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Neapolitan Cake

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
    • Vanilla Layer:
      1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
      2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
      3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
      4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
      5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
      6. Pour one-third of the batter into one of the prepared pans for the vanilla layer.
    • Strawberry Layer:
      1. Take another one-third of the vanilla batter and mix in the strawberry puree or jam until well combined. Add food coloring if desired.
      2. Pour the strawberry batter into the second prepared pan.
    • Chocolate Layer:
      1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
      2. Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
      3. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is thin.
      4. Pour the chocolate batter into the third prepared pan.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Find it online: https://newsvks.com/neapolitan-cake/