Dreamy Neapolitan Cake: Triple-Flavor Wonder Recipe

Crafting a spectacular Neapolitan cake promises a delightful journey through classic flavor combinations.

Layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry create a visual masterpiece that instantly captures attention.

Each slice reveals vibrant colors blending seamlessly into a nostalgic dessert experience.

Sweet memories of childhood treats come rushing back with every bite.

Delicate textures and harmonious flavors dance together, making this cake more than just a dessert.

The simple yet elegant approach transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of taste.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a moment of pure culinary joy.

Layered Neapolitan Cake Recipe

• Perfectly designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this Neapolitan cake requires basic baking techniques that anyone can master.
• Impress friends and family with a stunning three-layer cake that looks professionally made but is surprisingly simple to create at home.
• Enjoy a delightful combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors in one spectacular dessert that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Prepare this cake in advance, making it ideal for special occasions like birthdays, celebrations, or weekend family gatherings where you want a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients for Neapolitan Cake

• Flour: Provides the essential structure for the cake layers.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Cocoa Powder: Creates the rich chocolate layer with deep brown color.
• Strawberry Puree: Adds natural strawberry flavor and pink color to the layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides classic vanilla flavor to the white layer.

• Butter, Sugar: Create a creamy and sweet base for the cake batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter: Form the base of the creamy frosting.
• Milk, Vanilla Extract: Adjust the frosting consistency and add flavor.

How to Assemble Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Set your oven to toasty 350F.

Grab three 8-inch cake pans and give them a quick spray of cooking oil, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix the Base Batter

Grab two mixing bowls.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until they become fluffy and light.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 3: Create Flavor Divisions

Split the batter equally into three separate bowls.

• First bowl: Stir in rich cocoa powder for chocolate
• Second bowl: Fold in fresh strawberry puree for fruity sweetness
• Third bowl: Add vanilla extract for classic flavor

Step 4: Bake the Colorful Layers

Pour each uniquely flavored batter into its prepared pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the tops perfectly.

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let layers cool completely.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat butter until it becomes silky.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until super smooth.

Splash in milk and vanilla extract, adjusting consistency to your preference.

Step 6: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Start with the chocolate layer on your serving plate.

Spread a thin frosting layer.

Carefully stack vanilla layer next, adding another frosting layer.

Top with strawberry layer.

Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Get creative with decorations if you wish!

Tips for Neapolitan Cake Success

• Avoid overmixing the cake batter to prevent tough, dense layers by gently folding ingredients until just combined.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother, more evenly mixed batter that creates a lighter cake texture.
• Strain strawberry puree to remove seeds and ensure a smooth, vibrant pink layer without unwanted texture.
• Chill cake layers for 30 minutes before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting and create cleaner edges.
• Enhance strawberry layer with a touch of strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more pronounced flavor.

Storing and Reheating Neapolitan Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Slice cake into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place under a cake dome or inverted bowl to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to restore softness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Neapolitan Cake

• Complementary Beverage Blast: Uncork a chilled rosé wine that mirrors the cake's strawberry layer, balancing sweet and fruity notes while enhancing the dessert's delicate flavors.
• Flavor-Matching Espresso Experience: Brew a rich, dark espresso that contrasts beautifully with the cake's chocolate layer, cutting through the sweetness and providing a robust coffee undertone.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a moscato d'asti with its light, sweet profile that harmonizes with the cake's vanilla and strawberry elements, creating a luxurious dessert pairing.
• Texture-Enhancing Tea Choice: Steep a delicate white tea that cleanses the palate between bites, offering a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the cake's rich, creamy frosting.

Neapolitan Cake Variations

• Gluten-Free Neapolitan Cake: Swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Select dairy-free frosting alternatives like cashew cream or coconut whip.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free fruit preserves for strawberry layer. Consider using Greek yogurt for added moisture and reduced sugar content.
• Vegan Transformation: Use flax eggs or aquafaba as egg replacements. Incorporate plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives. Select natural food colorings like beet powder for strawberry layer and cocoa for chocolate layer.

FAQs

• What are the three flavors of the Neapolitan cake layers?

The three flavors are chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, representing the classic Neapolitan ice cream combination.

• Can I substitute the strawberry puree with something else?

You can use strawberry extract or jam if fresh strawberry puree is unavailable, but the fresh puree provides the best natural flavor and color.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll need three 8-inch round cake pans, an electric mixer, and basic baking tools like spatulas and mixing bowls.

• How do I ensure my cake layers are evenly divided?

Use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter and divide it equally among the three bowls, or use measuring cups to distribute as evenly as possible.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Neapolitan cake blends strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate layers into a symphony of flavors. Sweet memories bloom with each slice, inviting you to savor a classic dessert that celebrates culinary creativity.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk

Flavor and Extract Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 0.25 cup strawberry puree
• 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 2.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 0.75 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and ready three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and parchment paper.
2. Carefully sift the dry ingredients in a separate mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture.
3. Cream the butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture, incorporating eggs individually and ensuring complete integration after each addition.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and maintaining a smooth, consistent batter.
5. Separate the batter into three equal portions, dedicating each bowl to a distinct flavor profile: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
6. Infuse each batter section with its respective ingredient – cocoa powder for chocolate, strawberry puree for pink layer, and vanilla extract for the white layer.
7. Transfer each flavored batter into its designated prepared pan, smoothing the surfaces with a spatula for even distribution.
8. Bake the layers for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center of each cake.
9. Allow layers to cool completely on wire racks, ensuring total temperature reduction.
10. Whip the butter until creamy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and creating a silky smooth frosting.
11. Adjust frosting consistency by adding milk and vanilla extract, achieving a spreadable texture.
12. Construct the cake by layering chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry sections, spreading a thin frosting layer between each.
13. Enrobe the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating a seamless, elegant exterior.
14. Optionally decorate with additional garnishes or piped designs for visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap ingredients effortlessly to accommodate dietary needs like using gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk alternatives.
• Ensure precise measurements by leveling dry ingredients with a straight edge for consistent cake texture.
• Prevent strawberry layer from becoming soggy by gently patting strawberry puree with paper towels before mixing into batter.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a hint of almond extract or using fresh strawberry puree instead of store-bought version.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg