Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful celebration of three classic flavors—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—layered into one beautiful and delicious treat. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a colorful, flavorful dessert that impresses both in taste and presentation.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup softened butter (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting)
• Additional ingredients needed: melted chocolate and pureed strawberries for flavoring layers

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, gently stirring to combine without overmixing.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Mix melted chocolate into one portion, pureed strawberries into the second, and leave the third as plain vanilla.
5. Step 5: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Spread frosting between each cake layer and cover the entire cake once assembled.

Tips & Variations

• For the strawberry layer, use fresh or frozen strawberries pureed and strained to remove seeds for a smoother texture.
• Adjust the sweetness of the strawberry puree by adding a little sugar if your berries are tart.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan cream cheese alternative for frosting.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to make slicing easier and to let flavors meld.

Storage

Store the Neapolitan Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture and flavor. Leftover cake also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without the strawberry layer?

Yes, you can skip the strawberry layer and simply bake two layers—one chocolate and one vanilla—or replace the strawberry layer with any fruit puree or flavor you prefer.

What type of cream cheese is best for the frosting?

Use full-fat cream cheese that is softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy frosting. Avoid low-fat or whipped versions as they can affect the texture and stability.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This delectable Neapolitan Cake features three luscious layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, creating a colorful and flavorful dessert. Each layer is baked separately and then assembled with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a special treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 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
• 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
• 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined uniformly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing and keep the batter light.
4. Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter evenly into three portions. To one portion, fold in melted chocolate for the chocolate layer; to the second, mix in pureed strawberries to create the strawberry layer; and leave the third plain for the vanilla layer.
5. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
6. Prepare Frosting: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fully combined and fluffy.
7. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are cooled, spread cream cheese frosting between each layer. Stack them carefully, then frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting to create a smooth, even finish.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature for best mixing results.
• You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, but thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.
• For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality melted chocolate in the chocolate layer.
• The cake layers should be completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days due to the cream cheese frosting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, layered cake, cream cheese frosting, homemade cake, dessert recipe