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

Scale

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