Neapolitan Cake

A Neapolitan Cake is a delightful three-layer dessert that combines the classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any sweet occasion. Its vibrant colors and rich taste make it a showstopper at gatherings, while the creamy vanilla buttercream ties all the layers together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Flavor Combination: The blend of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla creates a delicious medley that’s hard to resist.
• Visually Stunning: The colorful layers make this cake a centerpiece at any event.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday or a casual get-together, this cake suits all celebrations.
• Simple to Make: With clear instructions and common ingredients, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable Toppings: You can personalize your Neapolitan Cake with assorted candies and chocolates for extra fun.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Neapolitan Cake, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having these essentials will help streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Round baking pans (6-inch)
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack
• Cake scraper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is smooth and well combined for the best texture.
• Round baking pans: Create uniform layers that are crucial for stacking in a layer cake.
• Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 230 grams (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 315 grams (2 and 1/4 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 240 ml (1 cup) full fat or whole milk
• 2 tablespoons full fat sour cream
• 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
• Pink food gel or food coloring
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tablespoon milk

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 230 grams (1 cup or 2 sticks) butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 625 grams (5 cups) icing sugar or powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons full fat or whole milk, room temperature

For Decoration

• Assorted candy and chocolate

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by greasing and lining three 6-inch round baking pans. Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the butter, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

Next:
1. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add milk and sour cream; beat on low speed until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Color the Batter

Divide the batter evenly into three bowls:
– To one bowl, add strawberry extract and pink food gel.
– To another bowl, add cocoa powder and extra milk.
– Leave the final bowl as is for the vanilla layer.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Pour each batter into prepared cake tins:
– Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
– Carefully remove cakes from pans and set on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

For frosting:
1. Beat butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in icing sugar one cup at a time, adding milk as needed until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

To assemble:
1. Use a serrated knife to even out the tops of each cooled cake layer if necessary.
2. Place one layer on a small cake board; cover with buttercream.
3. Top with another layer of cake; repeat with more frosting.

Step 7: Finalize Your Cake

Add the third layer on top:
– Cover entire cake with remaining buttercream using a cake scraper to smooth out sides.

Step 8: Decorate

Finish by topping your Neapolitan Cake with assorted candy and chocolates for an eye-catching look!

Enjoy serving this delightful Neapolitan Cake at your next gathering!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Serving Neapolitan Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and presentation. This colorful and tasty cake can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.

For Birthdays

• Birthday Parties: A classic choice for celebrations, Neapolitan Cake adds a festive touch with its vibrant layers.
• Slice and Serve: Cut into generous slices and serve on decorative plates for an eye-catching display.

With Fresh Berries

• Berry Medley: Serve alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to complement the cake’s flavors.
• Garnish Option: Use whole berries as a garnish on each slice for added color and texture.

With Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes a delicious addition, enhancing the cake’s flavor profile.
• Warm Sauce Drizzle: Consider adding a warm berry compote over the ice cream for a delightful contrast.

Coffee or Tea

• Beverage Pairing: Pair slices of Neapolitan Cake with coffee or tea, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
• Flavor Match: Choose a light roast coffee or herbal tea to keep the focus on the cake’s flavors.

How to Perfect Neapolitan Cake

Perfecting your Neapolitan Cake ensures that every bite is deliciously satisfying. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• bold Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• bold Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precise ingredient amounts to ensure consistent results.
• bold Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to maintain a light and fluffy cake texture; overmixing can lead to dense layers.
• bold Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
• bold Use Cake Strips: Invest in baking strips that wrap around your pans to promote even baking and prevent domed tops.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Cake

Neapolitan Cake pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful options that complement this dessert beautifully.

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Bold Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream serves as a creamy topping that pairs perfectly with each layer.
3. Bold Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce can elevate each slice, adding depth to the overall flavor experience.
4. Bold Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
5. Bold Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers a healthy balance that complements dessert indulgence.
6. Bold Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a delightful textural contrast while echoing some of the Neapolitan flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Neapolitan Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth mix.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven properly and check with an oven thermometer if needed.
• Not leveling the cakes: Uneven layers can result in a lopsided cake. Use a serrated knife or cake trimmer to ensure each layer is even before frosting.
• Skipping the cooling time: Frosting a warm cake can lead to melting frosting. Let your cakes cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Neapolitan Cake

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

Reheating Neapolitan Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until desired temperature is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about making a Neapolitan Cake:

How do I achieve perfect layers in my Neapolitan Cake?

To get perfect layers, ensure your batter is evenly divided among the pans. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements if needed.

Can I customize flavors in my Neapolitan Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts or food colorings like lemon or almond for unique flavors.

What can I use instead of buttercream frosting?

You can use whipped cream or cream cheese frosting as alternatives if you prefer a lighter option.

How long does it take to bake the Neapolitan Cake?

The baking time is approximately 30 minutes, but always check with a skewer to ensure doneness.

Can I make this Neapolitan Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and frost the cake ahead of time; just store it properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Neapolitan Cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. With its three delightful layers of flavor, it’s perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Feel free to customize the flavors or decorations to suit any occasion – your creativity is the limit!