1. How can I prevent my Neapolitan Layer Cake from sinking in the middle?

To prevent sinking in the middle, make sure you don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to deflate while baking. Additionally, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and avoid opening the door while baking.

2. Can I use different types of jam for the strawberry layer?

Yes, you can easily substitute strawberry jam with other fruit jams like raspberry or cherry. Keep in mind that different jams may slightly alter the flavor of the cake, but they will still provide a delicious, fruity layer. For a more intense berry flavor, you can even try using a berry purée.

3. How long can I store leftovers of the Neapolitan Layer Cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Name: Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 sticks unsalted butter (soft, not melted); 2¼ cups granulated sugar; 6 large eggs; 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 Tbsp whole milk (for chocolate layer); 2 Tbsp strawberry jam (or purée); Red food coloring (optional); ½ tsp strawberry extract (optional); 5 cups powdered sugar; 4 Tbsp whole milk (or cream, for frosting); Salt (tiny pinch, for frosting)

Description

The Neapolitan Layer Cake is a beautiful and vibrant dessert made with three classic layers—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—each bringing a distinct flavor. Combined with a smooth buttercream frosting, it’s the perfect cake for celebrations like birthdays or special events.

Ingredients

Scale

3 sticks unsalted butter (soft, not melted)
2¼ cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp whole milk (for chocolate layer)
2 Tbsp strawberry jam (or purée)
Red food coloring (optional)
½ tsp strawberry extract (optional)
5 cups powdered sugar
4 Tbsp whole milk (or cream, for frosting)
Salt (tiny pinch, for frosting)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Beat butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes), then add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Add cocoa powder and 2 Tbsp of milk to one bowl for the chocolate layer. Mix strawberry jam, food coloring, and strawberry extract in another bowl for the strawberry layer. Leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
Once the cakes are cool, level the layers if needed. Place the chocolate layer on a serving plate, then spread frosting between layers. Stack the vanilla and strawberry layers above, then frost the top and sides of the cake. Chill briefly before serving for clean slices.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
Use a kitchen scale for even division of batter into each pan to ensure uniform layers.
If you want to intensify the flavor, consider adding a few drops of natural strawberry or raspberry extract to the strawberry layer.
Cool the cake layers completely before frosting them to avoid melting the frosting.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 1034 kcal
Sugar: 135 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Fat: 50 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 135 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 13 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg