Neapolitan Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible, the Neapolitan Cake is just what you need! This cake brings together three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—into one beautiful tower of joy. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special birthday or simply want to indulge on a cozy weekend. Each slice is like a little party for your taste buds, making it an instant favorite among family and friends.

What I love most about this Neapolitan Cake is how it brightens up any gathering. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors create smiles all around the table. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s whip up this showstopper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: With simple steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Family-friendly: Everyone loves the combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—it’s a favorite for kids and adults alike!
  • Visually stunning: The layers create a gorgeous presentation that will impress your guests.
  • Make ahead: Bake the layers in advance and assemble just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
  • Customizable: Feel free to play with flavors or add toppings to make it your own!
Neapolitan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Neapolitan Cake uses simple, wholesome components that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake Layers

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk

For the Flavors

  • ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 2 tsp strawberry extract

Variations

One of the best things about this Neapolitan Cake is its flexibility! You can easily swap out ingredients or add fun twists to make it unique. Here are some ideas:

  • Use fresh fruit: Instead of strawberry extract, try using pureed fresh strawberries for an even more vibrant flavor.
  • Add nuts: Mix in chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and crunch.
  • Try different extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or coconut to give each layer a new twist.
  • Layer with frosting: Drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate ganache between layers for extra indulgence.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans. Greasing the pans ensures that your cakes will slide out easily after baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect layered look!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Combining these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the mix, ensuring your cake rises beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air into your mixture, resulting in a light texture that keeps every bite heavenly!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Mixing gently at this stage helps avoid overworking the batter which could lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Divide Batter into Flavors

Divide batter into three bowls: leave one plain for vanilla; mix cocoa powder into the second bowl for chocolate; add strawberry extract to the third bowl. This colorful division makes sure each layer packs its own punch of flavor!

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking—overbaking can dry them out!

Step 7: Cool and Layer Your Cake

Allow cakes to cool completely before stacking them with frosting between layers. Cooling prevents melting frosting when assembling, allowing you to create those gorgeous layers without any mess.

Now you’re all set to bring this delightful Neapolitan Cake to life! Enjoy every slice of this layered wonder—it’s sure to become a beloved treat in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Neapolitan Cake

Making a Neapolitan Cake can be a delightful experience, especially with these helpful tips to ensure your layers are as perfect as can be!

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake with an even texture.

  • Measure flour correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents compacting, which can lead to dry cake layers.

  • Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your cake light and fluffy—overmixing can develop gluten and make it dense.

  • Check for doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  • Cool completely before frosting: Allowing your cakes to cool fully will help prevent the frosting from melting, ensuring that each layer stays beautifully stacked.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Presenting your delicious Neapolitan Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to impress your guests and make each slice even more enticing.

Garnishes

  • Fresh berries: Sprinkling fresh strawberries or raspberries on top adds a vibrant color contrast and enhances the fruity flavor.
  • Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on each plate gives a creamy complement to the cake’s rich textures.
  • Chocolate shavings: Adding chocolate shavings on top not only looks stunning but also amplifies the chocolate flavor in each bite.

Side Dishes

  • Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the flavors of Neapolitan Cake, adding an extra chill factor.
  • Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake while providing a light side option.
  • Coffee or tea: Serving slices of Neapolitan Cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the dessert experience, making it cozy and inviting.
  • Chocolate sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate!

Enjoy baking and serving this stunning Neapolitan Cake at your next gathering! With its beautiful layers and delightful flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone around the table.

Neapolitan

Make Ahead and Storage

This Neapolitan Cake is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and savor its delightful flavors over several days. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • If you live in a humid environment, refrigerate the cake to maintain freshness.
  • Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacked to prevent sticking.

Freezing

  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
  • Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • For best results, freeze the cake before frosting it.

Reheating

  • To enjoy a slice warm, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Warm a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until just warmed through.
  • Alternatively, you can place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Neapolitan Cake!

Can I use other extracts instead of strawberry extract?

Absolutely! You can substitute strawberry extract with pureed fresh strawberries for enhanced flavor or even try raspberry or almond extracts for a unique twist.

How do I achieve perfect layers in my Neapolitan Cake?

To get those beautiful layers, ensure each batter is evenly divided and baked properly. Level the tops of the cakes after cooling to ensure they stack nicely without tipping over.

What makes Neapolitan Cake special?

Neapolitan Cake stands out because of its vibrant three-layer design that combines rich chocolate, sweet vanilla, and fruity strawberry flavors. It’s visually stunning and perfect for any celebration!

How should I frost my Neapolitan Cake?

For frosting, you can use a simple buttercream or whipped cream between layers. Consider using chocolate frosting on the chocolate layer and strawberry frosting on the strawberry layer for an extra pop of flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making this Neapolitan Cake as I do! Its colorful layers and delightful flavors make it truly special—perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy every moment of baking and indulging; you’re creating memories with each slice. Happy baking!

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Neapolitan Cake

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a Neapolitan Cake that combines the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into a stunning layered dessert. This showstopper is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy weekend treats. With its eye-catching colors and delightful taste, every slice promises to be a celebration for your taste buds. Easy to make and customizable, this cake will bring smiles to your table while impressing family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the recipe!

  • Author: Andrea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 2 tsp strawberry extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  3. Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. Divide batter into three bowls: keep one plain for vanilla; mix cocoa powder into the second for chocolate; add strawberry extract to the third.
  6. Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting and stacking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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