Name: Neapolitan Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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; 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer); 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer); 1 cup softened butter; 4 cups powdered sugar; 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Introduction

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful blend of three classic flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This colorful layered cake is perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a sweet treat with variety.

A slice of four-layered cake sits on a white plate with small brown speckles, accompanied by a golden fork. Starting from the bottom, there is a dark brown moist chocolate cake layer, followed by a thick layer of light pink creamy frosting, then a light yellow cake layer, topped by a pink cake layer with a smooth texture. Above this is a thin layer of white frosting, and the side of the slice is coated with smooth light pink frosting. The top of the slice is decorated with swirls of three colors of frosting: mostly pink, some white, and a couple of small dark brown chocolate dollops. The background shows a blurred portion of the whole cake and a soft textured cream cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
Additional ingredients needed: melted chocolate and pureed strawberries for flavoring layers

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually incorporate this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Stir melted chocolate into one portion for the chocolate layer, pureed strawberries into the second for the strawberry layer, and leave the third plain for the vanilla layer.
Step 5: 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. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
Step 6: To prepare the frosting, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Frost between the layers and cover the entire cake once assembled for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh strawberries for pureeing to enhance the natural flavor of the strawberry layer.
For a richer chocolate layer, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the chocolate batter.
You can substitute cream cheese frosting with whipped cream for a lighter option.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix more evenly.

Storage

Store the Neapolitan Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the frosting firm and fresh. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Leftover cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

A slice of four-layer cake on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The bottom layer is dark brown chocolate cake, followed by a light yellow vanilla cake layer. Above that is a light pink fluffy cream layer, then topped with another dark brown chocolate cake layer. The cake slice is covered with white frosting on the sides and top. On top, there are six swirls of whipped cream, three in light pink and three in white, arranged in a row. The background is a white marbled texture with soft folds of fabric in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can use a classic buttercream, whipped cream, or even a simple glaze depending on your preference.

How do I prevent the cake layers from cracking?

Make sure to bake at the correct temperature and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, allow the batter to settle before baking to reduce air bubbles.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

This delightful Neapolitan Cake features three distinct layers—rich chocolate, fresh strawberry, and classic vanilla—each baked separately and then stacked with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion where you want a trio of flavors in one elegant dessert.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

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
1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup softened butter
4 cups powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until uniformly combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly incorporate this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one portion, fold in the melted chocolate thoroughly to create the chocolate layer. To the second portion, carefully mix in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the final portion as the vanilla layer.
Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing them.
Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake: Place the vanilla cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with the strawberry layer and additional frosting, then top with the chocolate layer. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for an even finish.

Notes

Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Puree fresh or thawed strawberries without added sugar for the best strawberry layer flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, dessert