Neapolitan Cake

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Choosing the right dessert can be a challenge, especially when everyone has different favorites.

How do you satisfy those who love rich chocolate, others who prefer classic vanilla, and those who crave the sweet taste of strawberry?

The answer is a Neapolitan cake. This layered treat combines all three beloved flavors in one beautiful cake, making it an easy choice that brings smiles to every face.

Perfect for gatherings or just because, Neapolitan cake ensures that no one has to compromise on their favorite taste.

Table of Contents

What Is Neapolitan Cake?

Neapolitan cake is a dessert that combines three classic flavors in one cake: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

It features three layers of cake, each in a different flavor, stacked together and often covered with a smooth buttercream.

This cake is a great choice for anyone who enjoys multiple flavors without having to choose just one.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For The Vanilla Cake

230 grams (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
200 grams (1 cup) caster or granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, at room temperature
315 grams (2 and 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
240 ml (1 cup) whole milk
2 tablespoons full-fat sour cream

For The Strawberry Cake

1 teaspoon strawberry extract
Pink food coloring gel

For The Chocolate Cake

1 tablespoon cocoa powder, sifted
1 tablespoon whole milk

For The Vanilla Buttercream

230 grams (1 cup or 2 sticks) butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
625 grams (5 cups) powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons whole milk, at room temperature

For Decoration

Assorted candy and chocolate

Instructions

Grease and line three 6-inch round cake pans. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for a standard oven or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-forced oven.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and sour cream, and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. In the first bowl, mix in the strawberry extract and a few drops of pink food coloring. In the second bowl, stir in the cocoa powder and the extra tablespoon of milk. Leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
Pour each batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, make the buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Add a tablespoon of milk at a time as needed, until the buttercream is smooth and spreadable.
Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife or cake trimmer if needed. Place the vanilla cake layer on a cake board or serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Stack the strawberry cake layer on top of the vanilla layer, then spread buttercream on top of the strawberry layer. Finally, add the chocolate cake layer on top.
Cover the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining buttercream. Use a cake scraper to smooth out the buttercream on the sides.
Top your Neapolitan cake with an assortment of your favorite candies and chocolates.

Tips For Making A Perfect Neapolitan Cake

Measure Ingredients Carefully: Accurate measurements help ensure the cake layers turn out well. Use a kitchen scale if possible.
Separate the Batter Evenly: Make sure each layer of cake has the same amount of batter to ensure even baking.
Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking to help cakes rise evenly.
Cool Cakes Completely: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature to mix properly and create a smooth batter.

How To Store Neapolitan Cake?

Keep your Neapolitan cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Store it at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a few days.

For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep the cake fresh.

Can You Freeze Neapolitan Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Neapolitan cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How Can I Make This Cake In Advance And Keep It Fresh?

To make your Neapolitan cake in advance and keep it fresh, follow these steps:

Bake and Cool: Bake the cake layers as usual and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy when you frost it.
Wrap and Store: Once the cakes are completely cool, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Refrigerate or Freeze: If you’re planning to eat the cake within a few days, store the wrapped layers in the refrigerator. For longer storage, place them in the freezer. Make sure to use freezer-safe wrapping or containers.
Frost Before Serving: It’s best to frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it. If you need to frost it in advance, do so and then cover the cake with plastic wrap or a cake dome before refrigerating.
Thawing Frozen Cake: If you froze the cake layers, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.