Revealing three distinct layers of flavor and color. That’s the magic of a Neapolitan cake! This classic dessert combines the beloved flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one beautiful and delicious package. Whether you’re planning a special celebration or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, a Neapolitan cake is sure to impress. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your very own Neapolitan cake, from mixing the batter to the final decorative touches.

Behind Neapolitan Cake

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the origins of this tri-colored treat. Neapolitan cake, also known as Neapolitan ice cream cake, draws inspiration from the popular ice cream flavor of the same name. The combination is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy, hence the name “Neapolitan.” Italian immigrants brought this flavor combination to the United States in the late 19th century, where it quickly gained popularity.

Initially served as spumoni, a molded Italian ice cream, the Neapolitan flavor trio eventually made its way into cakes, creating the layered dessert we know and love today. The classic color combination of brown, white, and pink has become instantly recognizable and synonymous with this delightful treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your own Neapolitan cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

A vibrant slice of a three-layer cake reveals chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers with frosting, sprinkles, and strawberries. Festive balloons in the background.

Neapolitan Cake

Neapolitan Cake Magic: A Trio of Sweet Bliss!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Neapolitan Cake

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 55

Servings:

Calories: 659kcal

Author: Yum Dinner

Equipment

Three 9-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls (at least three)
Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Wire cooling rack
Cake turntable (optional, but helpful for frosting)

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
4 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)
Pink food coloring (optional)

For the frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup strawberry puree
Pink food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Making the Cake Batter

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a lighter, more tender cake.
Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Creating the Three Flavors

Vanilla Layer
Set aside one-third of the batter in a separate bowl. This will be your vanilla layer, so no additional flavoring is needed.
Chocolate Layer
In another bowl, combine one-third of the batter with the cocoa powder. Mix well until the cocoa is fully incorporated and the batter is a rich, chocolatey brown.
Strawberry Layer
For the final third of the batter, mix in the strawberry puree. If you want a more vibrant pink color, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring. Be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor.

Baking the Cake

Pour each flavored batter into a prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at the 25-minute mark.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Neapolitan Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, it's time to prepare the Neapolitan frosting. This tri-colored frosting will complement the cake layers perfectly.
Step 1: Making the Base Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream. Mix in the vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Creating the Three Flavors
Divide the frosting into three equal portions. Leave one portion as is for the vanilla frosting. Mix cocoa powder into the second portion for chocolate frosting. For the strawberry frosting, mix in the strawberry puree and a drop or two of pink food coloring if desired.

Assembling Your Neapolitan Cake

Now comes the exciting part – putting your Neapolitan cake together!
Step 1: Leveling the Cakes
If your cake layers have domed tops, use a serrated knife to carefully level them. This will ensure your cake stacks evenly.
Step 2: Stacking and Frosting
Place the chocolate layer on your serving plate or cake board. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top. Next, add the vanilla layer and spread with vanilla frosting. Finally, top with the strawberry layer and spread strawberry frosting on top.
Step 3: Frosting the Sides
For a classic Neapolitan look, frost the sides of the cake with vertical stripes of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry frosting. You can use a large offset spatula or a piping bag to apply the frosting.
Step 4: Decorative Touches
To finish your Neapolitan cake, you might want to add some decorative touches. Here are a few ideas:
Pipe rosettes of each frosting flavor on top of the cakeGarnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or vanilla beansCreate a chocolate drip effect on the top edge of the cakeUse a cake comb to create textured patterns in the frosting

Nutrition

Calories: 659kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 33g

Serving and Storing Your Neapolitan Cake

Your Neapolitan cake is now ready to serve! For the best flavor and texture, let the cake come to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to soften slightly.

To store your cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Tips for the Perfect Neapolitan Cake

Use room temperature ingredients for the best results. This helps everything mix together more smoothly.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add some strawberry extract to the cake batter and frosting.
If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed cake mix as a base and divide it into three portions for flavoring.
For a fun twist, try using different flavors for your Neapolitan cake. Mint chocolate chip, lemon, and raspberry could make an interesting combination!

Enjoy Your Homemade Neapolitan Cake

Creating a Neapolitan cake from scratch might seem intimidating at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you’re well-equipped to make a show-stopping dessert. The combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors in one cake is sure to please a crowd and satisfy various taste preferences.

Remember, baking is both a science and an art. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect – practice makes perfect, and even imperfect cakes are delicious! The joy of baking comes not just from the end result, but from the process itself. So put on your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a delightful Neapolitan cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this Neapolitan cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!

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