Print

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful three-layer dessert featuring classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Each layer is baked separately and then assembled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for celebrations or a luxurious treat, offering a balanced sweetness and rich texture inspired by the popular Neapolitan ice cream.

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

Flavors for Layers

  • Melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
  • Pureed strawberries or fresh strawberries (for strawberry layer)
  • Vanilla (left plain)

Frosting

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat 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 and ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures proper distribution of leavening agents and flavor.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture will add moisture and richness to the cake batter.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.
  5. Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter into three equal portions. To one portion, mix in melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer; to the second, add pureed or fresh strawberries for the strawberry layer; leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
  6. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cakes are fully baked without being dry.
  7. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans or on wire racks. Cooling is essential before frosting to prevent melting.
  8. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Place the vanilla layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then add the strawberry layer and frost again. Finally, top with the chocolate layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out evenly.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Once assembled and frosted, chill the cake slightly if desired to set the frosting or serve immediately. Slice and enjoy the flavorful layers of this stunning Neapolitan Cake.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best consistency and easier mixing.
  • For the strawberry layer, fresh strawberries can be pureed or store-bought strawberry puree can be used as a convenient alternative.
  • Allow the cakes to cool thoroughly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, Three-layer cake, Chocolate cake, Strawberry cake, Vanilla cake, Cream cheese frosting, Italian dessert

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/neapolitan-cake-recipe/