Neapolitan Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to savor the dreamy combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors all in one delightful treat, look no further than the Neapolitan Cake. This cake captures the essence of the classic Neapolitan ice cream in a moist, fluffy, and visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Its layers offer a perfect balance of rich cocoa, creamy vanilla, and the tang of cream cheese frosting, making this Neapolitan Cake a true showstopper for birthdays, gatherings, or any celebration that calls for a slice of pure happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Neapolitan Cake is incredibly straightforward to whip up, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that work together to create incredible texture, flavor, and color. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s in the structure of the cake or the luscious frosting that crowns it.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it structure and softness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the rich, deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark hue.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and keeps it moist.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay airy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture for a soft texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings out sweetness and richness in every bite.
• Softened butter: Provides creaminess and richness for the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for that perfect finish.
• Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a tangy, velvety texture that complements the cake beautifully.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This creates the perfect dry mix for your cake and prevents any lumps from forming. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be just combined so your cake stays tender and moist. Here’s where the magic starts to come together, creating a batter that is silky yet thick enough to hold its shape in the pan.

Step 3: Divide and Bake

Pour half of the batter into a prepared cake pan to create the chocolate layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely. The other half of the batter will be used to create the vanilla layer—simply bake it the same way in a separate pan. Once both layers are fully cooled, you can begin the fun part—assembling your Neapolitan Cake!

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated and smooth. This frosting isn’t just delicious; it’s the perfect balance of creamy sweetness with a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the rich cake layers.

Step 5: Assemble the Neapolitan Cake

Start by placing the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting over it. Then add the vanilla cake layer on top, coating it with more frosting. If you want to fully embrace the Neapolitan theme, you can even add a layer of strawberry frosting or frosting tinted pink with natural coloring between layers for that signature trio of flavors and colors. Finish with a smooth coating of frosting on the outside for a beautiful, polished look.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Garnishes

Garnishing your Neapolitan Cake can elevate its look and complement its flavors perfectly. Think fresh strawberries or raspberries on top to add a burst of color and fresh fruit aroma. A dusting of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate curls can make the chocolate layer pop visually and add a little texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This Neapolitan Cake is a decadent dessert, so pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or fresh fruit salad can balance the richness. A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side is a classic choice that plays beautifully with the cake’s flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special presentation, serve slices of Neapolitan Cake in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers. You can also create mini versions of this cake in cupcake form for parties or use colorful sprinkles to make the cake fun and festive for kids’ events.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, your Neapolitan Cake should be stored in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to make your Neapolitan Cake ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw them completely in the fridge before frosting and assembling.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t usually recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly less cold, simply leave the slice at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make a Neapolitan Cake without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese in the frosting with all-butter frosting for a sweeter, less tangy taste, although cream cheese adds that signature flair to the Neapolitan Cake.

What’s the best way to get neat layers in my Neapolitan Cake?

Using cake rings or springform pans and chilling the cake layers before frosting can help you achieve clean, sharp layers that look just like the nostalgic classic.

Can I add strawberry flavor to this cake? How?

Absolutely! You can mix strawberry puree or natural strawberry extract into a portion of your frosting to create that iconic pink layer, turning your Neapolitan Cake into the ultimate flavor tribute.

Is this cake suitable for children’s parties?

Definitely! The colorful layers and classic flavors of the Neapolitan Cake make it a hit with kids and adults alike, plus it pairs well with fun toppings like sprinkles or edible glitter.

How long does the Neapolitan Cake take to bake?

Each cake layer takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). Make sure to test with a toothpick for doneness to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining me on this delicious journey into the world of the Neapolitan Cake. This recipe is one of those treasured classics that never fails to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings with its perfect combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry-inspired flavors. I encourage you to grab your ingredients, put on some good music, and dive in — your taste buds will thank you!

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