Neapolitan Cake Recipe
This Neapolitan Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring three distinct flavors: rich chocolate, fresh strawberry, and classic vanilla. Each layer is baked separately and then assembled with a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat perfect for any celebration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layers
- 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)
Frosting
- 1 cup softened butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
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 ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined, creating a uniform dry base for the batter.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, gently mixing to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Divide and flavor batter. Divide the prepared batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one bowl, add the melted chocolate and fold gently for the chocolate layer. Into the second bowl, stir in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third bowl as is for the vanilla layer.
- Bake the layers. Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
- Prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake. Place the vanilla layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer and frost again, then add the chocolate layer. Finally, frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly for a smooth finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- Puree fresh strawberries and strain to remove seeds for a smoother strawberry layer.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.
- For extra moisture, brush each cake layer with simple syrup before frosting.
Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layered cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, party cake, dessert
Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/neapolitan-cake-recipe/
