A Neapolitan cake is a delightful dessert that captures the flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in each layer. This visually stunning cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion where you want to impress with both looks and taste. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own Neapolitan cake and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and colors in every slice.
Ingredients for Neapolitan Cake
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Red food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- Pink food coloring (optional)
For Decoration (Optional):
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
- Fresh strawberries
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Batter
- Divide the cake batter evenly into three separate bowls.
- To one bowl, fold in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated, creating the chocolate cake batter. Add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a deeper chocolate hue if desired.
- To another bowl, mix in the strawberry preserves or jam until well combined, creating the strawberry cake batter. Add pink food coloring for a vibrant pink color if desired.
- Leave the third bowl as vanilla cake batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
- Pour each flavored batter into the prepared cake pans, spreading evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add more cream or milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Neapolitan Cake
- Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of frosting evenly over the top.
- Carefully place the vanilla cake layer on top of the chocolate layer and frost it evenly.
- Repeat with the strawberry cake layer, finishing with a crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting.
- Once chilled, apply a final layer of frosting over the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula or bench scraper.
Step 6: Decorate (Optional)
- Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Arrange fresh strawberries around the edge for a festive touch.
- Chill the cake until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Butter, Sugar, and Eggs
These ingredients form the base of the cake batter, providing structure, moisture, and richness to each layer of the Neapolitan cake.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds tanginess and tenderness to the cake layers. It reacts with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture.
Cocoa Powder and Strawberry Preserves
Cocoa powder gives the chocolate layer its rich flavor and dark color, while strawberry preserves or jam infuse the strawberry layer with sweet fruitiness and vibrant color.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of all three cake layers and complements the other flavors in the Neapolitan cake.
Now that you know how to make a Neapolitan cake, you can create this impressive dessert for any occasion. With its beautiful layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this cake not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely delicious. Follow the steps carefully, and soon you’ll be enjoying a slice of homemade Neapolitan cake that will delight your family and friends alike.
