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.

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
1/4 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
1 tsp vanilla extract

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 36 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, three layer cake, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, tri-flavor cake