Neapolitan Cake

This Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that embodies the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, reminiscent of your favorite ice cream. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion, this moist cake will impress everyone with its vibrant layers and delicious taste. With its beautiful presentation and variety of flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy the harmonious blend of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in every bite.
• Moist Texture: This cake stays incredibly moist thanks to buttermilk and butter.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful layers make it visually stunning for any event.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat to share with family.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust flavorings and toppings to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Neapolitan Cake, ensure you have the right tools ready. These will help streamline the baking process and yield the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pans (three 8-inch round)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Provides consistent mixing power for fluffy batter and smooth frosting.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating ingredients and combining mixtures without mess.
• Baking pans: Properly sized pans ensure even baking and perfect layer height.

Ingredients

This ice-cream-inspired Neapolitan Cake Recipe is so moist and is bursting with flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry!

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, softened (holds its shape but dents when pressed)
• 2 cups (400g) sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off. If you do not have cake flour, see substitution in Notes below.
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 1/4 cups (296g) buttermilk. If you do not have buttermilk, see substitution below.
• 1/4 cup (54g) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract

For Flavor Add-ins

Chocolate Batter

• 3 tablespoons (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons (44g) very hot water

Strawberry Batter

• 1/4 cup strawberry reduction. Reduced from 1/2 cup strawberry puree—about 5-6 strawberries.
• Strawberry flavoring—optional: add either 2 teaspoons Strawberry Jell-O powder or 3/4 teaspoon Strawberry extract.

For the Whipped Cream Filling & Frosting

• 1 cup (240g) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla
• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 7 cups (805 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1/3 cup (72g) milk or cream, more if needed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g) optional to cut sweetness
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract

Optional Decorations

• Pink coloring gel
• 4 oz dark chocolate chips. Use Ghirardelli or semi-sweet.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Reduction

1. Puree approximately 5-6 strawberries in a blender to create 1/2 cup of strawberry puree.
2. Pour this puree into a small saucepan. Simmer over low-medium heat for about 15 minutes until reduced to 1/4 cup. Stir frequently. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour three 8×2 inch round pans.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl:
   1. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl:
   1. Mix together buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer:
   1. Add softened butter. Mix at medium speed until smooth.
   2. Gradually add sugar while continuing to mix for about 3-5 minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs

1. Add room temperature eggs one at a time into the mixture while mixing until yolks disappear completely.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

1. With the mixer on low speed:
   1. Alternately add the dry flour mixture and wet buttermilk mixture beginning with dry ingredients; repeat until blended. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 8: Divide Batter

1. Divide batter equally into three bowls:
   – One bowl remains as vanilla,
   – One mixed with cocoa powder dissolved in hot water for chocolate,
   – One mixed with strawberry reduction for strawberry batter.

Continue following these steps until your Neapolitan Cake is complete! Enjoy creating this delightful dessert that will surely impress guests at any occasion!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to please your guests. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or just enjoying a sweet afternoon snack, these serving suggestions will elevate your cake experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of Neapolitan Cake on a dessert plate for a classic presentation.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to enhance the cake’s flavors and add a pop of color.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert that echoes the cake’s ice-cream-inspired flavors.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness and texture.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the top for an elegant touch that complements the flavors beautifully.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness of the cake.

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How to Perfect Neapolitan Cake

To make sure your Neapolitan Cake is as delicious as possible, consider these tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and butter blend better at room temperature, ensuring a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can result in dense layers.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off for accuracy. This helps ensure the right texture.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is accurate; this prevents underbaking or overbaking.

• Cool Layers Completely: Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the buttercream.

• Chill Your Tools: Chill mixing bowls and beaters before whipping cream to achieve better peaks quickly.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Cake

Complement your Neapolitan Cake with these delicious side dishes that add variety and flavor to your dessert spread.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy, this dessert pairs well with the lighter textures in Neapolitan Cake.
3. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a contrast in texture and flavor while remaining easy to eat alongside cake.
4. Pineapple Upside Down Cake: A tangy addition that complements sweet flavors without overwhelming them.
5. Tiramisu Cups: These coffee-flavored treats bring an Italian flair that harmonizes with the theme.
6. Lemon Sorbet: A light, refreshing sorbet cuts through the richness of the cake, cleansing the palate beautifully.
7. Pecan Pie Bars: Chewy and nutty bars add another layer of texture and flavor, perfect for those who love nuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Neapolitan Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using improper measurements can lead to an unbalanced cake. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can affect mixing and texture. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• Failing to properly grease pans – A cake sticking to the pan will ruin its appearance. Always grease and flour your pans or use parchment paper.
• Skipping the cooling step – Not allowing the cakes to cool before frosting can cause melting and messiness. Let the layers cool completely.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Neapolitan Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Neapolitan Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm individual slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat a slice for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making a Neapolitan Cake, check out these common questions:

What is a Neapolitan Cake?

A Neapolitan Cake is a layered dessert that combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, inspired by classic ice cream.

How do I make my Neapolitan Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, use buttermilk instead of regular milk and ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature.

Can I customize the flavors of my Neapolitan Cake?

Absolutely! You can swap different flavors for chocolate or strawberry, like lemon or caramel, to suit your taste.

How long does it take to bake a Neapolitan Cake?

The cake typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C) until it is fully set and cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This Neapolitan Cake recipe is not only moist but also full of delightful flavors that appeal to everyone. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your favorite tastes. Give it a try and enjoy creating your own masterpiece!

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