Prepare to transform your baking game with these show-stopping Neapolitan Cupcakes that will make your taste buds dance with delight! Imagine the perfect fusion of rich chocolate, sweet vanilla, and vibrant strawberry, all layered into one irresistible cupcake that looks as stunning as it tastes. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking to impress, these cupcakes are your ticket to culinary stardom - no professional pastry skills required!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
- 1/2 cup vanilla frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder to ensure no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter into three equal portions in separate bowls.
- For the chocolate layer, leave one portion of batter as is with the cocoa powder.
- For the strawberry layer, fold the strawberry puree into the second portion of batter until evenly distributed.
- Leave the third portion of batter plain for the vanilla layer.
- Carefully spoon the batters into the cupcake liners, creating layers: start with chocolate at the bottom, then strawberry, and top with vanilla.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost the cupcakes by piping chocolate frosting on one side, vanilla frosting on the other, creating a Neapolitan-style decoration.
- Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or a fresh strawberry slice for added visual appeal.
- Serve and enjoy your Neapolitan Cupcakes at room temperature.
Tips
- Precision is key: Measure ingredients carefully to ensure consistent texture and flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly - take eggs and milk out 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a light hand when swirling layers to maintain distinct color separation.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough, dense cupcakes.
- Check cupcakes a few minutes before suggested baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For extra visual appeal, use piping bags with different tips to create professional-looking frosting designs.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
