Experience the Delight of Neapolitan Cake 🍰✨
Indulge in the whimsical charm of Neapolitan Cake, where layers of rich chocolate, vibrant strawberry, and classic vanilla come together in a symphony of flavors and colors. With its moist and tender cake layers and luscious buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to steal the spotlight at any celebration or gathering.
Crafting the Chocolate Cake Layers
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until well combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool before removing them from the pans.
Creating the Strawberry Cake Layers
Preheat your oven and prepare two more 9-inch round cake pans. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and red food coloring (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until done. Let the cakes cool before removing them from the pans.
Whipping Up the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake
Level the tops of the cake layers if necessary. Begin assembling the cake by placing one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add a strawberry cake layer and another layer of frosting. Repeat with the remaining cake layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, then decorate as desired with chocolate curls, sprinkles, or fresh strawberries.
With its enchanting layers and heavenly flavors, Neapolitan Cake is sure to captivate your taste buds and delight your guests.
Recipe for Neapolitan Cake:
Ingredients:
- For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Strawberry Cake Layers:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Few drops red food coloring (optional)
- For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- For the Chocolate Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Sift together dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.
- For the Strawberry Cake Layers: Preheat oven and prepare pans. Sift together dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs, milk, strawberry puree, vanilla, and food coloring. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool.
- For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by layering chocolate and strawberry cake layers with frosting in between. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Baking Time: 30-35 minutes per cake layer | Total Time: 2 hours Calories: 480 kcal | Servings: 12-16 slices
Enjoy the enchanting flavors of Neapolitan Cake with every delicious bite!