Neapolitan Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Neapolitan Cake is exactly what you need. Imagine three beautifully distinct layers—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—coming together to create a symphony of flavors in every bite. This cake captures the nostalgic charm of Neapolitan flavors with a luscious cream cheese frosting that ties everything together perfectly. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this Neapolitan Cake promises to be a memorable centerpiece that will have your friends asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a Neapolitan Cake might sound fancy, but the ingredients are surprisingly straightforward and all contribute in essential ways. Each one plays a role in building the cake’s tender crumb, rich flavor, and smooth frosting that makes every slice irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and a perfect crumb.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful deep color.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right, balancing the chocolate and strawberry layers.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents any blandness.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds moisture and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and soft with just the right amount of moisture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: A warm flavor that’s essential for the vanilla and strawberry layers.
- 1 cup softened butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy, rich frosting texture.
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Adds sweetness and smoothness to the cream cheese frosting.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Tangy and luscious, it balances the sweetness for a perfect finish.
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease three round cake pans thoroughly or line them with parchment paper. This step ensures your beautiful layers come out clean and intact, ready to stack and impress.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until they are evenly blended. This mix forms the foundation of your cake’s texture and flavor—make sure it’s well combined for even baking.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend your eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This mixture will marry with your dry ingredients to create a batter that’s moist but stable enough to hold your layers beautifully.
Step 4: Bringing Wet and Dry Together
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring carefully to combine without overmixing. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so just mix until the ingredients disappear and the batter looks silky and luscious.
Step 5: Creating the Classic Three Flavors
Divide your batter into three equal portions. Into one bowl, gently fold melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To another, blend in pureed strawberries for that fresh, fruity pink layer. Leave the last portion plain for the classic vanilla layer. Each flavor adds a distinct note to the Neapolitan Cake, ensuring a delightful trifecta of taste and color.
Step 6: Baking the Layers
Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely; this patience pays off when you assemble and frost your masterpiece.
Step 7: Assembling and Frosting
Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between each cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. The creamy frosting not only adds flavor but also locks in moisture and lends the cake a smooth, inviting finish that’s classic to Neapolitan Cake.
How to Serve Neapolitan Cake
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, consider topping your Neapolitan Cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate curls, or even sprinkles in complementary Neapolitan colors. A few mint leaves add a pop of freshness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich espresso. The ice cream adds a cool, creamy element, while the espresso highlights the chocolate layer and cuts through the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual slices alongside a drizzle of strawberry coulis or chocolate sauce. Alternatively, make mini Neapolitan cupcakes using the same tri-flavor concept for a party-friendly bite-sized treat that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Neapolitan Cake fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy that wonderful blend of flavors day after day.
Freezing
Neapolitan Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake retains great taste and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for making ahead of celebrations.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, let refrigerated or frozen slices come to room temperature, then warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might melt, but a warm slice is incredibly comforting and enhances the creamy flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for making the puree. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending to avoid a runny batter.
Is there an alternative to cream cheese frosting?
You can substitute with a classic buttercream frosting if you prefer a sweeter and lighter option, but cream cheese adds a lovely tang that complements the Neapolitan cake flavors perfectly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for cakes. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent the layers from sticking to the pans?
Greasing the pans thoroughly and lining them with parchment paper works best. This allows each layer to release cleanly without any damage to your cake’s edges.
How long does the cake take to bake?
Each layer typically bakes in 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end and use the toothpick test to ensure a perfectly baked cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Neapolitan Cake—three classic flavors united in one irresistible dessert that pleases both the eye and the palate. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough to make any day, yet elegant enough to celebrate the most memorable moments. I absolutely encourage you to try this charming cake and experience firsthand the joyful harmony of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in every bite.
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Neapolitan Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Neapolitan Cake combines the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla into a delicious layered dessert. Each layer is uniquely flavored and frosted with a creamy cream cheese frosting, making it a beautiful and flavorful cake perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
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
Frosting
- 1 cup softened butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
Additional Flavorings for Layers
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
- 1/4 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch 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, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the large eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one portion, stir in the melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To another, fold in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the last portion plain for the vanilla layer.
- Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow layers to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the vanilla layer on your serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer and frost it as well. Place the chocolate layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting evenly.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least one hour before slicing to set the frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Neapolitan Cake!
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, use frozen strawberries thawed and well-pureed.
- You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with whipped cream frosting for a lighter option.
- For an extra chocolate flavor, sprinkle some chocolate shavings between the layers or on top of the frosting.
- The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layered cake, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, party cake
