Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe – Easy and Delicious

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate, classic vanilla, and fruity strawberry flavors, look no further than the Neapolitan Layer Cake. This iconic tri-color cake, layered with fluffy buttercream frosting, brings nostalgia and elegance to any special occasion, from birthdays to holiday celebrations. The Neapolitan Layer Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds, making it the perfect centerpiece for your next event.

Why You’ll Love This Neapolitan Layer Cake

This Neapolitan Layer Cake stands out for its vibrant layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, each one offering a unique flavor and texture. The cake is easy to make and can be customized with various ingredient swaps to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a birthday, a Mother’s Day brunch, or any other special event, this cake will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s made from simple ingredients and can be prepared in advance, making your event planning stress-free.

Ingredients for Neapolitan Layer Cake

To create this delicious cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture to the cake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the cake.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant and comforting flavor to the batter.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake batter.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

For the Chocolate Layer:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the chocolate layer its deep, rich flavor.
• Whole milk: Helps dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a smooth texture.

For the Strawberry Layer:

• Strawberry jam (or purée): Adds a sweet, fruity flavor to the cake.
• Red food coloring (optional): For a vibrant pink hue.
• Strawberry extract (optional): Enhances the strawberry flavor for a more intense taste.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the frosting, making it creamy and smooth.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
• Whole milk (or cream): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Strawberry Layer: If you prefer a slightly different flavor, consider using raspberry jam instead of strawberry jam. It provides a subtly tart contrast while still maintaining the bright color of the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: For a richer flavor, you can swap cocoa powder for melted semi-sweet chocolate. This will give the cake a denser, fudgier chocolate layer.
• Flour: For a lighter, more delicate cake, you can replace all-purpose flour with cake flour, which will give the cake a softer texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Neapolitan Layer Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 3 sticks of softened butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Divide the batter: Divide the batter into three bowls, roughly one-third in each. For the chocolate layer, stir in the cocoa powder mixed with milk. For the strawberry layer, mix in the strawberry jam, food coloring, and strawberry extract (if using). Leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
5. Bake the cake layers: Spread the chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla batters evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 22–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through for even baking. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, milk (or cream), and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
7. Assemble the cake: Once the layers have cooled, level them if necessary. Place the chocolate layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the vanilla layer, followed by frosting, and then the strawberry layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream. Chill briefly to firm up the frosting before slicing.

Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Neapolitan Layer Cake

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting the cake. This helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures a tender crumb.
• Weigh the Batter: For even layers, consider weighing the batter as you divide it between the pans. This ensures that each layer bakes evenly.
• Cool the Cake Layers: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting them. Frosting applied to warm cake can melt or slide off.
• Crumb Coat: After applying a thin layer of frosting to the entire cake, chill it for 15 minutes. This will lock in crumbs and help the final coat of frosting go on smoothly.
• Enhance the Flavors: If you’re using jam or purée for the layers, consider adding a few drops of natural fruit extract (like strawberry or raspberry) to intensify the flavor.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Neapolitan Layer Cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. Try serving it with fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of coffee for a comforting dessert. For a fun twist, top the cake with chocolate shavings or freeze-dried berries.

If you want to make the cake ahead of time, the layers can be baked and cooled up to two days in advance, or frozen for up to two months. Simply frost and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

Seasonal and Special Occasion Notes

The Neapolitan Layer Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday parties. Its festive tri-color layers make it especially popular for events like Valentine’s Day, Easter, or a summer picnic. The cake’s classic flavor profile appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a versatile choice for any celebration.

Conclusion

The Neapolitan Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in a stunning, multi-layered masterpiece. With its rich flavors, fluffy buttercream frosting, and vibrant colors, it’s the perfect cake for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or simply craving a beautiful treat, this cake will surely impress your guests. The recipe is simple to follow, and with a few helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love.

Get ready to enjoy every slice of this nostalgic, sweet treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Pie Layer Cake: This cake brings the classic flavors of apple pie into a layered cake form. With cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crust layer, it offers a deliciously rich dessert perfect for fall celebrations, similar to the Neapolitan Layer Cake in its elegant, layered design.
• Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake: A perfect fall dessert, this cheesecake combines the richness of creamy pumpkin with a layer of sweet caramel, offering a comforting and decadent experience. Like the Neapolitan cake, it balances multiple flavor profiles for a crowd-pleasing treat.
• Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Butter Frosting: This spiced pumpkin cake with a nutty brown butter frosting is ideal for anyone who loves the warmth and flavor of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice. Much like the Neapolitan Layer Cake, it features rich layers and a smooth frosting for an indulgent dessert experience.

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