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

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
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