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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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