Neapolitan Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bake a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Neapolitan Cake is your perfect match. This wonderfully layered cake celebrates the classic trio of flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, all swirled together into a moist, tender sponge capped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Every slice is a little slice of nostalgia, fun, and pure joy — making it a guaranteed hit for parties or anytime you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. Trust me, once you give this Neapolitan Cake a try, it might just become your go-to cake for happy occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to making this cake a showstopper. Fortunately, the components are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to build that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that defines the Neapolitan Cake. From the fluffy flour base to the tangy cream cheese frosting, each item plays an essential role in bringing this dessert to life.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the soft, tender backbone of the cake layers, giving structure without heaviness.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s intense but not overpowering.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures the cake layers rise beautifully and stay light.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 4 large eggs (room temperature): Adds moisture and stability, making the cake rich and moist.
• 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth, contributing to a soft crumb and tender bite.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Provides warm, aromatic notes for the vanilla layer.
• 1 cup softened butter (for frosting): Forms the creamy base of the frosting with smooth richness.
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to the ideal texture.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Adds tangy flavor and silky creaminess, perfect for balancing sweetness.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This small step is essential to help your cakes release flawlessly without sticking, allowing you to enjoy those perfect, clean layers.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is fully combined. This ensures that your rising agents and sweetness are evenly distributed, which makes a big difference in the cake’s texture later on.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The eggs add richness while the milk keeps the batter moist and tender. Slowly add the wet mix to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined — avoid overmixing for a light, fluffy crumb.

Step 4: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Here comes the fun part! Divide the batter equally into three bowls. To one portion, fold in melted chocolate to create the chocolate layer. To the second bowl, gently mix in pureed fresh strawberries for that fruity, rosy pink layer. Leave the third bowl as is for the classic vanilla flavor. Each portion gets its own character and color, perfectly representing the essence of the Neapolitan Cake.

Step 5: Bake the Layers

Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan and smooth the tops for even baking. Place all three pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness — it should come out clean when the cake is perfectly baked. After baking, let the cakes cool completely to avoid melting the frosting later.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare your frosting by beating softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until silky smooth. This frosting has the perfect balance of tangy and sweet to complement each flavor layer beautifully. Spread a generous layer between each cake, and then cover the entire cake for a finished, elegant look that invites slicing.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your Neapolitan Cake from delightful to dazzling. Fresh strawberries sliced on top add a refreshing, natural sweetness, while a few chocolate curls or a dusting of cocoa powder bring in a hint of sophistication and visual contrast. Whipped cream rosettes around the edges can add that bakery touch right at home.

Side Dishes

When serving this cake, think about complementing its rich and fruity layers. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of fresh berries works wonderfully. For coffee lovers, a strong espresso or cappuccino pairs beautifully with the sweet, tangy, and chocolatey notes of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

You can slice the layers horizontally to create thinner tiers, then alternate flavors for a more colorful, ribboned look inside. Alternatively, plate individual mini-trifles using cubes of the cake layered with whipped cream and berry compote for a fun twist. The Neapolitan Cake is versatile and perfect for impressing guests in inventive ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Neapolitan Cake securely in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The cream cheese frosting means refrigeration is necessary, and your cake will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to assemble, thaw layers overnight in the fridge before frosting. This is great for prepping ahead or saving leftovers for a later treat.

Reheating

Since this cake tastes best cold or at room temperature, avoid reheating. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, slice a portion and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes or enjoy alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?

Absolutely! Just thaw and puree the strawberries well before mixing them into the batter to ensure an even texture and flavor.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter substitutes for the frosting. The cake texture will still be delightful!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking and keep an eye on the texture, adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum if needed for structure.

What is the best way to get even cake layers?

Using a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally or filling each pan with measured batter ensures that your layers bake evenly and look uniform when stacked.

How long does the cream cheese frosting keep?

When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, cream cheese frosting stays fresh for about 5 days. Always check for any changes in smell or texture to ensure freshness.

Final Thoughts

Baking the Neapolitan Cake is more than just following a recipe — it’s a joyful experience that brings together vibrant flavors and colors, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I hope you’ll dive in and enjoy creating this beautiful, delicious cake that brightens any occasion. Once you’ve tasted its moist layers and luscious frosting, you’ll see why the Neapolitan Cake holds such a special place in so many hearts.

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