Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that blends the best of three classic flavors, the Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe is your answer. This vibrant, multi-layered cake marries rich chocolate, sweet strawberry, and velvety vanilla into each moist, tender slice. The colors alone will brighten any celebration, but the true magic lies in the way these flavors perfectly harmonize, making every bite feel like a decadent treat crafted just for you. Whether it’s a family gathering or a special occasion, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles with its irresistible charm.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beautiful thing about this Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe: it calls for simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture that give this cake its delightful character, from the rich cocoa to the fresh strawberry puree.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake structure and crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep, luscious chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring a soft cake.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the cake’s tender texture.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds softness to the crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the vanilla portion and complements chocolate and strawberry beautifully.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the cake layers rise perfectly.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavors.
• Strawberry puree: Gives a fresh, natural fruit flavor and cheerful pink color.
• Whipped cream: Lightens the cake layers and provides a silky finish for frosting and filling.

How to Make Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because a properly preheated oven ensures even baking, so your layers come out perfectly moist and fluffy every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This air incorporation is key to a tender cake texture, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Adding eggs gradually while mixing ensures they fully integrate, creating a smooth batter. This technique prevents curdling and keeps your layers consistent.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only mixes the ingredients but also adds air, which helps the cake rise and stay light.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Alternately

Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet butter and eggs, alternating with milk and vanilla extract. This gradual incorporation keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 6: Divide and Flavor Your Batter

Split the batter into three equal parts. Leave one bowl plain for the vanilla layer, stir strawberry puree into the second bowl for that lovely fruity layer, and add more cocoa powder to the third for an extra rich chocolate layer.

Step 7: Bake Each Layer Separately

Pour the three different batters into separate greased cake pans. This ensures distinct layers and makes for a visually striking presentation once assembled.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfect

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keeping a close eye after 25 minutes prevents overbaking and drying out your layers.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cake layers cool fully before frosting. This step is critical because warm cake can cause whipped cream to melt and slide off.

Step 10: Assemble and Frost

Layer the cakes with whipped cream between each one, then frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream. This light frosting keeps the focus on the beautiful trio of flavors and colors, making for a cake that tastes as fabulous as it looks.

How to Serve Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To complement the Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe, fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut make wonderful garnish choices. They add a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of texture that enhance every bite.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent finish. You can also serve it with a simple fruit salad or a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into thin layers and serving as individual trifles in clear glasses layered with extra whipped cream and fresh berries. Or, arrange slices on a colorful cake platter to highlight the beautiful pink, chocolate, and vanilla layers for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream frosting means it’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze individual cake layers before assembling the Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly in the fridge before assembling and frosting.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer slightly softened frosting, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the whipped cream to separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry puree?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well when thawed and pureed. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to keep your batter from becoming too runny.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensuring all your other ingredients are gluten-free, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of the Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe.

Can I substitute the whipped cream frosting with buttercream?

You can certainly use buttercream if you prefer a denser frosting, but whipped cream keeps the cake light and airy, which is perfect for balancing the three rich layers.

How do I prevent the strawberry layer from making the cake soggy?

Incorporating the strawberry puree directly into the batter, as this recipe suggests, ensures it is well integrated without excess moisture. Avoid adding extra syrup or liquid on the finished cake layers to keep everything stable.

What size cake pans should I use?

Using three 8-inch round cake pans works best to ensure even layers. If you don’t have three pans, you can bake in batches, but be sure to cool completely before stacking.

Final Thoughts

Making the Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe is like crafting a little edible masterpiece that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. Its classic combination of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla wrapped in luscious whipped cream is timeless and irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try next time you want to impress — it’s a fun baking adventure that ends with a truly spectacular cake worth sharing with friends and family.

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