Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Today, we’re diving into a colorful world of sweet nostalgia with this stunning Neapolitan cake recipe.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a festive celebration, or just craving a slice of heaven, this showstopper is sure to hit the spot!
What is a Neapolitan Cake?
Remember those tri-colored ice cream tubs from your childhood? Well, imagine that classic combo of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, but in a fluffy, layered cake form! Neapolitan flavoring originated in Italy and was inspired by the colors of the Italian flag. It became super popular in ice cream and has since made its way into all sorts of yummy treats – including our star of the day, this gorgeous cake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy peasy: We’re using one versatile cake batter as our base. No need to make three separate batters from scratch!
- Eye-catching design: Those three distinct layers are guaranteed to make everyone go “Wow!” when you slice into it.
- Decorate your way: Let your creativity shine with how you frost and decorate the outside.
- Flavor heaven: Each bite is a perfect balance of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla goodness.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Flavoring:
- Chocolate layer: 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Strawberry layer: 1/2 cup strawberry puree, 2-3 drops pink food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla layer: No additions needed
For the Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 3 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Cake turntable (optional, but helpful)
- Offset spatula
- Piping bag and tips (for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined. - Divide and Flavor the Batter
Divide the batter equally into three bowls. For the chocolate layer, stir in the cocoa powder. For the strawberry layer, fold in the strawberry puree and food coloring if using. Leave the third portion as is for the vanilla layer. - Bake the Cake Layers
Pour each batter into a prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of cream. Mix in the vanilla and salt. Beat on high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. - Assemble and Decorate
Place the chocolate layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer, more frosting, then the vanilla layer. Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting, chill for 15 minutes, then add a final layer of frosting. Decorate as desired – get creative with piping, swirls, or even mini chocolate bars!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Neapolitan Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the flavorings to keep each layer light and fluffy.
- For clean slices, freeze the cake for 30 minutes before serving and use a hot knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts).
Variations and Substitutions
- Try different fruit purees for the pink layer – raspberry or cherry would be delicious!
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Swap out the vanilla layer for a fun twist like almond or lemon flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly and store at room temperature. Frost the day you plan to serve for best results.
Q: How do I get even layers?
A: Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally, or eyeball it by using a measuring cup to portion out the batter into each pan.
Q: Can I use box cake mix instead?
A: Sure thing! Start with a white cake mix and divide it as directed, adding the flavorings to each portion.
Q: My cake layers aren’t perfectly even. Help!
A: No worries! You can level them out by carefully slicing off any domed tops with a serrated knife before assembling.
Nutritional Information
(Per slice, assuming 12 servings)
- Calories: 650
- Total Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 89g
- Protein: 6g
Let’s Get Baking!
There you have it, folks – a Neapolitan cake that’s sure to become your new go-to for special occasions (or, let’s be honest, random Tuesday nights). The combination of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla is pure magic, and I just know you’re going to love how impressive this cake looks with minimal extra effort. So grab those aprons, preheat those ovens, and let’s create some sweet memories together. Happy baking!
