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image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing the fresh ingredients butter unsalted room temperature all purpose flour self raising flour granulated sugar confectioners sugar eggs whole and separated vanilla extract salt baking powder baking soda cocoa powder fresh strawberries strawberry puree strawberry jam lemon juice milk sour cream food coloring pink chocolate ganache cream cheese optional for Neapolitan Cake arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
Benjamin

Neapolitan Cake

This Neapolitan Cake is a showstopper three-layer dessert featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, perfect for pleasing every palate at your next gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 4 Large Eggs room temperature
  • 2 tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Sour Cream room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Milk room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Self-Rising Flour or additional baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder if using only all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
Chocolate Layer
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Strawberry Layer
  • 1 cup Fresh Strawberries pureed and reduced to 1/2 cup (or strawberry jam) | adjust for natural color
  • 1-2 drops Pink Food Coloring optional, for vibrant color
Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter room temperature | divided for three flavors
  • 6 cups Confectioners Sugar sifted | divided
  • 1/4 cup Milk room temperature | divided
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract for vanilla frosting
  • 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for chocolate frosting
  • 2 tbsp Strawberry Puree or a few drops of pink coloring for strawberry frosting

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Three 8-inch Cake Pans
  • Wire rack
  • Sifter
  • Offset Spatula

Method
 

Prep the Pans and Oven
    Mix the Cake Base Batter
    1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add 2 tablespoons vanilla extract and mix until combined.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup self-rising flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
    3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Do not overmix.
    Divide and Flavor the Batter
    1. Keep one portion as is for the vanilla layer.
    2. In the second bowl, sift in 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and fold gently until fully incorporated.
    3. In the third bowl, fold in the reduced strawberry puree (about 1/2 cup from 1 cup fresh strawberries cooked down) and 1-2 drops pink food coloring if desired for a vibrant hue.
    4. Pour each flavored batter into a prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through for even baking.
    5. Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
    Prepare the Buttercream
    1. Gradually add 6 cups sifted confectioners sugar and 1/4 cup milk, beating until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
    2. Divide the frosting into three equal portions (about 1 cup each). Flavor one with 1 tsp vanilla extract, one with 2 tbsp cocoa powder, and one with 2 tbsp strawberry puree.
    Assemble the Cake
    1. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the top and sides. Chill for 15 minutes. Apply final layers of frosting and decorate as desired, using a petal design with the three colors.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 5gFat: 20g

    Notes

    Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Freeze individual slices by wrapping in plastic wrap and foil. For best results, use room temperature ingredients. If strawberry puree is too runny, reduce more for better flavor concentration.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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