Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Assembly Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12–14 slices
For the Cake Layers:
Base Ingredients (Divided for 3 Layers):
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
Additional Ingredients for Each Layer:
- Vanilla Layer: Add no additional ingredients (base batter).
- Chocolate Layer: 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened) + 2 tablespoons milk
- Strawberry Layer: 1/3 cup strawberry puree + pink/red food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tools and Oven
Set up everything for an efficient baking process.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat the oven | Oven (set to 350°F / 175°C) | Let the oven fully preheat for consistent baking. |
| Grease and line cake pans | Three 8-inch round pans, parchment paper | Grease the sides and line the bottoms with parchment for easy release. |
Tip: Use three pans if you have them; otherwise, bake the layers in batches.
2. Make the Base Batter
The base batter will be divided and flavored for the three layers.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cream butter and sugar | Mixer, large bowl | Beat until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). |
| Add eggs one at a time | Mixer | Mix well after each addition for a smooth batter. |
| Add vanilla extract | Measuring spoon | This is for a consistent flavor base. |
| Alternate dry and wet ingredients | Flour mix, milk, spatula | Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with milk. |
Tip: Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients; mix just until combined.
3. Divide and Flavor the Batter
Flavor each portion of the batter to create the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Divide the base batter | Kitchen scale or spatula | Ensure even portions for uniform layers. |
| Mix cocoa powder into 1 portion | Cocoa, milk, spatula | Sift cocoa powder to prevent lumps in the chocolate batter. |
| Fold strawberry puree into 1 portion | Strawberry puree, spatula | Add food coloring for a more vibrant pink hue. |
Tip: Rinse the spatula between mixing flavors to avoid cross-contamination of colors.
4. Bake the Cake Layers
Bake each flavored batter into a distinct, fluffy cake layer.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pour batter into pans | Spatula, pans | Spread batter evenly for flat layers. |
| Bake in preheated oven | Oven | Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. |
| Cool layers completely | Cooling rack | Let layers cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to rack. |
Tip: Wrap layers in plastic wrap once cooled to keep them moist if assembling later.
5. Prepare the Frosting
Make a versatile buttercream to layer and coat the cake.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Beat butter until creamy | Mixer, large bowl | Beat for 2–3 minutes to aerate the butter. |
| Add powdered sugar gradually | Sifter, spoon | Mix at low speed to avoid a powdered sugar cloud. |
| Add heavy cream and vanilla | Measuring spoon, mixer | Adjust cream amount for your desired consistency. |
Tip: If the frosting feels too stiff, add a teaspoon of cream at a time.
6. Assemble the Cake
Layer the three flavors into a beautiful Neapolitan cake.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Level cake layers (optional) | Serrated knife | Trim tops for even stacking. |
| Stack and frost layers | Offset spatula | Start with vanilla, then chocolate, and top with strawberry. |
| Apply crumb coat | Offset spatula, turntable | Spread a thin frosting layer to lock in crumbs. |
| Frost and decorate | Piping bag (optional) | Decorate with piped designs or sprinkles as desired. |
Tip: Chill the cake for 15–20 minutes after the crumb coat to make the final frosting easier.
7. Serve and Enjoy
The final step is to slice and serve your stunning Neapolitan cake.
Tableau for Clarity:
| Task | Tools Needed | Advice & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Slice the cake | Cake knife, plates | Use a sharp knife for clean slices. |
| Pair with a drink | Coffee, tea, or milk | A warm drink complements the cake’s sweetness. |
Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips and Tricks
- Strawberry Puree: Make fresh puree by blending strawberries with a touch of sugar.
- Enhanced Chocolate Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder to the chocolate layer for depth.
- Make Ahead: Bake layers a day ahead, wrap tightly, and frost the next day for easier assembly.
- Decorative Options: Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate curls, or a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra flair.
Conclusion
This Neapolitan Cake is a showstopper that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into one stunning dessert. It’s perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any celebration where you want to impress. The soft, moist layers, combined with creamy buttercream frosting, will delight everyone with every bite.