Description
This classic Neapolitan Cake is a vibrant and delicious layered dessert featuring three distinct flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Each layer is a beautifully baked cake infused with its unique flavor and stacked to create a visually stunning and irresistibly tasty treat, all topped with smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake combines rich cocoa, fresh strawberry puree, and classic vanilla in one delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layers
- 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
- 4 oz melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
- 1 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup softened butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, to enhance frosting flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and 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 all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. This will help ensure even incorporation when mixed with the dry ingredients.
- Make Batter: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter evenly into three bowls. Mix melted chocolate into one portion to create the chocolate layer. Stir pureed strawberries into the second bowl for the strawberry layer. Leave the remaining batter plain as the vanilla layer.
- Bake Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its greased or parchment-lined cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then, remove from oven and let the layers cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until light and fluffy. Optionally, mix in vanilla extract to enhance the frosting flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, place the vanilla layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat the process by layering the strawberry layer followed by frosting, and then the chocolate layer. Finish by covering the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it over the top and sides.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to let the frosting set and flavors meld. Slice and enjoy this delightful Neapolitan Cake!
Notes
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature to help your batter mix more evenly.
- Puree fresh or thawed strawberries for the best fresh flavor in the strawberry layer.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake layers light and fluffy.
- If desired, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese frosting for added depth of flavor.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Feel free to garnish with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 25 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: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layered cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, party cake, dessert recipe
