Neapolitan Cake Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, then the Neapolitan Cake is your new best friend. This vibrant, tri-flavored cake brings together the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in beautifully distinct layers, making it a showstopper at any gathering. Not only is the Neapolitan Cake a tribute to those beloved ice cream flavors, but it also offers a light, moist texture with just the right sweetness. Every bite delivers a delightful balance of rich cocoa, fresh vanilla, and fragrant strawberry, making it perfect for celebrations or a special treat to lift your spirits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, tenderness, and color in your Neapolitan Cake. Using simple pantry staples means you can whip this up anytime and impress everyone with minimal fuss.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cake, ensuring a soft and fluffy crumb.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps with browning the cake layers just right.
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder: Keeps the cake light and airy by helping it rise beautifully in the oven.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture, and contributes to a tender crumb.
• 4 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake layers.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve that perfectly tender texture.
• ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened): Gives the chocolate layer its deep, rich flavor and lovely dark color.
• 2 tsp strawberry extract: Infuses the strawberry layer with vibrant fruity notes for that classic Neapolitan touch.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease three equal-sized round cake pans thoroughly. This step will ensure your cake layers come out cleanly without sticking, preserving their beautiful, smooth edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients will activate the leavening process and balance the sweetness of the cake, so take a moment to combine them well.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is critical as it introduces air pockets, which ultimately lead to a light and tender crumb in your cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

Beat the eggs in, one at a time, to incorporate them evenly, followed by the cup of whole milk. Adding the eggs gradually allows the mixture to stay stable and emulsified, ensuring a smooth batter free of lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry flour mixture into the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten which might toughen the cake, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour.

Step 6: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Split your batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one as is to represent the vanilla layer. To the second bowl, add the cocoa powder and stir well for that rich chocolate flavor. For the third, mix in the strawberry extract, which adds a lovely fruity punch reminiscent of classic Neapolitan treats.

Step 7: Bake the Layers

Pour each batter into the prepared cake pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures each layer is perfectly cooked without being dry or underdone.

Step 8: Cool and Assemble

Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks to avoid sogginess when slicing and stacking. Once cooled, layer the cakes carefully using your favorite frosting to create the classic Neapolitan Cake look with distinct and beautiful layers.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing your Neapolitan Cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or even edible flowers. These touches not only add flair but also complement the flavors perfectly, making the dessert even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

A light dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a wonderful accompaniment, balancing the cake’s richness. Fresh berries on the side can also refresh the palate and tie the flavors together beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Neapolitan Cake as a layered trifle in clear glasses so the colors shine through. Alternatively, cut it into small cubes and skewer with fruit for a playful dessert display that’s perfect for parties and easy to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keeping it refrigerated helps maintain freshness and prevents the layers from drying out.

Freezing

Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw the layers overnight in the refrigerator before assembling the cake to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled and layered cake, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring refrigerated cake slices to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry extract?

Fresh strawberries are wonderful for flavor, but since this recipe requires the flavor to be incorporated directly into the batter, strawberry extract ensures consistent taste without affecting the cake’s texture. You can always add fresh strawberries as a garnish instead.

What frosting works best for Neapolitan Cake?

Classic buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or a whipped cream-based frosting all pair beautifully. Choose a simple vanilla or strawberry-flavored frosting to complement rather than overpower the cake layers.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it is one designed for baking. Adjustments in moisture might be necessary, so test the batter consistency before baking.

Is it possible to make this cake in one pan instead of three?

While you could bake the batter in a single pan and slice it into layers afterward, using three pans ensures even baking and clean, vibrant layers that are hallmarks of this Neapolitan Cake.

How do I prevent the cake layers from cracking?

Make sure your oven temperature is accurate; too hot can cause cracks. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and don’t open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking to keep a stable environment for your cake.

Final Thoughts

Making a Neapolitan Cake is like giving yourself permission to savor three classic flavors all at once in a gorgeous, layered treat. It’s a joyful project that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable. So why wait? Pull out your pans, gather the ingredients, and dive into making this delightful cake that’s sure to brighten any occasion and bring smiles all around.

Print