Description
Neapolitan Cake layers classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry sponges into a nostalgic treat that reminds you of childhood ice cream. Smooth frosting and colorful stripes make this dessert a crowd-pleasing centerpiece perfect for celebrations or weekend baking adventures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting Components:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, 2 cups sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt in a large mixing bowl until completely combined.
- Whisk 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, and 2 tsp vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and well integrated.
- Gradually pour liquid ingredients into dry mixture, stirring gently to create a uniform cake batter without overmixing.
- Divide the batter equally into three separate bowls, preparing for distinct flavor layers.
- Melt chocolate and fold into one portion of batter, creating the chocolate layer mixture.
- Blend fresh strawberry puree into second portion, developing the strawberry layer mixture.
- Leave third portion plain for the vanilla layer, keeping it unmodified.
- Prepare three 9-inch cake pans by spraying with nonstick cooking spray or lining with parchment paper.
- Pour each colored batter into its designated pan, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in center.
- Remove layers from oven and allow to cool completely on wire racks for approximately 1 hour.
- Blend 1 cup softened butter, 8 oz cream cheese, and 4 cups powdered sugar to create smooth frosting.
- Place chocolate layer on serving plate as bottom foundation.
- Spread thin layer of cream cheese frosting between each cake layer.
- Carefully stack strawberry layer, then vanilla layer on top.
- Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, creating smooth exterior surface.
Notes
- Toast nuts or add chocolate shavings for extra texture and visual appeal when decorating the cake layers.
- Room temperature ingredients help create smoother, more evenly mixed cake batter that bakes with consistent texture.
- Work carefully when separating batters to ensure distinct flavor layers and prevent color bleeding during mixing.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend and verify baking powder is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 576
- Sugar: 56 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg