Neapolitan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that steals the show and brings joy to every gathering, the Neapolitan Cake is exactly what you need. This delightful treat combines three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—into one stunning cake. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or even just a cozy weekend when you want to impress your loved ones. Each layer is not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor, making it a favorite in my home!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip up this beauty! Plus, it’s a wonderful way to gather family in the kitchen and create lasting memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can shine.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!
• Visually Impressive: The layered look makes this cake a showstopper for any occasion.
• Versatile: Perfect for celebrations or just because—it never fails to bring smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this Neapolitan Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• 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 parts about baking is making it your own! Here are some fun variations to try with your Neapolitan Cake:

• Add Fresh Fruit: Layer fresh strawberries or raspberries between the cake layers for an extra fruity twist.
• Mix In Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
• Switch Up the Extracts: Try using almond extract instead of strawberry for a unique taste profile.
• Drizzle Some Sauce: A caramel or chocolate drizzle on top can elevate this cake even further!

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing three round cake pans ensures that our layers will come out perfectly without sticking. This is an important step because we want smooth layers for stacking!

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting this mixture aside allows the leavening agents to combine evenly with the flour, ensuring our cake rises beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, giving our cake that delightful lightness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

Now it’s time to beat in each egg one at a time followed by adding the milk. Gradually incorporating these ingredients with our dry mix helps create a smooth batter without overmixing.

Step 5: Divide the Batter

Divide your batter into three bowls. Leave one plain for vanilla flavor; mix cocoa powder into another for chocolate; and add strawberry extract into the third bowl. This step creates our beautiful layers that define the Neapolitan Cake.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Baking them separately ensures each flavor shines through perfectly!

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, allow cakes to cool completely before stacking them with frosting between layers. Cooling is crucial as it prevents melting or sliding when you assemble your masterpiece!

And there you have it—a deliciously vibrant Neapolitan Cake ready to bring joy to any gathering! Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Neapolitan Cake

Creating a stunning Neapolitan Cake can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll take your baking to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, which leads to a more even cake texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the cake from becoming tough and ensures a light, fluffy result.
• Level your cake layers: If your cakes dome on top while baking, use a serrated knife to level them out. This ensures stable stacking and an impressive presentation.
• Chill the cakes before frosting: A cool cake is much easier to frost and helps prevent the frosting from melting. Consider refrigerating for about 30 minutes after cooling.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to customize your Neapolitan Cake by mixing in chopped nuts or using fresh fruit purees for added flavor and texture between layers.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Serving your Neapolitan Cake beautifully will make it even more inviting! Here are some fun ideas for presenting this colorful dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds extra creaminess and makes each slice look extra decadent.
• Fresh strawberries: Place whole or sliced strawberries on top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the strawberry layer perfectly.
• Chocolate shavings: Grate some chocolate over the top for an elegant touch that enhances the chocolate flavor of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing! The creamy vanilla ice cream balances the flavors of the cake and provides a lovely contrast in temperature.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can help cleanse the palate. Choose seasonal fruits like berries or melons to keep it light and vibrant.
• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice adds richness and indulgence—perfect for chocolate lovers!
• Coffee or tea: Serving your cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea enhances its flavors and provides a cozy touch that’s perfect for gatherings.

With these serving suggestions, your Neapolitan Cake will not only taste amazing but also look like a masterpiece at any gathering! Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Neapolitan Cake is not only a treat for the eyes but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare this delightful dessert ahead of time, ensuring you have a stunning cake ready for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want it to last longer, refrigerate the cake, where it can stay fresh for up to a week.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, preserving its flavors and textures.
• To thaw, simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

• If you’d like to enjoy your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Avoid using the microwave as it may alter the texture of the cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful Neapolitan Cake.

Can I use different extracts instead of strawberry extract in my Neapolitan Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruit extracts like raspberry or almond to create unique flavor combinations. Just remember that each extract will impart its own distinct taste.

How should I decorate my Neapolitan Cake?

Decorating your Neapolitan Cake can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. Consider using whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra touch of elegance!

What is the best way to serve Neapolitan Cake?

Neapolitan Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit to enhance its delicious flavors!

How long does it take to make Neapolitan Cake?

The total time for making Neapolitan Cake is approximately 50 minutes, including prep and cooking time. Allow additional time for cooling before serving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake this beautiful Neapolitan Cake! Its vibrant layers and delightful flavors make any occasion feel special. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just treating yourself on a cozy weekend, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your baking adventures—I’d love to hear how your cake turns out!