Neapolitan Cake

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fruity strawberry flavors. This stunning layered cake makes it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any gathering. The vibrant colors and luscious textures will impress your guests and leave them craving more. Moreover, this recipe allows you to showcase your baking skills while enjoying the process of creating a beautiful dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavors: Enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in each bite.
• Visual Appeal: This cake’s layers create a striking presentation that wows at any event.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Easy to Customize: You can play with flavor options and decorations to make it uniquely yours.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 20 servings, it’s perfect for gatherings with family and friends.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (round)
• Cooling rack
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: These tools provide consistent mixing speed for fluffy cake batter and buttercream.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized while preparing different cake layers and frostings.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and folding in delicate ingredients without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (59 g) good cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.8 g) kosher salt
• 1/2 cup (120 g) buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup (54.5 g) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.1 g) pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (118.3 g) hot water

For the Chocolate Buttercream

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (slightly cold)
• 5 oz. good quality chocolate of your choice (melted)
• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons (57.75 g) heavy cream

For the Vanilla Cake

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons (54.5 g) canola oil
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups (172.5 g) cake flour
• 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder
• 1/2 cup (120 g) buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Buttercream

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (slightly cold)
• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar (sifted)
• 3 tablespoons (43.31 g) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.1 g) vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cake

• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons (54.5 g) vegetable or canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups cake flour

For the Strawberry Buttercream

• Oz freeze-dried strawberries powdered into a fine powder.
• (Dash of salt)
• (½ cup strawberry puree)
• (½ oz freeze-dried strawberries powdered)
• (½ cup unsalted butter slightly chilled)
• (¼ tsp pure vanilla extract)

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three round cake pans by greasing them lightly with butter and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until combined before adding hot water gradually.
4. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Bake chocolate cakes for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Prepare Vanilla Cake Batter

In another bowl:
1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in eggs one at a time along with egg yolk.
3. Gradually add cake flour and baking powder alternating with buttermilk and vanilla until combined.

Step 5: Bake Vanilla Cakes

Pour batter into prepared pans equally as before; bake for approximately 25–30 minutes until done.

Step 6: Make Strawberry Cake Batter

Follow similar steps as above using room-temperature ingredients while incorporating freeze-dried strawberries into the mixture.

Step 7: Assemble Your Neapolitan Cake

Once all cakes have cooled:
– Layer chocolate cake on a serving platter followed by chocolate frosting.
– Add vanilla layer with its frosting followed by strawberry layer topped with strawberry frosting.
– Repeat this process until fully stacked.

Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan Cake that brings together classic flavors in every slice!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Serving a Neapolitan Cake is all about presentation and the experience it brings to your gathering. This stunning cake not only tastes delicious but also looks impressive, making it perfect for celebrations.

For Birthdays

• Layered Delight: Slice the Neapolitan Cake into layers to reveal its beautiful colors. Serve each slice on a decorative plate for a festive touch.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Accompany each slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The contrast in flavors enhances the cake’s taste.

For Afternoon Tea

• Mini Slices: Cut the cake into smaller squares for easy serving. These bite-sized treats are perfect alongside tea or coffee.
• Fresh Berries: Garnish each serving with fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, to add a touch of freshness.

For Special Occasions

• Elegant Presentation: Use a cake stand to elevate the Neapolitan Cake. Decorate with edible flowers for an elegant look at weddings or anniversaries.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Perfect Neapolitan Cake

Perfecting your Neapolitan Cake ensures it’s both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect bake.

• Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for rich flavor and color.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and volume.
• Sift Flour and Sugar: Sifting helps prevent clumps and creates a lighter texture in your cake.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake fluffy and tender.
• Chill Layers: Refrigerate the cake layers before assembling to make stacking easier and neater.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Cake

To complement your Neapolitan Cake, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance its sweetness while providing variety.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the cake.
3. Mint Tea: Refreshing mint tea cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the dessert experience.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or cake pieces, adding interactive fun.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors of the cake.
6. Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti complements the softness of the Neapolitan Cake, making each bite interesting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Neapolitan Cake, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the cake’s rise and texture. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined for best results.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different. Always check that your oven is at the correct temperature before baking for even cooking.
• Rushing Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake too soon can ruin its structure. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Neapolitan Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Neapolitan Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Neapolitan Cake.

What is a Neapolitan Cake?

A Neapolitan Cake features layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cakes, each paired with complementary buttercreams.

How do I customize my Neapolitan Cake?

You can experiment with different flavors like lemon or almond, or add fruit fillings between layers for added flavor.

Can I make this Neapolitan Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make a delicious gluten-free version of the cake.

How long does it take to bake a Neapolitan Cake?

The total time includes about 90 minutes for baking and 120 minutes for preparation, so plan accordingly!

Final Thoughts

The Neapolitan Cake is not just beautiful; it’s also versatile and filled with delightful flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this cake will impress everyone. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or fillings!