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Neapolitan Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 101 reviews

This Neapolitan Cake is a delightful three-layer dessert featuring distinct flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, each baked separately and then frosted with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping cake with classic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers

  • 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
  • 3 tbsp melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
  • 3 tbsp pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
  4. Make Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid tough cake layers.
  5. Divide and Flavor Batter: Separate the batter into three equal portions. To one portion, mix in the melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To another, fold in pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the last portion plain for the vanilla layer.
  6. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan. Bake all three layers for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely in the pans before removing.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over it, then add the next cake layer. Repeat with frosting and the final layer. Spread frosting over the entire cake to cover it completely.

Notes

  • For the strawberry layer, fresh or frozen strawberries can be pureed; ensure they are well-drained to prevent a too-wet batter.
  • Allow all cake layers to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
  • Room temperature eggs and milk help in better mixing and improved texture.
  • For a firmer frosting, chill the cream cheese and butter before beating.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, dessert recipe

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/neapolitan-cake-recipe/