Neopolitan Cake Recipe

Neapolitan cake, with its charming trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, is a delightful dessert that has graced tables for generations. This classic cake combines the best of three worlds, offering a layered taste experience that pleases everyone. Whether it’s for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because, a Neapolitan cake makes a visually stunning and deliciously diverse treat. Let’s dive into how to make this beloved dessert.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Chocolate Cake Layer:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
• Vanilla Cake Layer:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Strawberry Cake Layer:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, pureed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp milk or cream

Equipment

• Three 9-inch round cake pans
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add milk, oil, egg, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
   • Stir in boiling water last (batter will be thin). Pour into one of the prepared pans.
3. Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layer:
   • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
   • Pour into another prepared pan.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Cake Layer:
   • Similar to the vanilla layer, but add pureed strawberries along with the eggs.
   • Pour into the third prepared pan.
5. Bake each layer for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
   • Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a spreading consistency.
7. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one layer on a cake plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with the next two layers, stacking them carefully.
   • Frost the outside of the cake. For a festive look, use a piping bag to decorate with additional frosting.

Pro Tips

• Cake Layers: Ensure all cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Flavor Enhancements: Intensify the strawberry layer by adding a little strawberry extract or extra puree.
• Decorative Touches: Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles to enhance the visual appeal.

FAQ

1. Can I make Neapolitan cake layers ahead of time?
   • Yes, bake the layers, cool them completely, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to freeze for up to a month.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
   • Substitute with a mixture of 1/2 cup milk and 1.5 tsp vinegar or lemon juice; let stand for 5 minutes before using.
3. Can the cake be made gluten-free?
   • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Conclusion

The Neapolitan cake is a festive, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Its tri-color layers make it not only a joy to make but also a showstopper at any gathering. Dive into the making of this delicious dessert and enjoy the smiles it brings to everyone’s faces.