Neapolitan Cake Recipe: Ultimate 3-Layer Chocolate Deliciousness

Introduction: The Magic of a Neapolitan Cake
Why This 3-Layer Chocolate Deliciousness Will Dazzle You
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Neapolitan Masterpiece
Pro Tips for a Perfect Neapolitan Cake
Serving and Storing Your Delectable Creation
Frequently Asked Question

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a show-stopping Neapolitan Cake Recipe: Ultimate 3-Layer Chocolate Deliciousness! This dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining rich chocolate, classic vanilla, and fruity strawberry in one stunning package. Get ready to impress everyone with your baking prowess!

Introduction: The Magic of a Neapolitan Cake

The Neapolitan cake concept, inspired by the classic ice cream, brings together three distinct and beloved flavors into one harmonious treat. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration of variety.

Each layer offers a unique experience, from the deepest cocoa notes to the light sweetness of vanilla and the vibrant tang of strawberry. This recipe ensures every bite is pure bliss.

Why This 3-Layer Chocolate Deliciousness Will Dazzle You

Imagine cutting into a cake and revealing not one, but three beautifully distinct layers! This 3-layer chocolate deliciousness is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

From birthdays to holidays, this cake is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any dessert table. Its intricate construction and delightful flavor profile make it truly special. For more baking inspiration, Read our in-depth guide here.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To embark on this delicious journey, ensure you have all your ingredients measured and ready. Precision is key for perfect layers!

For the Chocolate Layer Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality for rich flavor!)
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot strong coffee

For the Vanilla Layer Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large egg whites
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large egg whites
½ cup whole milk
½ cup strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A few drops of pink food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)

For the Frostings & Assembly

3 cups unsalted butter, softened (divided for frostings)
9 cups powdered sugar, sifted (divided for frostings)
¾ cup heavy cream (divided for frostings)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided for frostings)
½ cup melted chocolate (for chocolate frosting)
¼ cup strawberry puree (for strawberry frosting)
Fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Neapolitan Masterpiece

Let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to create your beautiful Neapolitan cake featuring rich layers of chocolate.

Baking the Cake Layers

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
For the Chocolate Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; beat until combined. Stir in hot coffee. Pour into one prepared pan.
For the Vanilla Layer: In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites one at a time. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Pour into a second prepared pan.
For the Strawberry Layer: Repeat the vanilla cake process, but incorporate the strawberry puree (and food coloring if using) with the wet ingredients. Pour into the third prepared pan.
Bake all layers for 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Frostings

Vanilla Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, then 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
Chocolate Buttercream: In another large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, then 2 tablespoons heavy cream, ½ cup melted chocolate, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
Strawberry Buttercream: In a third bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, then 3 tablespoons heavy cream, ¼ cup strawberry puree, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

Assembling Your Neapolitan Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if needed.
Place the chocolate layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Spread an even layer of chocolate buttercream on top.
Carefully place the vanilla layer on top of the chocolate frosting. Spread an even layer of vanilla buttercream.
Place the strawberry layer on top of the vanilla frosting. Spread the strawberry buttercream over the top and sides of the entire cake.
Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to smooth the frosting. You can create a striped effect with the remaining frostings if desired, or simply decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Neapolitan Cake

For the best results, always use room temperature ingredients for your cakes and buttercreams. This ensures a smooth, even batter and fluffy frosting.

Don’t overmix your cake batters; mix until just combined to keep them tender. A kitchen scale is also incredibly helpful for precise measurements, especially with flour.

When assembling, an even layer of frosting between each cake layer is key for stability and a beautiful finish. You can find more expert baking advice from King Arthur Baking.

Serving and Storing Your Delectable Creation

This magnificent Neapolitan cake featuring rich layers of chocolate is best served at room temperature to allow the flavors and textures to truly shine.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again for optimal taste.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, you certainly can! Bake the cake layers, let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the chocolate layer?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute! Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest with whole milk until it reaches 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles, then use as directed.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry puree?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen strawberries and then blend them into a puree. You might need to reduce the amount slightly or cook it down a bit if it’s very watery, to avoid adding too much moisture to your frosting.