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. Its rich cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish, making it perfect for celebrations or a special family 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, sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is well combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Mix melted chocolate into one bowl, pureed strawberries into another, and leave the last bowl as the vanilla batter.
- Step 5: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan. Bake each layer for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Step 6: Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened butter, powdered sugar, and softened cream cheese together until smooth. Frost between each cake layer and cover the entire cake once assembled.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use fresh pureed strawberries or add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the batter.
- If you prefer, substitute the cream cheese frosting with a classic buttercream or whipped cream for a lighter option.
- Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
Storage
Store the Neapolitan Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the frosting fresh. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture and flavor. Leftover cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to one month.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid too much moisture in the batter, which could affect the cake’s texture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, keeping the same quantity. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
PrintNeapolitan Cake Recipe
A classic Neapolitan Cake featuring three distinct layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, covered in a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. This impressive layered cake is perfect for celebrations and dessert lovers who appreciate a blend of rich cocoa, fresh strawberry, and classic vanilla tastes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 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
- 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup softened butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for frosting flavor)
Instructions
- 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, sift or 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, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Fold melted chocolate into one portion to make the chocolate layer. Stir pureed strawberries into the second portion for the strawberry layer. Leave the third batter plain for the vanilla layer.
- Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into the prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cake layers to cool completely in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool fully before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add vanilla extract if using, and blend well.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the vanilla layer on your serving plate, spread cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Add the strawberry layer and frost it, then add the chocolate layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for a neat finish.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter mixing and texture.
- You can adjust the amount of pureed strawberries based on sweetness and moisture content.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and melted chocolate for the best chocolate flavor.
- For a more vibrant strawberry flavor, use fresh or pureed frozen strawberries.
- Keep the cake refrigerated if not serving immediately due to the cream cheese frosting.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, layered cake, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, classic dessert, party cake
