Neapolitan Cake

This Neapolitan Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the classic ice-cream flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into a moist cake. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this cake will impress your family and friends with its beautiful layers and rich taste. The combination of flavors makes it suitable for everyone, ensuring that each slice is a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Trio: The Neapolitan Cake combines three beloved flavors in one moist cake, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Eye-Catching Layers: With its vibrant layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this cake is as stunning as it is tasty.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this cake fits right in.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients like buttermilk or cake flour to suit your pantry.
• Fun to Decorate: The decorating process allows for creativity; you can customize the frosted finish and add decorative touches.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Neapolitan Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment not only makes the process smoother but also helps achieve better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Rubber spatula
• Piping bags with tips

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures your batter is mixed evenly and saves time compared to manual mixing.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to separate ingredients easily during preparation.
• Piping bags: Perfect for decorating your cake with precision for that professional touch.

Ingredients

This ice-cream-inspired Neapolitan Cake Recipe is so moist and is bursting with flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, softened (holds its shape but dents when pressed)
• 2 cups (400g) sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off (If you do not have cake flour, see substitution in Notes below)
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 1/4 cups (296g) buttermilk (if you do not have buttermilk, see substitution below)
• 1/4 cup (54g) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract

For Flavor Additions:

• 3 Tablespoons (21g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 3 Tablespoons (44g) very hot water
• 1/4 cup Strawberry Reduction (Reduced from 1/2 cup strawberry puree – about 5-6 strawberries)
• Strawberry Flavor – Optional: add either 2 teaspoons Strawberry Jell-O powder or 3/4 teaspoon Strawberry extract

For Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup (240g) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla extract

For Buttercream Frosting:

• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 7 cups (805 g) confectioners sugar
• 1/3 cup (72g) milk or cream (more if needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients:

• Pink Coloring Gel
• 4 oz dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate (if using semi-sweet, use closer to 5oz; if using milk chocolate, use closer to 8 oz)
• 4 oz. heavy cream

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Reduction

1. Puree approximately 5–6 strawberries in a blender until smooth to make about 1/2 cup of strawberry puree.
2. Pour the puree into a small saucepan and simmer over low-medium heat for about 15 minutes until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Stir frequently. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour three 8-inch round pans.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl:
   1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds. Set this mix aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl:
   1. Combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer:
   1. Add softened butter and mix on medium speed until smooth.
   2. Gradually add sugar while continuing to mix on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes until fluffy and lightened in color.

Continue following these steps through baking the layers, preparing fillings and frostings as detailed in your recipe instructions!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Serving Neapolitan Cake can elevate your dessert experience, making it perfect for any occasion. With its delightful layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this cake is not just a treat but a centerpiece.

For Special Occasions

• Birthday Celebrations: Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve with colorful candles for a festive touch.
• Anniversary Dinners: Pair with a glass of sparkling wine to complement the rich flavors.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berries on the Side: Serve with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to enhance the fruity notes of the cake.
• Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote can add a delicious contrast to the cold sweetness of the cake.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that pairs well with all three flavors of the cake.
• Strawberry Sorbet: This light option can balance out the richness of the cake.

Coffee or Tea Pairings

• Espresso: The boldness of espresso complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can provide a refreshing contrast.

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How to Perfect Neapolitan Cake

Perfecting your Neapolitan Cake involves attention to detail in both preparation and presentation. Follow these tips for the best results.

• temperature matters: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth batter.
• measure accurately: Use precise measurements for ingredients, especially flour and sugar, to maintain texture.
• cool layers properly: Allow each cake layer to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures clean layers.
• frosting technique: Apply a crumb coat first to lock in any loose crumbs before adding your final layer of frosting.
• decorate thoughtfully: Use contrasting colors for decoration—like pink frosting against dark chocolate ganache—to make your cake visually appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Cake

When serving Neapolitan Cake, selecting complementary side dishes enhances your dessert table. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture that pairs well with rich flavors.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over slices for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Raspberry Coulis: This tangy sauce adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
4. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory counterpart to the sweet cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Neapolitan Cake can be a joy, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for best results, especially for flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the batter: Be gentle when mixing the cake batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
• Not cooling layers properly: Allow each cake layer to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of your frosting.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling your whipped cream or buttercream helps it hold its shape better when decorating.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature for perfectly baked layers.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Neapolitan Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Neapolitan Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this may dry out the cake.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover it with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Neapolitan Cake:

Can I make Neapolitan Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just thaw before frosting.

What flavors are in traditional Neapolitan Cake?

Traditional Neapolitan Cake features chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, mimicking classic ice cream.

How do I customize my Neapolitan Cake?

Feel free to swap out flavors or add fillings like fruit preserves or flavored extracts for unique variations.

What is the best way to frost my Neapolitan Cake?

Use chilled buttercream or whipped cream for easier spreading. A crumb coat helps keep crumbs from mixing into the final layer of frosting.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy ingredients with almond milk or coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free version of Neapolitan Cake.

Final Thoughts

This Neapolitan Cake is not only stunning but also versatile. Its combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or decorations. Try this delightful recipe today!