Irresistible Neapolitan Cake Recipe: A Sweet Delight

Name: Neapolitan Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)

Recipe By:

James Walker

Posted:

July 31, 2025

Updated:

July 31, 2025

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Indulging in a slice of Neapolitan cake feels like diving into a sweet, dreamy paradise. Imagine three layers of fluffy goodness, each infused with distinct flavors: rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fruity strawberry. The aroma wafts through the air like a charming siren’s song, beckoning you closer to that enchanting slice waiting on your plate.

This delightful dessert isn’t just for special occasions; it transforms any day into a celebration. Whether it’s a birthday bash or a Tuesday night treat, Neapolitan cake promises an explosion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and bake something magical!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Neapolitan cake is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Its flavor profile combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry for a delightful trip down memory lane
Visually stunning with its colorful layers, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table
Serve it at parties or family gatherings for an unexpected twist on traditional desserts

Bringing this cake to life reminds me of my childhood birthday parties. My friends’ eyes lit up as I unveiled the Neapolitan masterpiece, and their delighted squeals echoed in my ears.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; sift it well for lighter layers.
Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa for that deep chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder: Ensure your cake rises beautifully; check the expiration date!
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; adjust based on your preference.
Unsalted Butter: Bring it to room temperature for easier blending.
Eggs: Fresh eggs for moisture and richness in every bite.
Vanilla Extract: Pure extract gives the best flavor boost.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh or frozen works wonders for that fruity kick.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; don’t skimp here!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients : In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly as you mix.

Create Your Batter : In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Add Flavorings : Stir in vanilla extract and milk until fully incorporated. This mixture should look smooth and inviting—like liquid sunshine!

Separate and Color Your Batter : Divide the batter into three bowls evenly. Add cocoa powder to one bowl for chocolate, strawberry puree to another for fruity goodness, leaving the last one as plain vanilla.

Bake Layers : Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool fully before frosting!

Now that you’ve created these luscious layers of happiness, it’s time to layer them with frosting and whip up some fun! Enjoy decorating your Neapolitan cake while imagining all the smiling faces waiting to savor your delicious creation!

You Must Know

Neapolitan cake is a delightful treat that layers flavors and colors beautifully
Each bite offers the perfect balance of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!
Remember to allow it to cool completely before frosting; otherwise, your masterpiece may melt away!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by baking each layer separately to ensure they retain their unique flavors. This way, you’ll avoid any flavor mingling disasters. Once cooled, stack them with frosting in between for a stunning presentation.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the classic flavors! Consider adding lemon zest for a citrus twist or almond extract for depth. You can also decorate with fresh fruits or edible flowers for an extra flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store the Neapolitan cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the perfect Neapolitan cake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
This helps create a smooth batter that bakes evenly
Don’t rush the cooling process; patience is key to a successful layer cake

Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of my sister’s birthday parties, where we would marvel at how tall we could stack our cakes—often resulting in delicious disasters!

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