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Decadent Neapolitan Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

This decadent Neapolitan Cake features three distinct layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors combined into a moist, tender cake. Perfectly frosted with a creamy buttercream, this cake is a delightful tribute to the classic Neapolitan ice cream, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

Chocolate Layer

  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp milk

Strawberry Layer

  • ¼ cup strawberry puree (or strawberry jam)
  • 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional, for vibrancy)

Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt throughout the cake batter.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a tender cake texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to emulsify. Then mix in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor throughout the batter.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can cause toughness.
  5. Divide Batter for Layers: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. For the chocolate layer, add the unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of milk and mix until fully incorporated.
  6. Prepare Strawberry Layer: To the second bowl, fold in the strawberry puree (or jam) and optional red food coloring, stirring gently until the color and flavor are evenly distributed.
  7. Keep Vanilla Layer: Leave the third bowl as the plain vanilla batter without additional ingredients.
  8. Bake Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Pour each batter into its own pan, smoothing the tops evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Layers: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is important to avoid frosting melting on warm cakes.
  10. Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well to combine. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
  11. Assemble Cake: Place the chocolate layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over it. Next, add the strawberry layer and frost it as well. Top with the vanilla layer and use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top for a polished finish.
  12. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving. This helps the frosting firm up and slice cleaner.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • You can substitute strawberry puree with fresh blended strawberries or high-quality strawberry jam depending on availability.
  • For a more vibrant cake layer, adding red food coloring to the strawberry batter enhances the pink hue but is optional.
  • Make sure to cool the cake layers completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
  • Use a serrated knife to cut the cake for cleaner slices.
  • The cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, layered cake, buttercream frosting, decadent dessert

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/decadent-neapolitan-cake-recipe/