Indulge in Decadent Neapolitan Cake: A Triple Treat! Recipe

Introduction

Neapolitan Cake is a delightful three-layer dessert that combines the classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. This colorful and tasty treat is perfect for celebrations or simply indulging your sweet tooth with something special.

The image shows a slice of layered cake on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The cake has six layers: the bottom layer is pink and creamy, the second layer is pink and smooth, the third layer is white and fluffy, the fourth layer is dark brown and rich, the fifth layer is light yellow and soft, and the top layer is a thin dark brown dusting. The textures of the layers look soft and moist, with some small crumbs on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain for vanilla, stir cocoa powder into the second for chocolate, and add strawberry extract to the third bowl.
  6. Step 6: Pour each flavored batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Allow the cakes to cool completely before stacking the layers with your choice of frosting between them.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer strawberry flavor, substitute fresh strawberry puree for the extract, adjusting sugar slightly to balance sweetness.
  • Use a cream cheese or whipped cream frosting for a lighter finish that complements all three flavors.
  • If you don’t have three pans, bake the layers sequentially, cooling pans between uses to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the assembled Neapolitan Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep layers moist, wrap the cake with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature or warm slightly for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a slice of layered cake on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has six visible layers: starting from the bottom, there is a light pink layer with a smooth texture, followed by a deeper pink layer that looks soft and moist. Above that is a light pink creamy layer, then a thick white creamy layer. Next is a dark brown chocolate layer with a moist texture, and finally a light yellow sponge layer topped with a thin dusting of cocoa powder. The layers are even and distinct, giving the cake a colorful and textured look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, whole milk gives the best texture and flavor, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Just note that the flavor and richness may change slightly.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day ahead and store them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.

Print
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Indulge in Decadent Neapolitan Cake: A Triple Treat! Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in the classic Neapolitan Cake, a delightful triple-layered dessert featuring rich vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. This moist and tender cake combines three delicious batters, each representing a beloved Neapolitan ice cream flavor, perfect for celebrations or a special treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp strawberry extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans to ensure the cakes bake evenly and release easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation into the batter.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, gradually add the whole milk and mix well.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter is combined to avoid overworking the flour.
  6. Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl plain for the vanilla layer, stir the cocoa powder into the second bowl for the chocolate layer, and add the strawberry extract to the third bowl for the strawberry layer.
  7. Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before removing and assembling to prevent the frosting from melting.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Stack the cooled layers with your preferred frosting between each layer to create the iconic Neapolitan cake look and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
  • Use fresh strawberry extract for the most pronounced flavor.
  • You can frost the cake with vanilla buttercream or whipped cream for a traditional finish.
  • Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
  • If desired, you can add fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings as decoration.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, Triple Flavor Cake, Vanilla Chocolate Strawberry Cake, Layer Cake, Classic Dessert

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