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Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Neapolitan Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

This Neapolitan Cake beautifully combines the flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry to create a visually impressive and delicious dessert. Featuring a moist chocolate base paired with creamy vanilla and strawberry frosting layers, it is perfect for celebrations or as a treat to impress friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 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

Frosting

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup strawberry puree or strawberry flavoring (to create strawberry layer)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine evenly.
  3. Cream Sugar and Eggs: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This helps incorporate air for a lighter cake texture.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and beat until well-combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
  6. Divide and Bake Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until fluffy and spreadable.
  8. Create Frosting Flavors: Divide the frosting into three parts. Keep one part plain vanilla, mix one part with 1/2 cup strawberry puree to make strawberry frosting, and keep the third plain or add a touch of vanilla extract for contrast.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on your serving plate and spread with strawberry frosting. Add the second layer and spread with vanilla frosting. Top with the third cake layer and frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
  10. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set. Slice and enjoy your Neapolitan Cake, ideally served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly and rise properly.
  • Strawberry puree can be substituted with strawberry jam or flavoring if fresh strawberries are not available.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, enhancing flavor and moisture.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • You can decorate the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Frosting, Vanilla Cake, Layer Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/neapolitan-cake-recipe-2/