A Neapolitan cake is a delightful combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors layered in one stunning dessert. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need an eye-catching treat.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Triple Flavor Delight: Combines three classic flavorsโchocolate, vanilla, and strawberryโin every bite.
- Visually Stunning: Its layered design is both elegant and playful.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with variations like frosting choices or alternative flavor combinations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any occasion, itโs a dessert everyone will talk about.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate cake batter
- Vanilla cake batter
- Strawberry cake batter
- Buttercream or whipped cream frosting
- Food coloring (if needed, for vibrant layers)
- Optional decorations: fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles
Directions
- Prepare Cake Batters: Prepare the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cake batters according to your recipes or boxed mixes. Use food coloring to enhance the vibrancy of the strawberry and vanilla layers if desired.
- Layer the Batter: Divide the batters evenly into three separate cake pans.
- Bake: Follow the baking times and temperatures indicated in your recipes, ensuring each layer is fully baked. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Assemble: Level the cake layers if needed. Place the chocolate layer at the base, followed by vanilla and strawberry. Spread frosting between each layer.
- Frost and Decorate: Cover the cake with your chosen frosting, and decorate as desired.
- Chill or Serve: Refrigerate the cake for 1โ2 hours to set before slicing, or serve immediately if preferred.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12โ16 slices, depending on portion size
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25โ30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cake mixes or flour blends for each layer.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute plant-based milk, butter, and frosting.
- Different Flavors: Experiment with other flavor combinations, like lemon, raspberry, or caramel.
- Marbled Effect: Swirl the batters together instead of creating distinct layers for a unique look.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4โ5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving; reheating is not recommended for frosted cakes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the layers a day ahead and assemble them the next day. Store the baked layers wrapped in plastic wrap.
2. Can I use store-bought cake mix?
Absolutely! Store-bought mixes make this recipe quicker and easier while still delivering great flavor.
3. What frosting works best with Neapolitan cake?
Buttercream and whipped cream frosting both pair beautifully with the flavors of this cake.
4. How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and ensure the cake is stored in an airtight container to retain moisture.
5. Can I make this as cupcakes instead?
Yes, divide the batters evenly into cupcake liners and bake according to the cupcake instructions on your batter recipe.
6. Can I add fillings between the layers?
Definitely! Try adding strawberry jam, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream for extra flavor.
7. How do I ensure even layers?
Use a kitchen scale to weigh each batter portion, and level the cakes with a serrated knife after baking.
8. Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, but the layers may have a more muted color without it.
9. Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes, use plant-based substitutes for eggs, milk, and butter, and choose a vegan frosting recipe.
10. Can I decorate the cake differently?
Absolutely! Add fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles to personalize the cake.
Conclusion
Neapolitan cake is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. With its timeless combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with creative variations, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a tryโyouโll love the results!
Print
Neapolitan Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Neapolitan Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in a single, impressive presentation. Inspired by Neapolitan ice cream, this cake features three distinct layers, each corresponding to one of these beloved flavors, all enveloped in a creamy vanilla buttercream.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- Vanilla Layer:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) cake flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- Strawberry Layer:
- Use half of the vanilla cake batter
- 1/3 cup (80ml) strawberry puree or 1/4 cup (60g) strawberry jam
- A few drops of pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) boiling water
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Vanilla Layer:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour one-third of the batter into one of the prepared pans for the vanilla layer.
- Strawberry Layer:
- Take another one-third of the vanilla batter and mix in the strawberry puree or jam until well combined. Add food coloring if desired.
- Pour the strawberry batter into the second prepared pan.
- Chocolate Layer:
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is thin.
- Pour the chocolate batter into the third prepared pan.
- Vanilla Layer:
- Bake the Layers:
- Bake all three layers for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of vanilla buttercream on top.
- Add the strawberry cake layer and spread another layer of buttercream.
- Top with the vanilla cake layer.
- Apply a thin coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs (crumb coat). Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Apply a final layer of buttercream, smoothing it with an offset spatula.
- Optional Chocolate Ganache Drip:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until just boiling.
- Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then drip it over the edges of the cake for a decorative effect.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy this beautiful Neapolitan Cake!
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
- For a more pronounced strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the strawberry layer.
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