Neapolitan Cake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will wow your friends and family, look no further than this delightful Neapolitan Cake. This cake is not just beautiful but also bursting with the flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—all in one scrumptious slice. It’s become a favorite in my home because it perfectly balances sweetness and nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times spent enjoying treats together. Whether it’s for a birthday party, an anniversary, or just a cozy weekend gathering, this cake will surely make everyone smile.

The best part? You can whip this up even on busy weeknights! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect trio of flavors: The combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry creates a delightful taste experience that everyone loves.
• Easy to make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
• Visually stunning: The three layers make for an impressive presentation that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
• Family-friendly: Kids (and adults!) can’t resist the colorful layers and sweet flavors.
• Make-ahead option: Bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two—just frost it before serving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create our delicious Neapolitan Cake!

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this Neapolitan Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Swap the extracts: Instead of strawberry extract, try using pureed fresh strawberries for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Add some crunch: Mix in chopped nuts into any of the batters for added texture.
• Layer with jam: Spread a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for an extra fruity kick.
• Drizzle with caramel: A light drizzle of caramel sauce between layers can add sweetness and richness.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans. This step ensures that your cakes come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Mixing these dry ingredients helps ensure that your cake rises evenly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cake light and tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Adding eggs one at a time helps maintain stability in your batter.

Step 5: Divide the Batter

Divide batter into three bowls: leave one plain for vanilla; mix cocoa powder into the second for chocolate; add strawberry extract to the third. This way, you’ll have all three delicious flavors ready!

Step 6: Bake Your 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 as they bake; every oven is different!

Step 7: Cool and Stack

Allow cakes to cool completely before stacking them with frosting between layers. Cooling is crucial as it prevents melting any frosting when assembling your masterpiece.

And there you have it! Your Neapolitan Cake is ready to be enjoyed by everyone around you. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Neapolitan Cake

Creating the perfect Neapolitan Cake can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more smoothly, creating a light and fluffy texture that makes your cake irresistibly tender.

• Level your cake layers: After baking, use a serrated knife to trim any domed tops off your cakes. This ensures that each layer stacks neatly and provides a professional finish.

• Chill the cakes before frosting: Cooling the layers in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes makes them easier to handle and prevents the frosting from melting.

• Experiment with frosting flavors: While classic buttercream works wonderfully, consider using cream cheese frosting or whipped coconut cream to add a unique twist to each layer.

• Add color for visual appeal: If you want to make your cake even more eye-catching, use food-safe coloring in your frosting or layer fillings to match each flavor—think pink for strawberry, deep brown for chocolate, and creamy white for vanilla!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Presenting your Neapolitan Cake can turn an already special dessert into an unforgettable centerpiece. Here are some ideas on how to serve it up!

Garnishes

• Fresh strawberries: Adding a few whole or sliced fresh strawberries on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color.
• Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings off dark or dairy-free chocolate offers a rich contrast and elevates the dessert visually.
• Mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can brighten up the presentation while adding an aromatic touch that complements the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs delightfully with the layered flavors of Neapolitan Cake, providing a cool contrast.
• Fruit salad: A simple fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free alternative, whipped coconut cream brings a lightness that perfectly complements the richness of this decadent dessert.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Serving a warm beverage alongside your slice can enhance the overall experience, allowing guests to savor each bite fully.

Enjoy sharing this delightful Neapolitan Cake with family and friends! It’s sure to bring joy to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Neapolitan Cake is not only a showstopper, but it’s also fantastic for meal prep. You can easily make the cake layers ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the process without rushing on the day of your celebration.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it to prolong freshness; it will last up to a week chilled.
• To keep the flavors intact, avoid stacking pieces with frosting until ready to serve.

Freezing

• Wrap each layer of the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for added protection.
• Freeze the wrapped layers for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place the frozen layers in the refrigerator overnight before assembling.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• For a more even warming, consider placing slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Always check that the cake is warmed through before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Neapolitan Cake:

Can I make Neapolitan Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s a blend that works well for baking.

What makes Neapolitan Cake special?

Neapolitan Cake is special due to its vibrant layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Each slice offers a delightful combination of flavors that is sure to impress!

How should I store my Neapolitan Cake?

Store your Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of extract?

Absolutely! Pureed fresh strawberries can enhance the flavor and provide a more natural taste in your Neapolitan Cake.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this beautiful Neapolitan Cake! It’s a dessert that brings joy not just through its lovely appearance but also through its delicious flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing it with loved ones—happy baking!