Neapolitan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that wows both in flavor and presentation, then this Neapolitan Cake is your answer! This delightful treat layers rich chocolate, sweet vanilla, and refreshing strawberry into a stunning cake that will have everyone asking for more. It’s become a favorite in my home, perfect for everything from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings. Each slice feels like a celebration, bursting with happiness and nostalgia!

Baking this cake not only brings joy to the table but also fills the air with delicious aromas. While it looks impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to make! So gather your loved ones and get ready to create some beautiful memories together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The three colorful layers make this cake a true centerpiece for any occasion.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll feel like a baking pro!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—perfect for both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and store it in the fridge; it tastes even better the next day!
• Customization Options: Feel free to mix in different flavors or toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece. These everyday staples are easy to find and come together beautifully in this recipe.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tsp strawberry extract

Variations

One of the best things about this Neapolitan Cake is its flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the extract: Use pureed fresh strawberries instead of strawberry extract for a more natural flavor.
• Add texture: Mix in chopped nuts into one of the layers for an extra crunch.
• Change the frosting: Try using whipped cream or a fruit glaze instead of traditional frosting.
• Explore different flavors: Incorporate different extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist!

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans. This step ensures even baking and prevents sticking—nobody wants a cake that doesn’t come out clean!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the batter, which is crucial for getting that perfect rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a tender cake texture—trust me; it makes all the difference!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. This step builds structure while ensuring not to overmix; overmixing can lead to dense cakes.

Step 5: Divide Your Batter

Divide batter into three bowls: leave one plain for vanilla; mix cocoa powder into the second for chocolate; add strawberry extract to the third. This step is where all those gorgeous flavors come alive!

Step 6: Bake

Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they bake—the smell alone will be tempting!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow cakes to cool completely before stacking them with frosting between layers. Patience here is key! Cooling ensures that your frosting stays intact rather than melting off warm cakes.

Now you’re ready to impress with your homemade Neapolitan Cake! Enjoy every delightful slice with family and friends—it’s bound to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Neapolitan Cake

Baking a Neapolitan Cake can be a joyful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your cake to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and better rise.

• Measure your flour correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing too much flour into your cake batter, which can make it dense.

• Rotate your pans: If your oven has hot spots, rotating the pans halfway through baking ensures even cooking. This way, every layer bakes perfectly without any underdone or overcooked sections.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cakes to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting. This results in beautifully layered slices that hold their shape when served.

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe calls for frosting between layers, feel free to get creative! Adding fruit preserves or whipped cream can add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Serving your Neapolitan Cake is just as important as baking it! Here are some delightful ways to present this stunning dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries on top not only look beautiful but also enhance the strawberry flavor of the cake.
• Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings adds an elegant touch and complements the chocolate layer nicely.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a light and fluffy topping that’s dairy-free, whipped coconut cream makes for a perfect accompaniment.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside a slice of Neapolitan Cake creates a classic dessert pairing that everyone loves.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the rich flavors of the cake and adds a burst of color to your dessert table.
• Coffee or tea: Serving coffee or herbal tea alongside enhances the flavors of the cake and provides a warm drink option for guests.
• Chocolate sauce drizzle: A drizzle of chocolate sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that brings out the richness of the chocolate layer.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable Neapolitan Cake experience! Enjoy every moment with family and friends as you share this delicious treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Neapolitan Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert over several days or to make it ahead of time for special occasions. Here are some helpful tips on how to store and preserve your delicious cake.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness, where it can last for about a week.
• Keep each layer separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
• The Neapolitan Cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• For a warm slice, gently microwave a piece for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place a slice in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Neapolitan Cake.

Can I use other flavors instead of strawberry for my Neapolitan Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors like raspberry or even lemon extract. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my Neapolitan Cake layers are even?

To achieve evenly baked layers, use a kitchen scale to measure your batter before pouring it into each pan. This way, you’ll have consistent thickness across all layers.

Can I make the Neapolitan Cake ahead of time?

Yes! The Neapolitan Cake can be made ahead and stored properly. Just follow the storage instructions above for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Neapolitan Cake as much as I do! With its beautiful layers and burst of flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. Remember that baking is all about love and creativity—so feel free to personalize this recipe with your favorite twists. Happy baking!