Neapolitan Cake

This Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in a moist and fluffy cake. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just as a sweet indulgence, this dessert is sure to impress friends and family. With its vibrant layers and rich flavors, the Neapolitan Cake stands out as a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Each bite combines the delicious tastes of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
• Eye-Catching Layers: The distinct layers make it visually appealing for any celebration.
• Versatile Dessert: Suitable for various occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings.
• Moist and Fluffy: The cake boasts a moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable: Easily modify flavors with different extracts or add-ins to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Neapolitan Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Piping bags (disposable)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Ensures even mixing for a light and fluffy batter.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for separating ingredients and different batters.
• Piping Bags: Helps in creating decorative designs effortlessly.

Ingredients

This ice-cream-inspired Neapolitan Cake Recipe is so moist and is bursting with flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!

• 1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, softened (holds its shape but dents when pressed)
• 2 cups (400g) sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour (spooned into measuring cup and leveled off)
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 1/4 cups (296g) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (54g) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 Tablespoons (44g) very hot water
• 1/4 cup strawberry reduction
• Optional: 2 teaspoons strawberry Jell-O powder or 3/4 teaspoon strawberry extract
• 1 cup (240g) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla extract
• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 7 cups (805 g) confectioners sugar
• 1/3 cup (72g) milk or cream, more if needed
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon salt (to cut the sweetness)
• Optional: Pink coloring gel
• 4 oz. dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet
• 4 oz. heavy cream

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Reduction

1. Puree approximately five to six strawberries in a blender to create half a cup of strawberry puree.
2. Pour half a cup of the strawberry puree into a small saucepan.
3. Simmer over low-medium heat for about fifteen minutes until reduced to one-fourth cup. Stir frequently. Allow cooling.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease and flour three 8×2 inch round pans.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2. Three cups of cake flour
3. Two teaspoons of baking powder
4. Half a teaspoon of baking soda
5. Half a teaspoon of salt

Set aside after mixing for thirty seconds.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, combine:
2. One and one-quarter cups buttermilk
3. One-fourth cup vegetable oil
4. Two teaspoons vanilla extract

Set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In your stand mixer bowl, add one and a half sticks of softened unsalted butter.
2. Mix at medium speed until smooth.
3. Gradually add two cups of sugar while continuing to mix on medium speed for three to five minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

1. Add four room temperature eggs one at a time.
2. Mix until each yolk fully disappears into the batter.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry mixture and wet mixture starting with dry ingredients.
2. Begin with one-third dry mixture followed by one-half wet mixture.
3. Repeat until all ingredients are incorporated without over-mixing.

Step 8: Divide Batter

1. Divide the batter equally into three bowls.
2. One bowl will remain vanilla; add cocoa powder dissolved in hot water to another for chocolate flavor; stir in strawberry reduction into the last bowl for strawberry flavor.

Continue following similar structured steps until complete!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Serving Neapolitan Cake is a delightful experience, as its vibrant layers create an eye-catching presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to complement this delicious dessert.

For a Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of Neapolitan Cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a classic touch.
• Pair with fresh strawberries or cherries to enhance the fruity flavors in the cake.

Ice Cream Delight

• Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside each slice for an extra indulgence.
• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake and ice cream for a decadent twist.

Festive Garnish

• Sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting to make it more festive, especially for birthday celebrations.
• Use edible flowers as a garnish for an elegant presentation that elevates your dessert table.

Fresh Fruit Medley

• Serve with a side of mixed berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and sliced bananas that add freshness and color.
• Create a fruit compote from seasonal fruits as a sauce to drizzle over each slice.

Coffee Pairing

• Offer cups of strong coffee or espresso to pair with the sweetness of the cake, balancing flavors beautifully.
• For those who prefer tea, serve with a light herbal tea for a refreshing contrast.

Seasonal Specials

• Top slices with seasonal fruits like peaches in summer or caramelized apples in fall for delightful variations.
• Incorporate flavored whipped creams like peppermint during winter holidays for added festivity.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Neapolitan Cake

Achieving the perfect Neapolitan Cake takes attention to detail and practice. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup without packing it down. This prevents dense cake layers.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cakes.
• Cool Layers Completely: Allow each cake layer to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Chill Your Tools: Chill mixing bowls and beaters before whipping cream, ensuring it achieves stiff peaks quickly.
• Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding unique extracts or zests to enhance flavor depth beyond traditional chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Cake

Pairing side dishes with Neapolitan Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the moist layers while enhancing the vanilla flavor profile.
3. Chocolate Mousse: A light chocolate mousse serves as an indulgent pairing that matches well with all three cake flavors.
4. Whipped Cream Parfait: Layer whipped cream with crushed cookies or nuts for added texture beside your slice of cake.
5. Mint Tea: A soothing mint tea offers a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying the sweetness of Neapolitan Cake.
6. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone balances sweetness and adds richness to the meal.
7. Pistachio Cookies: Crunchy pistachio cookies provide an interesting flavor contrast while keeping things light.
8. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Serve warm caramel sauce on the side for guests who love an extra touch of sweetness drizzled atop their cake slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking a Neapolitan Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking and affect the cake’s texture.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy. Incorrect measurements can alter the taste and texture of your Neapolitan Cake.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Letting the cakes cool in the pan for too long can cause them to become soggy. Cool them for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

• Ignoring Ingredient Temperatures: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create an even batter and contributes to a moist cake.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If unfrosted, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Freezing Neapolitan Cake

• Freeze individual layers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
• For frosted cakes, place it in the freezer uncovered for about 1 hour, then wrap it securely before freezing.

Reheating Neapolitan Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Neapolitan Cake:

Can I make Neapolitan Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and frost your Neapolitan Cake one day ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to achieve vibrant colors?

Use gel food coloring for bright layers. This ensures you get deep hues without altering the batter’s consistency.

How can I customize my Neapolitan Cake?

Feel free to swap flavors! Try using different extracts or flavored frosting to create your unique twist on this classic recipe.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

While buttermilk adds moisture and richness, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup if you’re making a gluten-free Neapolitan Cake.

Final Thoughts

This moist and flavorful Neapolitan Cake is perfect for any occasion! Its delightful layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry offer endless customization options. Whether you stick with traditional flavors or experiment with new ones, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Give it a try!

Print

Neapolitan Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Tia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Neapolitan Cake, a delightful layered dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fresh strawberry. This moist and fluffy cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual showstopper, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive occasion. Each slice reveals colorful layers that are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Easy to customize with different extracts or toppings, this classic recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 1/4 cups (296g) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (54g) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons (44g) very hot water
• 1/4 cup strawberry reduction
• Optional: 2 teaspoons strawberry Jell-O powder or 3/4 teaspoon strawberry extract
• 1 cup (240g) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla extract
• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 7 cups (805g) confectioners sugar
• 1/3 cup (72g) milk or cream, more if needed
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: Pink coloring gel
• 4 oz. dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet
• 4 oz. heavy cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In separate bowls, mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and wet ingredients (buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla).
3. Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one.
4. Gradually mix in dry and wet ingredients alternately.
5. Divide batter into three bowls: leave one plain for vanilla, add cocoa dissolved in hot water to another for chocolate flavor, and stir in strawberry reduction into the last bowl for strawberry flavor.
6. Pour batters into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (about 25-30 minutes). Cool completely before frosting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 75mg