Irresistible Neopolitan Cake: A Decadent 3-Layer Delight

Indulging in a slice of Neapolitan cake is like taking a mini-vacation to Italy without the hassle of airport security. Picture three luxurious layers, each boasting its own distinct flavor, swathed in velvety buttercream that dances on your taste buds. The combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry not only tickles your palate but also paints a vibrant masterpiece on your plate, perfect for any gathering or simply when you want to treat yourself.

This delightful creation isn’t just about looks; it’s about memories too. I remember the first time I made Neapolitan cake for my daughter’s birthday party. She was over the moon, her friends squealing with delight as they tasted each colorful layer. That day was filled with laughter, crumbs flying everywhere, and a delightful sugar high that fueled the kids’ energy for hours. If you want to impress your family or friends with a dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, this cake is your ticket!

I still chuckle when I think about how my husband took one look at the cake and said, “Is it really okay to eat something so pretty?”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best structure and texture; it’s essential for a fluffy cake.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the layers beautifully; you can experiment with brown sugar for extra depth if desired.

• Baking Powder: Ensure freshness by checking the expiration date; this helps the cake rise perfectly.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness; be sure to let it sit at room temperature before mixing.

• Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into batters for an even texture throughout.

• Milk: Whole milk provides moisture and tenderness; don’t skimp on this ingredient!

• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder in one layer for that rich chocolate flavor everyone loves.

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers an aromatic touch that enhances all flavors beautifully.

• Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen strawberries can be puréed; their sweetness brightens up the vanilla layer.

• Buttercream Frosting: A blend of butter, powdered sugar, and milk creates a silky smooth frosting that holds everything together.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you grease three 9-inch cake pans with butter and line them with parchment paper for easy release.

Create the Batter: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until everything melds into creamy goodness.

Sift in Dry Ingredients: Combine flour and baking powder together before gently folding them into your wet mixture. This helps avoid lumps while creating a smooth batter; add milk gradually until combined.

Divide and Flavor Layers: Now comes the fun part! Divide your batter into three bowls. Stir cocoa powder into one bowl for chocolate flavor; mix strawberry puree into another bowl while leaving one bowl plain vanilla.

Bake Your Layers: Pour each flavored batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this means perfection awaits!

Cool and Frost: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Once completely cool, frost between layers with buttercream frosting generously—you deserve this creation!

When you serve this masterpiece at gatherings or special occasions, expect gasps of delight followed by enthusiastic requests for seconds (and maybe thirds). The combination of flavors makes every bite feel like a celebration!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preparing your cake batter separately for each flavor. Bake in three round pans to ensure even layers and perfect texture. Let them cool completely before assembling.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with flavors! Add lemon zest for a citrus twist or swap strawberries for raspberries to mix things up. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance sweetness too.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Neapolitan cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best taste, enjoy it cold; reheating isn’t necessary.

Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of birthday parties filled with laughter and vibrant slices of cake. Those moments remind me why I love baking so much.

FAQ

What is Neapolitan cake made of?

Neapolitan cake typically consists of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers.

How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking?

Grease your pans well and use parchment paper for easy release after baking.

Can I make Neapolitan cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and assemble just before serving.

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Neapolitan Cake

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Indulge in a slice of Neapolitan cake, a delightful dessert that transports you straight to Italy! This stunning three-layer cake features rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and vibrant strawberry flavors, all enveloped in silky buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
• Buttercream frosting (for layering)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans with butter; line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Sift together flour and baking powder; gradually fold into the wet mixture while adding milk until smooth.
4. Divide the batter into three bowls: stir cocoa powder into one for chocolate flavor, mix strawberry puree into another, and leave one plain for vanilla.
5. Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
6. Once cooled, layer with buttercream frosting between each layer and on top.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg