Hey there, I’ve been immersed in perfecting a Neapolitan Cake recipe, and I can’t wait to unveil it to you today. Neapolitan ice cream holds a special place in my heart, especially after indulging in it during my recovery period. It’s a flavor that sneaks up on you, prompting the question, “Why don’t I enjoy this more often?” Surprisingly, my blog only featured a no-bake Neapolitan cheesecake until now, leaving a gap that this Neapolitan layer cake aims to fill. Despite the multiple components, each layer and frosting recipe, along with a strawberry reduction, are straightforward and quick to assemble. This Neapolitan Cake promises a delightful fusion of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate, making it an ideal treat for any celebration.
Ingredients
Creating a Neapolitan Cake is all about the perfect blend of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need for each layer and the frostings to make this delightful treat.
For the Vanilla Layer
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Red food coloring (optional)
For the Chocolate Layer
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup kefir
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the Strawberry Layer
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry reduction
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry reduction
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
Before diving into making this delicious Neapolitan Cake, make sure to gather all the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you will need:
For Cake Layers:
- Three 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Cooling racks
- Offset spatula for frosting
- Piping bags and tips (if decorating with frosting)
- Cake turntable (optional but helpful for frosting)
- Bench scraper (for smoothing frosting)
Preparation Steps
To bring out the best flavors in this Neapolitan Cake, follow these preparation steps carefully:
Preparing the Strawberry Reduction
To start, make the strawberry reduction by simmering ½ cup of strawberry puree (about 56 strawberries) until it reduces to ¼ cup. This reduction adds a concentrated strawberry flavor to the cake batter, enhancing its taste profile.
Mixing the Cake Batters
Divide the vanilla cake batter into three separate bowls. In one bowl, mix in unsweetened cocoa powder and hot water to create the chocolate batter. In another bowl, blend in the strawberry reduction for the strawberry batter. Ensure a gentle fold to incorporate the flavors without overmixing. Layer these batters into cake pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Baking the Cake Layers
Once the cake batters are prepped and divided into the three different flavors, it’s time to bake the Neapolitan Cake layers to perfection. Follow these straightforward steps to ensure a delicious outcome:
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Pans
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
- Distributing the Batter: Pour each flavor of batter into the designated cake pans – vanilla in one, chocolate in another, and strawberry in the third.
Step 2: Baking Process
- Bake Them Together: Place all three cake pans in the oven and bake at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes. Remember to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the layers are ready.
- Alternating Baking: If you prefer, you can bake the layers one at a time for 23 to 25 minutes each. While one layer bakes, prepare the next batter to maintain a continuous baking process.
- Cooling the Layers: Allow the cake layers to cool completely in their pans before removing and assembling the Neapolitan Cake.
- Layering the Cake: Decide on the order of flavors for your Neapolitan Cake. You can start with any flavor as the base, but traditionally vanilla goes in the middle. Spread a thin layer of frosting between each cake layer to hold them together.
By following these simple yet crucial baking steps, you’ll create a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious Neapolitan Cake that’s bound to impress your taste buds and guests.
Assembling the Neapolitan Cake
Assembling the Neapolitan Cake is where all the distinct layers and flavors come together to create a stunning and delicious dessert that will surely impress your guests.
Layer Assembly
- Start by placing the chocolate layer on your serving plate or cake stand. This layer will provide a rich and decadent base for the cake.
- Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly on top of the chocolate layer. The frosting will act as a delicious glue to hold the layers together.
- Carefully add the vanilla layer on top of the frosted chocolate layer. Press down gently to ensure a stable structure.
- Once the vanilla layer is in place, apply another layer of frosting on top. This will add moisture and flavor, creating a harmonious blend with the other layers.
- Finally, top the cake with the strawberry layer. Press down lightly to secure all the layers together and create a beautiful tri-colored cake.
- Smoothen the sides of the cake with the remaining frosting for a polished finish.
- Begin by generously frosting the top of the assembled cake. Use a spatula or icing smoother to create a smooth and even layer of frosting.
- Gradually work the frosting down the sides of the cake, covering it completely with a thick layer of frosting.
- For a decorative touch, consider using a piping bag with a star tip to add rosettes or swirls of frosting on top of the cake.
- Once the cake is fully frosted, you can add additional decorations like sprinkles, fresh strawberries, or chocolate shavings for an extra flair.
- Allow the cake to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and a visually appealing presentation.
Decorating the Cake
Decorating a Neapolitan cake is a delightful process that adds the final touch to this scrumptious creation. The decoration not only enhances the cake’s visual appeal but also showcases the delicious flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in a stunning presentation.
Simple Decoration Ideas
For a simple yet elegant decoration, consider frosting the cake with a smooth layer of cream cheese icing. You can then use a cake spatula or scraper to create a clean and polished look on the sides. Top the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for a pop of color and flavor.
Advanced Decoration Techniques
If you’re feeling more adventurous, try your hand at piping rosettes or intricate swirls on the top of the cake using different decorating tips. Experiment with creating patterns or designs that complement the Neapolitan theme, such as alternating vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry swirls. Finish off with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of strawberry reduction for a professional and eye-catching finish.
Serving and Storage
When it comes to serving Neapolitan cake, I recommend slicing it into generous portions so that each serving captures the delightful combination of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors in every bite. To enhance the experience, consider pairing each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Best Practices for Serving
To elevate the presentation of your Neapolitan cake, serve it on a decorative cake stand or platter. For a touch of elegance, dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder or a drizzle of strawberry reduction before serving. For an added fruity boost, consider garnishing each slice with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
How to Store
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and taste of your Neapolitan cake. To store leftover cake, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating. Ensure that the cake is stored away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer. When ready to enjoy more of this delicious treat, bring the cake to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop. Remember that Neapolitan cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, providing you with delightful slices of happiness whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Conclusion
In crafting a Neapolitan Cake, attention to detail is key. From the strawberry reduction to the layering of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors, each step contributes to a delightful final product. Decorating options like cream cheese icing or fresh strawberries elevate both the look and taste of the cake. When serving, consider pairing generous slices with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent experience. Remember to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness for up to 4 days. Presentation matters, so don’t hesitate to use decorative elements like cocoa powder or fresh strawberries to make your Neapolitan Cake a showstopper at any gathering.