Print

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

This delicious Neapolitan Cake features classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla layered cake, topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert, this cake combines three distinct batters baked separately and assembled into a beautiful tri-flavored treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Flavoring Add-ins

  • Melted chocolate (quantity not specified, approximate 1/4 cup recommended)
  • Pureed strawberries (quantity not specified, approximately 3/4 cup recommended)

Frosting

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the room temperature eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overmixing which can affect cake texture.
  5. Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the cake batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one portion, gently fold in melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To the second portion, fold in pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the third portion as the vanilla layer without additional flavoring.
  6. Bake Layers: Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pans before removing.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
  8. Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread cream cheese frosting between each layer to sandwich the flavors. After stacking, cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a smooth finish.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
  • To make the strawberry puree, blend fresh or thawed strawberries until smooth, then strain if desired to remove seeds.
  • You can add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the strawberry puree to enhance flavor and preserve color.
  • If melted chocolate is not available, use high-quality cocoa powder mixed with a small amount of hot water as a substitute in the chocolate batter portion.
  • Allow frosting to chill slightly if it becomes too soft while assembling the cake.
  • The triple-layer cake pans should be the same size for even baking and stacking.
  • Store finished cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, three layer cake, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, cream cheese frosting cake, layered dessert

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/neapolitan-cake-recipe/