Neapolitan Cake

Neapolitan Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together three classic flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. This stunning cake not only looks impressive but also offers a deliciously balanced taste that appeals to everyone. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any gathering, the Neapolitan Cake stands out with its vibrant layers and creamy frostings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching presentation: The beautiful layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry create a stunning visual effect that’s sure to impress your guests.
• Flavorful combinations: Each bite offers a perfect blend of rich chocolate, sweet vanilla, and fruity strawberry flavors.
• Versatile for occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or family gathering, this cake fits any celebration perfectly.
• Easy to customize: Feel free to adjust the flavors or fillings according to your preference or dietary needs.
• Great for sharing: With 20 servings, this cake is ideal for large gatherings and events.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Neapolitan Cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy cake batter by thoroughly combining ingredients.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Sifter: Ensures there are no lumps in dry ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake and Buttercream

• 1 1/4 (150 g) cups (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
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (slightly cold)
• 5 oz. good quality chocolate of your choice (I use dark or semi, melted)
• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar (measured and then sifted)
• 1 teaspoons (4.2 g) pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons (57.75 g) heavy cream

For the Vanilla Cake and Buttercream

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons (54.5 g) canola oil
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.8 g) salt
• 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
• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar (measured and then sifted)
• 3 tablespoons (43.31 g) heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberry Cake and Buttercream

• 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 (2.1 g) vanilla
• 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups (143.75 g) cake flour
• 1 oz freeze dried strawberries (measured and then pulverized into a powder)
• Dash of salt
• 1/2 cup (116 g) strawberry puree
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (slightly chilled)
• 2 1/2 cups (312.5 g) powdered sugar (measured and then sifted)
• 1/2 oz. freeze dried strawberries (measured and then pulverized into a powder)
• 4 tablespoons (57.75 g) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.1 g) pure vanilla extract

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F(175°C). Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layer

In one mixing bowl:
Combine all dry ingredients except for sugar.
In another bowl:
Mix together wet ingredients until smooth.
Combine both mixtures until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Chocolate Layer

Pour the batter into one prepared pan:
Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Repeat for Vanilla and Strawberry Layers

Follow similar steps as above for both the vanilla and strawberry layers:
For strawberry layer:
Add pulverized freeze-dried strawberries to dry ingredients before mixing.

Step 5: Cool Cakes Completely

Allow each layer to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes:
Transfer to cooling racks until completely cool before frosting.

Step 6: Frosting the Layers

Prepare each frosting while cakes are cooling:
Use chocolate buttercream on the chocolate layer, vanilla on the vanilla layer, and strawberry on the strawberry layer.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Start with the chocolate layer at the bottom:
Spread an even layer of frosting before adding the next layer; repeat until all layers are stacked.

Step 8: Final Frosting Touches

Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting using an offset spatula for smoothness:
Decorate as desired, perhaps with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings.

Enjoy your deliciously layered Neapolitan Cake!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its rich flavors and vibrant colors make it perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Birthday Celebrations

• Slice and Serve: Present individual slices on decorative plates for a festive look.
• Candle Topping: Add candles to the top layer for a birthday surprise that lights up the celebration.

Afternoon Tea

• Mini Slices: Cut the cake into smaller pieces for easy snacking alongside tea or coffee.
• Pair with Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.

Dessert Buffets

• Layered Presentation: Create a visually appealing dessert buffet by stacking slices in varying heights.
• Themed Decorations: Decorate with themed items that match the event’s color scheme for added charm.

Family Gatherings

• Casual Plating: Serve directly from the cake stand for an informal family setting.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Neapolitan Cake

To achieve a flawless Neapolitan Cake, attention to detail is key. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out perfect every time.

• Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for richer flavors.
• Proper Mixing: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better emulsification.
• Cool Thoroughly Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
• Use a Leveling Tool: Trim the tops of each layer with a serrated knife for even stacking and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Neapolitan Cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the richness of the buttercream layers.
3. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A warm chocolate sauce provides an indulgent touch when drizzled over slices.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the layered cake.
5. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and offers a delightful pairing.
6. Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds texture and can be dipped into coffee as you enjoy your cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Neapolitan Cake, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or butter can prevent the cake from rising properly. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for light and fluffy layers.
• Skipping the baking powder: This key ingredient helps your cake rise. Double-check your ingredient list before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can result in a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring cooling times: Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool completely for easier slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Neapolitan Cake

• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Neapolitan Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Neapolitan Cake?

A Neapolitan Cake is a layered dessert featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, often frosted with matching buttercream.

How can I customize my Neapolitan Cake?

You can customize flavors by adding different extracts or using various fruits for the strawberry layer, such as raspberries or blueberries.

Can I make this Neapolitan Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I achieve even layers in my Neapolitan Cake?

Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures and level your batter in each pan before baking.

Final Thoughts

The Neapolitan Cake is not only visually stunning but also rich in flavor and texture. Its three layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry make it ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday or a casual gathering. Feel free to experiment with flavors or add your favorite fillings to make it uniquely yours!