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Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

4.8 from 7 reviews

This classic Neapolitan Cake is a delightful marriage of three flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—layered into a rich, moist cake with creamy frosting. Perfect for celebrations, this cake features a fluffy texture enhanced by cocoa and a smooth cream cheese frosting that complements each bite.

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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until fully combined.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly, then add the whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing well to blend.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until smooth and fully incorporated without overmixing.
  4. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a suitable cake pan. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then beat in the softened cream cheese until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  7. Assemble and Frost: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface and sides of the cake. Optionally, decorate with fresh strawberries or other toppings to enhance the Neapolitan theme.

Notes

  • For a classic Neapolitan effect, consider dividing the batter and flavoring into three parts: one plain vanilla, one with cocoa powder for chocolate, and one with strawberry flavor or puree.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and softer crumb.
  • Chilling the cream cheese and butter before frosting helps the frosting hold its shape better.
  • This recipe yields one 9-inch round cake; you can double the recipe for multiple layers.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, classic Italian dessert