Name: Neapolitan Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 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; 1/4 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; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re looking for a cake that delivers a perfect trio of flavors and looks as stunning as it tastes, the Neapolitan Cake is an absolute must-try. This vibrant dessert harmoniously blends the classic tastes of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla into one moist, fluffy cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Every bite brings a delightful burst of nostalgia and joy, making the Neapolitan Cake a favorite for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a special treat for yourself and your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Neapolitan Cake lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its rich flavors and tender texture. From the cocoa that gives depth to the chocolate layer, to the fresh strawberries that brighten the middle, every component is essential.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s soft crumb, making it light yet sturdy.
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor to one of the layers without overwhelming sweetness.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly, balancing the tartness of the strawberries and bitterness of cocoa.
1 tbsp baking powder: Gives the cake its rise and airy texture.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
4 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to the tender crumb.
1 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth for the best texture.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a warm, luscious aroma and flavor, especially important for the vanilla layer.
1 cup softened butter (for frosting): Creates a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Provides sweetness and a silky texture to the cream cheese frosting.
8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Brings tangy richness to the frosting, balancing the sweet cake layers beautifully.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing three round cake pans or lining them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. Then, whisk together the dry ingredients — flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt — until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, and gently fold this into your dry mixture. The key here is to mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, keeping it light and fluffy.

Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Here’s where the magic starts for the Neapolitan Cake! Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. To one portion, add melted chocolate for that indulgent chocolate layer. The second portion gets pureed fresh strawberries, bringing a lovely fruity brightness. Leave the last portion plain to serve as the classic vanilla base. This step is incredibly fun because you get to witness three distinct colors and flavors come together to form one beautiful cake.

Step 3: Bake the Layers

Pour each flavored batter into its corresponding prepared pan and pop them into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Once baked, give the layers plenty of time to cool completely — frosting warm cake can lead to melting and slipping layers, and nobody wants that!

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Combine your softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar to make a luscious frosting that’s tangy, smooth, and sweet. Spread a generous dollop of frosting between each cooled cake layer, pressing them gently together. Then, cover the entire assembled cake with the remaining frosting for that classic Neapolitan finish. This step not only locks the layers into place but adds a creamy texture that complements each of the three flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Garnishes

To make your slice of Neapolitan Cake even more inviting, consider garnishing with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a simple dusting of cocoa powder. These small touches echo the flavors inside and add a fresh, elegant appearance that’ll wow your guests at first sight.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides such as a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving it at a party, fresh fruit salads or a crisp coffee can balance the cake’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering mini Neapolitan Cakes as cupcakes or creating a trifle version by crumbling the baked layers and layering them with frosting and berries in a glass bowl. These presentations bring a playful, modern twist to the classic Neapolitan Cake flavor experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Neapolitan Cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled not only preserves the cream cheese frosting but also enhances the cake’s moistness, so leftovers can be just as delightful as the first serving.

Freezing

If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the cake layers separately before frosting for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for dessert, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge before assembling and frosting for the freshest taste.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended, especially due to the cream cheese frosting which may become runny with heat. Instead, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it come to the perfect temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?

Fresh strawberries deliver the best flavor and color, but if frozen strawberries are all you have, be sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to use one that’s designed for cakes to maintain the texture. Expect slight variations in the crumb.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Making this classic Neapolitan Cake vegan requires some substitutions like plant-based milk, egg replacers, and vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. This will change the texture somewhat but can still result in a lovely cake.

What’s the best way to get clean layered slices?

Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts to maintain distinct layers. Chilling the cake slightly before slicing also helps it hold shape better.

Can I use different fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries or cherries can create delicious variations, just puree them as you would strawberries. Just make sure the fruit puree isn’t too watery to keep the batter balanced.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a slice of Neapolitan Cake is like giving yourself a little celebration in every bite. Its charming layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you want to brighten your day, this cake will quickly become one of your favorites. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every colorful bite of this truly amazing Neapolitan Cake!

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic Neapolitan Cake features three distinct layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, each baked separately and stacked with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations, this cake is moist, flavorful, and visually striking with its tri-color layers.

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 mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until they are thoroughly combined and uniform in color.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
Make the Base Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
Divide and Flavor the Batter: Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. In one bowl, stir in the melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. In the second, mix in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third batter plain for the vanilla layer.
Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place the chocolate layer on a cake plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer and repeat the frosting. Finally, place the vanilla layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top for a neat finish.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the strawberry layer; freeze-dried or artificial strawberry flavoring will alter the taste.
You can substitute the whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier crumb.
Store leftover cake in the refrigerator covered tightly to keep the frosting fresh.
Optionally, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the strawberry batter for a more vibrant layer.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American