Neapolitan Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at, then this Neapolitan Cake is the perfect choice! This cake brings together rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and refreshing strawberry in a way that dances on your palate. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations in my family, and I can promise you it never fails to impress. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a cozy weekend gathering, this cake is sure to be the star of the show.

What makes this Neapolitan Cake so special is not just its beautiful layers but also how easy it is to make. You’ll often find me whipping this up on busy weeknights or for family get-togethers because it’s both simple and satisfying. Trust me; once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to share it with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Stunning Presentation: The beautiful layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry make this cake a visual delight that will wow your guests.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cake! This recipe appeals to all ages, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon treat, this Neapolitan Cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Bake it in advance and store it; it stays delicious for days without losing flavor.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to mix things up with different extracts or add-ins for a personal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Neapolitan Cake is simple and straightforward. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tsp strawberry extract

Variations

One of the best things about this Neapolitan Cake recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the Extracts: Use pureed fresh strawberries instead of strawberry extract for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Add Some Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added texture surprise.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
• Drizzle with Caramel: Add a layer of caramel sauce between the cake layers for extra sweetness.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing three round cake pans ensures that your cakes come out easily once baked. This step keeps everything neat and tidy!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix provides structure to your cake. Setting it aside gives you time to focus on creaming the butter and sugar.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your batter, resulting in a light texture!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk

Beat in eggs one at a time followed by the milk. Gradually add your dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing could lead to dense cakes. Aim for that perfect balance!

Step 5: Divide the Batter

Now comes the fun part! Divide the batter into three bowls: leave one plain for vanilla, mix cocoa powder into another for chocolate, and add strawberry extract to the last. Each layer will bring its unique flavor!

Step 6: Bake

Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This step lets those amazing flavors develop beautifully.

Step 7: Cool and Stack

Allow cakes to cool completely before stacking them with frosting between layers. Cooling prevents melting frosting—important if you want that stunning finish!

Enjoy making this delightful Neapolitan Cake! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings people together around the table.

Pro Tips for Making Neapolitan Cake

Baking a Neapolitan Cake is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and milk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and results in a fluffier cake.

• Sift the dry ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder together aerates them, which helps to prevent lumps and ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

• Cool cakes completely: Letting your cakes cool completely before stacking and frosting prevents melting and sliding, giving you a beautifully layered cake.

• Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix things up! You can substitute the strawberry extract with pureed fresh strawberries for an intensified flavor that adds freshness to each bite.

• Store properly: To maintain moisture, wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for days!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Serving your Neapolitan Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to help you showcase this colorful dessert beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries and placing them on top adds a pop of color and enhances the fruity flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: Adding chocolate shavings or curls can provide an elegant touch while complementing the chocolate layer.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on each slice gives a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! Vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with the cake’s flavors.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light counterbalance to the rich layers of the cake.
• Coffee or tea: Serving a cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea alongside your Neapolitan Cake enhances its indulgent nature while providing a comforting finish to your meal.
• Chocolate sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over each slice brings an extra layer of decadence that chocolate lovers will adore.

With these serving suggestions, you’re set to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a well-deserved slice of happiness! Enjoy every moment with this delightful Neapolitan Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Neapolitan Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for special occasions or simply to enjoy throughout the week. With a few easy storage tips, you can keep your cake fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If the weather is warm, refrigerate to prevent spoilage.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and type of layer (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry).
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place a slice of cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding the Neapolitan Cake that might help you while baking!

Can I make Neapolitan Cake without strawberry extract?

Absolutely! You can substitute strawberry extract with pureed fresh strawberries for a more natural flavor. Just be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly.

How do I store Neapolitan Cake?

Store leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the layers as described above.

What if I want to add nuts to my Neapolitan Cake?

Feel free to mix in chopped nuts into any of the batters or sprinkle them between layers. This will add delightful texture and flavor!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Neapolitan Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings people together. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your lovely creations with friends and family!