pour each flavored batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Frost between each layer and cover the entire cake once assembled.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pureed strawberries for a vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the strawberry layer.
• For a richer chocolate layer, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the melted chocolate mixture.
• If cream cheese frosting is too tangy for your taste, reduce the cream cheese slightly and add more butter.
• Chill the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving to help the frosting set and the flavors blend.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften the frosting. You can freeze the cake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing to avoid making the batter too wet.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or more butter for a less tangy and creamier frosting, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

This classic Neapolitan Cake features three distinct layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, elegantly frosted with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations, this cake combines rich cocoa, fresh strawberry puree, and a smooth vanilla base for a delightful and visually stunning dessert.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1/4 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
• 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)

Frosting

• 1 cup softened butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing the batter.
4. Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the cake batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one portion, fold in the melted chocolate for the chocolate layer. To another portion, gently mix in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third portion as the classic vanilla flavor.
5. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
6. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to mix until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
7. Assemble the Cake: Place the vanilla layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer and frost it, then top with the chocolate layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Chill briefly to set, then serve.

Notes

• Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
• Puree fresh strawberries for the best flavor and natural color in the strawberry layer.
• You can substitute cream cheese frosting with your preferred frosting if desired.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
• Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

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