Neapolitan Cake Recipe
The dreamy Neapolitan Cake is a beautiful celebration of three classic flavors—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—layered together in one irresistible, colorful dessert. This cake is a true crowd-pleaser, combining luscious, moist cake layers with creamy, tangy frosting to give you a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving something sweet and nostalgic, the Neapolitan Cake brings a delightful balance of richness and freshness that’s absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Neapolitan Cake lies in its simplicity: a handful of pantry staples combined with some fresh ingredients create layers bursting with flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a purpose, from providing structure to adding moisture and that velvety crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Acts as the backbone of the cake, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the chocolate layer.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Leavens the cake, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients and add moisture and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft texture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both vanilla and chocolate layers.
- 1 cup softened butter (for frosting): Contributes to a creamy, smooth frosting texture.
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Adds tanginess and luscious creaminess for a perfect frosting balance.
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This careful prep ensures your cake layers bake evenly and lift out smoothly for stacking later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that all dry ingredients are well incorporated, giving an even rise and consistent flavor throughout the cake.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with whole milk and vanilla extract until smooth and blended. This silky mixture adds moisture and flavor, creating the perfect balance when combined with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine and Divide Batter
Slowly add your wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until everything is combined to avoid a dense cake. Then divide the batter into three equal portions. This is where your Neapolitan Cake magic begins: add melted chocolate to one portion for the chocolate layer, puree fresh strawberries into another for the strawberry layer, and leave the third one plain as your classic vanilla layer.
Step 5: Bake Your Layers
Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely on wire racks before removing them from pans to prevent crumbling when frosting.
Step 6: Frost and Assemble
Make a decadent cream cheese frosting by blending softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then generously spread the frosting between each cooled layer, finally covering the entire cake. This frosting complements the sweet and tangy notes of the Neapolitan Cake layers beautifully.
How to Serve Neapolitan Cake
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Neapolitan Cake presentation. Fresh strawberry slices on the top add freshness and vibrant color, while delicate chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder highlight the chocolate layer. For an extra pop, sprinkle some edible rose petals or a few sprigs of mint for a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
Neapolitan Cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can balance the cake’s richness. Fresh berries or a fruit compote add a bright contrast, making the whole dessert experience more refreshing and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning reveal, slice your Neapolitan Cake to showcase its tri-colored layers with each bite. Alternatively, create mini Neapolitan cupcakes for parties or layer the cakes in a trifle dish with additional cream cheese frosting between layers for a playful twist. No matter how you serve it, this cake always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Neapolitan Cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every delicious slice.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your cake or leftover slices. Wrap each layer or slice tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results before serving.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, allow frozen slices to come to room temperature or heat briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer the frosting slightly warmed. Avoid overheating to keep the cake’s texture perfect and prevent frosting melt-off.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?
Yes! Thaw the strawberries completely and drain excess moisture before pureeing to prevent a watery batter. This keeps the strawberry layer flavorful and moist without affecting the cake’s texture.
Is it necessary to separate the batter into three for distinct flavors?
Absolutely. Dividing the batter allows each flavor—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—to shine and create the classic Neapolitan tri-color effect that makes this cake so special.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, with some substitutions like dairy-free milk and cream cheese alternatives, you can create a lovely Neapolitan Cake that fits a dairy-free diet. Just make sure those alternatives have similar textures to keep the cake moist and the frosting creamy.
How do I prevent the layers from drying out?
Keep a close watch on the baking time and avoid overbaking. Also, ensure layers cool completely before frosting to lock in moisture. Storing the cake properly in airtight containers helps maintain its softness too.
What’s the best way to slice Neapolitan Cake?
Use a sharp, serrated knife and cut gently with a slight saw motion for clean layers. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep slices neat, showcasing the beautiful layers perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Neapolitan Cake is a timeless favorite that effortlessly blends three beloved flavors in a stunning, scrumptious way. Baking and sharing it feels like giving a big warm hug through dessert. I promise once you try this recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your kitchen and heart, bringing smiles to every occasion.
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Neapolitan Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Neapolitan Cake features three distinct layers—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—each baked separately and stacked with a rich cream cheese frosting. A perfect celebration of beloved flavors harmoniously combined into one delightful dessert.
Ingredients
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
- 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)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, to enhance frosting flavor)
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 ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until fully combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract together until smooth and well mixed.
- Mix Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter evenly into three bowls. To one bowl, gently fold in the melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To another, fold in the pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the last bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
- Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its corresponding prepared pan. Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before removing.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Optionally, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the vanilla layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer and frost it similarly. Finally, top with the chocolate layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to set the frosting. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure all the ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
- You can substitute fresh pureed strawberries with store-bought strawberry puree or jam if fresh strawberries are not available.
- Chilling the cake before serving helps the cream cheese frosting set and makes slicing easier.
- To prevent overmixing the batter, stir gently and only until ingredients are just combined.
- If you prefer a sweeter frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, three-layer cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, layered dessert, classic cake recipe
