Neapolitan Cake: A Delightful Trio of Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Layers

Indulge in the Delight of Neapolitan Cake

Picture this: three luscious layers of cake, each adorned in a delightful flavor of its own—sweet strawberry, rich chocolate, and vanilla bliss. This whimsical Neapolitan Cake is a celebration of flavors that takes you back to childhood ice cream memories, but with a homemade twist that makes it utterly irresistible. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake will make your dessert table the star of the show!

What is Neapolitan Cake?

Neapolitan Cake is a delicious fusion of three iconic flavors that has captured hearts worldwide. Originating from the famous tri-flavored ice cream, this cake reintroduces those classic tastes in a moist and fluffy dessert that’s visually stunning. You might be surprised by how easy it is to bring a slice of nostalgia to your kitchen with this charming twist on a classic. Each delightful layer of the Neapolitan Cake—strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla—offers something sweet and satisfying, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This

One of the greatest joys of baking is how simple and satisfying it can be. This Neapolitan Cake is no exception! Not only is it easy to whip up, but it’s also quick, taking just a little over an hour from start to finish. The ingredients are affordable, and with just one recipe, you get three different flavors. That means you can cater to everyone’s tastes and impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat.

The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or as a fancy dessert at a dinner party, it’s sure to spark joy. Plus, it’s so gorgeous that you might even feel tempted to take a few photos before slicing into it!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Creating your own Neapolitan Cake is as straightforward as it gets. With just a few bowls, an electric mixer, and some love, you’ll have three layers of delightful cake baked and ready to frost in no time. Overall, plan for about 1 hour for baking and cooling, plus additional time for frosting and assembly.

Ingredients

• . Nonstick vegetable oil spray (for pans)
• . 1 package freeze-dried strawberries
• . 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• . 2 cups granulated sugar
• . 1 Tbsp baking powder
• . 2 tsp kosher salt
• . 1 tsp baking soda
• . 4 large eggs
• . 1 1/3 cups sour cream
• . 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
• . 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• . Red or pink liquid or gel food coloring (optional)
• . 2 Tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder
• . 4 cups powdered sugar
• . 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• . 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• . 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
• . 2 tsp kosher salt
• . 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick vegetable oil spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Use a food processor or blender to powder the freeze-dried strawberries. Set this aside for later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. Mix well. Then, add the eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. In one bowl, add the strawberry powder along with the optional red or pink food coloring. In the second bowl, add the Dutch-process cocoa powder to create the chocolate batter. The third bowl will stay plain vanilla.
5. Carefully pour each flavor of batter into its respective prepared cake pan, smoothing the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat the powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, sour cream, kosher salt, and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
7. To assemble the cake, place one layer of strawberry cake on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Follow this with the chocolate layer and another layer of frosting, then finally top with the vanilla layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake. Decorate as desired, and enjoy your Neapolitan Cake!

What to Serve with Neapolitan Cake

To enhance your Neapolitan Cake experience, consider pairing it with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra creamy delight. Fresh fruit salads or a simple green salad can provide a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cake. You might also try serving it alongside a fragrant herbal tea or a bubbly soda for added refreshment.

Top Tips for Perfecting Neapolitan Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier texture.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mixing until just combined will help achieve a tender crumb.
3. Use Quality Pans: Nonstick pans are key for easy removal, but if you’re using regular pans, make sure to grease and line them properly.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cakes are done; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cooling Time: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
6. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional extracts or citrus zest for extra flavor in your cake or frosting.
7. Presentation Counts: Consider decorating with additional freeze-dried strawberries or colorful sprinkles to make your cake even more eye-catching.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Once your Neapolitan Cake is adorned and enjoyed, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you anticipate having leftovers for more than a couple of days, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze the layers individually—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They should keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.

Neapolitan Cake

A whimsical Neapolitan Cake combines three delightful flavors—strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla—creating a nostalgic and mouthwatering dessert perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 1 package freeze-dried strawberries Blend to a powder for the strawberry layer
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt Used in the cake batter and frosting
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 large eggs Room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups sour cream Room temperature, divided
• 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract Used in the cake and frosting
• 2 Tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder For the chocolate layer

For the frosting

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups unsalted butter Room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream Room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream Room temperature
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick vegetable oil spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Use a food processor or blender to powder the freeze-dried strawberries. Set this aside for later.

Mixing the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. Mix well.
2. Add the eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls.
4. In one bowl, add the strawberry powder along with the optional food coloring. In the second bowl, add the cocoa powder to create the chocolate batter. The third bowl will remain plain vanilla.

Baking

1. Carefully pour each flavor of batter into its respective prepared cake pan, smoothing the tops.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, sour cream, kosher salt, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Assembly

1. Place one layer of strawberry cake on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Follow with the chocolate layer and another layer of frosting, then finally top with the vanilla layer.
3. Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake. Decorate as desired, and enjoy your Neapolitan Cake!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for freshness or freeze layers individually for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Why You’ll Want to Try This Neapolitan Cake

If you’re on the lookout for a show-stopping dessert that’s both fun and delicious, this Neapolitan Cake is a must-try! With its delightful layers and vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion and for satisfying your sweet tooth. Don’t miss the chance to recreate this delightful cake at home—share it with loved ones, and watch the smiles and compliments roll in! Make sure to bake your own dreamy Neapolitan Cake soon.

More Resources

If this Neapolitan Cake made your heart (and kitchen) happy, here are more sweet ideas and trusted baking resources to explore:

From SmartCookRecipes.com

• Red Velvet Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – a gorgeous, tender cake layered with tangy frosting for any celebration.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake – rich, moist, and perfect for chocolate lovers who want a gluten-free option.
• Classic Butter Cookies – buttery, crisp, and perfect alongside your favorite tea or coffee.
• Chocolate Mousse Brownie Cake – decadent layers of brownie and chocolate mousse that melt in your mouth.
• Lemon Blueberry Bread – a fresh, fruity bake for when you crave something light and zesty.
• Pecan Cake – nutty, rich, and beautifully textured for those who love southern-style desserts.

Trusted Sources Around the Web

King Arthur Baking – Cake Baking Tips & Troubleshooting – detailed, trustworthy guidance from professional bakers to help perfect your next creation. recipes!

Bon Appétit – The Ultimate Guide to Baking Cakes – expert tips on mastering tender, fluffy cakes every time.