Neapolitan Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamt of a cake that captures the essence of classic flavors all in one irresistible bite, the Neapolitan Cake is exactly what you need. This show-stopping dessert is a delightful marriage of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla layers, each tender and bursting with its own character, all embraced by a luscious cream cheese frosting. The Neapolitan Cake isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a joyful celebration of color and contrast that’s perfect for any occasion where smiles and happy hearts are on the menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Neapolitan Cake lies in how straightforward its ingredients are, yet how brilliantly they come together to create signature layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich cocoa powder that gives depth to the chocolate layer, to the fresh strawberries adding a sweet, fruity brightness, and the creamy vanilla that balances everything perfectly.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure and tenderness to the cake.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This ensures a rich, deep chocolate flavor in the chocolate layer.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake stay moist.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: The essential leavening agent that makes the cake fluffy and light.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• 4 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 cup whole milk: Moistens the batter and helps achieve that tender crumb.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the vanilla layer.
• 1 cup softened butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy and smooth texture in the frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Adds tang and luscious creaminess that complements every cake layer.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready. Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper—this ensures your layers will pop right out when done without any frustrating sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until everything is evenly mixed. This foundational blend creates a uniform crumb and balances the flavors you’re about to build.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently incorporate this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix so your cake stays light and tender.

Step 4: Create Your Three Layers

Now for the fun part: divide your batter into three equal parts. Into one bowl, mix melted chocolate to bring out that rich chocolate layer. Then, stir pureed strawberries into the second portion to create a bright and fruity strawberry layer. Leave the third portion as is for the classic vanilla base.

Step 5: Bake Each Batter Separately

Pour each flavored batter into the prepared pans and slide them into your oven to bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool completely to avoid the frosting melting and sliding off.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost

Once cooled, it’s assembly time. Spread a generous layer of the tangy cream cheese frosting between each cake layer, building that layered beauty. Finish by covering the entire cake with a smooth coat of frosting, giving it a professional touch that looks as gorgeous as it tastes.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Garnishes

To amp up the Neapolitan Cake’s visual appeal and flavor, consider garnishing with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder. These simple touches highlight the cake’s layered flavors and give it that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a lighter contrast, fresh berries or a crisp coffee can balance the richness beautifully, turning your dessert into a complete experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Neapolitan Cake into generous wedges showcasing its tricolor layers, or cut it into petit fours for elegant bites at gatherings. You can also serve it in individual glass jars layered with frosting and crumbled cake for a trendy twist that dazzles your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Neapolitan Cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the cream cheese frosting perfectly while maintaining the moisture of the cake layers.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this cake in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. When wrapped properly, it can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing any of its delightful texture or flavor.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, allow frozen portions to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid reheating as the layers and cream cheese frosting are best enjoyed fresh and cool.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of puree for the strawberry layer?

Fresh strawberries can be sliced and folded into the batter, but using puree ensures an even strawberry flavor throughout the entire layer, giving the Neapolitan Cake its classic taste and smooth texture.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, and swap out the cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives to keep that creamy frosting without compromising taste.

How do I prevent the layers from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake the layers and ensure you cool them properly before frosting. Also, the cream cheese frosting helps lock in moisture between the layers, keeping the cake wonderfully soft.

Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely! Bake the layers up to two days before assembling, wrap them tightly, and store in the fridge. This saves time on the day you want to serve the cake and helps layering go smoothly.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

If cream cheese frosting isn’t your favorite, try a classic buttercream or whipped cream frosting, though the tangy cream cheese really complements the Neapolitan Cake best by balancing the sweetness and adding richness.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough that you try making the Neapolitan Cake if you want a showstopper dessert that brings together beloved flavors in one scrumptious bite. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with joy and offers plenty of room for creativity. Once you bake your first Neapolitan Cake, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite for celebrations big and small!

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