Neapolitan cake, with its charming trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, is a delightful dessert that has graced tables for generations. This classic cake combines the best of three worlds, offering a layered taste experience that pleases everyone. Whether it’s for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because, a Neapolitan cake makes a visually stunning and deliciously diverse treat. Let’s dive into how to make this beloved dessert.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Chocolate Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Vanilla Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Strawberry Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup strawberries, pureed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp milk or cream
Equipment
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add milk, oil, egg, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water last (batter will be thin). Pour into one of the prepared pans.
- Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layer:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
- Pour into another prepared pan.
- Prepare the Strawberry Cake Layer:
- Similar to the vanilla layer, but add pureed strawberries along with the eggs.
- Pour into the third prepared pan.
- Bake each layer for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a spreading consistency.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one layer on a cake plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with the next two layers, stacking them carefully.
- Frost the outside of the cake. For a festive look, use a piping bag to decorate with additional frosting.
Pro Tips
- Cake Layers: Ensure all cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Flavor Enhancements: Intensify the strawberry layer by adding a little strawberry extract or extra puree.
- Decorative Touches: Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles to enhance the visual appeal.
FAQ
- Can I make Neapolitan cake layers ahead of time?
- Yes, bake the layers, cool them completely, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to freeze for up to a month.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk?
- Substitute with a mixture of 1/2 cup milk and 1.5 tsp vinegar or lemon juice; let stand for 5 minutes before using.
- Can the cake be made gluten-free?
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Conclusion
The Neapolitan cake is a festive, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Its tri-color layers make it not only a joy to make but also a showstopper at any gathering. Dive into the making of this delicious dessert and enjoy the smiles it brings to everyone’s faces.
Neapolitan Cake
This Neapolitan Cake brings together the delightful flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one gorgeous cake, making it the perfect dessert for any special occasion.
Equipment
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Oven
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layer Ingredients:
- 1 cup Flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 6 tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Boiling Water
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Butter softened
- 4-5 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract:
- 3-4 tbsp Milk or Cream
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
- Chocolate Layer: Mix all dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients except boiling water and mix until smooth. Add boiling water, mix, and pour into pan.
- Vanilla Layer: Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Pour into pan.
- Strawberry Layer: Mix like vanilla layer, but add strawberry puree with eggs. Pour into pan.
- Bake: Each layer for 22-25 minutes. Cool in pans, then on a wire rack.
- Frost: Beat butter, add sugar and vanilla. Add milk until spreadable. Frost between layers and around cake.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition:
- Per Serving:
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Proteins: 6g
- Fats: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 62g