Neapolitan Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings joy to any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! Neapolitan Cake is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful experience for your taste buds. With its gorgeous layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or even those cozy weekend afternoons when you want to treat yourself. Each bite is like a celebration in your mouth, making it an unforgettable addition to your dessert repertoire.
What makes this Neapolitan Cake so special? It’s all about the vibrant flavors coming together seamlessly. The rich chocolate layer pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla and refreshing strawberry. This cake is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the colorful layers and delicious flavors.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any celebration or just as a delightful weekend project.
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge for even better flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for this Neapolitan Cake are simple and wholesome—perfect for creating a delicious treat without fuss. Here’s what you need to gather:
- 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
Variations
One of the best things about this Neapolitan Cake is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up and tailor it to your tastes or available ingredients.
- Swap the extract: Instead of using strawberry extract, try pureed fresh strawberries for a more intense flavor.
- Add some crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter for added texture.
- Drizzle with goodness: Consider drizzling caramel sauce between layers for an extra sweet surprise.
- Change up the frosting: Use whipped cream or dairy-free frosting to suit your dietary needs.
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans. This ensures that your cakes will slide out easily when they’re done baking—a crucial step that saves you from any potential mishaps!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout your batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because incorporating air into the butter creates a light texture in your cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Adding eggs individually helps maintain an even mixture, while gradually incorporating dry ingredients prevents overmixing.
Step 5: Divide the Batter
Divide batter into three bowls: leave one plain for vanilla; mix cocoa powder into the second for chocolate; add strawberry extract to the third. This colorful division sets up your cake’s stunning layers!
Step 6: Bake Your Cakes
Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Baking them separately allows each flavor to shine through without mixing.
Step 7: Cool Before Stacking
Allow cakes to cool completely before stacking them with frosting between layers. Cooling is key here—if you stack them too soon, you risk melting your frosting or having uneven layers!
Now you’re all set to enjoy this beautiful Neapolitan Cake! Share it with friends and family or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
Pro Tips for Making Neapolitan Cake
Creating the perfect Neapolitan Cake can seem daunting, but with a few expert tips, you’ll be on your way to baking a masterpiece!
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Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to an evenly baked cake that has a delightful texture.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, airy layers we’re aiming for.
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Level your cake layers: After baking, use a serrated knife to trim any domed tops from your cakes. This ensures each layer stacks neatly and looks beautiful when frosted.
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Chill the cake before frosting: Allowing the layers to cool completely and even chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes makes frosting easier and helps prevent sliding during assembly.
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Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play around with flavor extracts or add fresh fruit between layers for an extra burst of flavor. Your creativity will make this cake uniquely yours!
How to Serve Neapolitan Cake
Presenting your Neapolitan Cake is just as important as baking it! Whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday treat, here are some ideas to make it shine.
Garnishes
- Fresh berries: Sprinkle some strawberries or raspberries on top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on each slice adds a light and airy touch that balances out the richness of the cake.
- Chocolate shavings: Grate some dark chocolate over the top for an elegant finish that enhances both presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the layered textures of Neapolitan Cake, creating a classic dessert experience.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to the rich cake, making every bite feel balanced and satisfying.
- Coffee or espresso: Serving slices alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso brings out the chocolate flavor in the cake while providing a comforting end to any meal.
- Homemade whipped yogurt: For a lighter option, serve with lightly sweetened whipped yogurt topped with fruit; it’s creamy without being heavy.
Enjoy crafting this delectable Neapolitan Cake while soaking up all the compliments you’ll surely receive! Whether it’s enjoyed at parties or shared with loved ones on a cozy afternoon, this dessert is bound to become a cherished favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing your Neapolitan Cake ahead of time is a brilliant way to save effort on the day of your celebration. This dessert can be stored and even frozen, keeping its delightful flavors intact for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing
- To freeze, slice the cake into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- For best results, let the frozen slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- If you want a warm slice, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat!
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Neapolitan Cake.
Can I substitute strawberry extract in my Neapolitan Cake?
Yes! You can enhance the flavor by using pureed fresh strawberries instead of strawberry extract. This will give your cake a fresh, fruity taste.
How do I store leftovers of my Neapolitan Cake?
After cooling, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or at room temperature for 2 days.
What makes Neapolitan Cake special?
Neapolitan Cake stands out due to its three vibrant layers—rich chocolate, sweet vanilla, and refreshing strawberry—all harmonizing together. It’s visually stunning and irresistible!
Can I make Neapolitan Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this cake a day before an event. Just make sure to store it properly so that it stays fresh and delicious until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Neapolitan Cake as much as I do! Its vibrant layers and delightful flavors make it a truly special treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a cozy family gathering, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
Neapolitan Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
If you’re in search of a show-stopping dessert that delights both the eyes and taste buds, look no further than this Neapolitan Cake. This stunning layered cake features rich chocolate, sweet vanilla, and refreshing strawberry flavors that come together to create an unforgettable treat. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home, each slice is a celebration of vibrant colors and delicious flavors. Easy to make and customizable to your tastes, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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 unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp strawberry extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the batter into three bowls: leave one plain for vanilla; add cocoa powder to another for chocolate; mix in strawberry extract to the third.
- Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before stacking with frosting between layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
