Indulge in a slice of nostalgia with our exquisite Neapolitan Cake, a delightful celebration of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy! Perfect for anniversaries or any special occasion, this stunning three-layer cake combines rich chocolate, luscious strawberry, and classic vanilla in a way that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captivates the eyes. Imagine the joy on your loved ones' faces as they dig into this beautifully frosted masterpiece. Are you ready to impress your guests and create unforgettable memories? Dive into our recipe and discover the secrets to baking this show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1 batch vanilla frosting
- 1 batch chocolate frosting
- 1 batch strawberry frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 5-7 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the cake batter into three equal portions.
- For the vanilla layer, leave one portion as is. For the chocolate layer, fold in cocoa powder. For the strawberry layer, fold in strawberry puree.
- Pour each batter into a prepared cake pan, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, level the cake layers if needed to ensure even stacking.
- Begin frosting by placing the vanilla layer as the base, spreading vanilla frosting between layers.
- Add the chocolate layer next, spreading chocolate frosting between layers.
- Top with the strawberry layer and cover the entire cake with strawberry frosting.
- Decorate as desired, creating smooth sides and a decorative top.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the frosting before serving.
- Slice and serve at room temperature, revealing the beautiful three-layer Neapolitan design.
Tips
- Prepare Ahead: To save time on the day of your celebration, consider making the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Level Your Layers: If your cake layers have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them. This will make stacking easier and ensure your cake looks professional.
- Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft to spread, chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and help achieve clean edges.
- Decorate with Fresh Fruit: For an extra touch, consider topping your cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of flavor.
- Let It Set: After frosting, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. This allows the frosting to set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Slice with Warm Water: For perfectly clean slices, dip your knife in warm water and wipe it dry between cuts. This will help maintain the beautiful layers of your Neapolitan Cake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
