Neapolitan Cake Recipe
Introduction
The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring three classic flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. With a creamy cream cheese frosting tying it all together, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 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 cup softened butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one, stir in melted chocolate for the chocolate layer; to the second, mix in pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer; leave the third plain for the vanilla layer.
- Step 5: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 6: To make the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and spreadable. Frost between each cake layer and cover the entire assembled cake evenly.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use fresh strawberries pureed with a little sugar in the batter.
- If you prefer, substitute cream cheese frosting with whipped cream for a lighter topping.
- Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help the batter blend smoothly.
- To make the chocolate layer richer, fold in some chocolate chips or chunks before baking.
Storage
Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften the frosting. Leftover cake can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind this may slightly affect the flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the cake layers from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake and store the cake properly in the refrigerator. Also, using frosting between layers helps keep the cake moist.
PrintNeapolitan Cake Recipe
This classic Neapolitan Cake features three distinct layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, beautifully stacked and frosted with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert, this cake combines rich cocoa, fresh strawberry puree, and a smooth vanilla base for a visually stunning and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 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 Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until completely combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Evenly divide the prepared batter into three separate bowls. Stir melted chocolate into one portion to create the chocolate layer, mix pureed strawberries into the second portion for the strawberry layer, and leave the last portion as is for the classic vanilla layer.
- Bake Cake Layers: Pour each flavored batter into their respective prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the layers are fully baked. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble Cake: Place the vanilla layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then add the strawberry layer, and frost again. Finally, top with the chocolate layer and apply frosting to cover the entire cake evenly.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature to improve batter consistency and rise.
- Do not overmix batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the puree to enhance the strawberry layer’s natural flavor.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Optional: Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for added decoration.
Keywords: Neapolitan cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, three-flavor cake, dessert recipe
