Neapolitan Cake
Yum Dinner
Neapolitan Cake Magic: A Trio of Sweet Bliss!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 659 kcal
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)
- 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)
Making the Cake Batter
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and SugarIn 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 VanillaAdd 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 IngredientsIn 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 IngredientsGradually 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 LayerSet aside one-third of the batter in a separate bowl. This will be your vanilla layer, so no additional flavoring is needed. Chocolate LayerIn 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 LayerFor 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
Assembling Your Neapolitan Cake
Calories: 659kcalCarbohydrates: 90gProtein: 4gFat: 33g