Unforgettable Neapolitan Cake: A Trio of Pure Joy!
Hello bakers! Sarah here remember the joy of Neapolitan ice cream’s perfect swirl? I’ve captured that magic in this Neapolitan Cake recipe, a celebration of three beloved flavors (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry). Get ready to create a showstopping comfort dessert in about 2 hours.
The Sweet History of Neapolitan Flavors
The iconic Neapolitan flavor combo has roots in Neapolitan immigrants who arrived in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing their culinary traditions. The simple, delightful trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry became a beloved staple, especially in ice cream parlors—a timeless taste of history. our Chocolate Lava Cake in 25 minutes is a decadent, quick-bake option.
Why This Neapolitan Cake Recipe is a Keeper
- Triple the Delight: You get three amazing flavors in every slice, offering a taste adventure that appeals to everyone’s palate.
- Approachable Baking: I’ve crafted this Neapolitan Cake recipe with busy home cooks in mind, keeping the steps clear and manageable.
- Pure Comforting Goodness: This cake is more than just dessert; it’s a warm hug, a sweet memory, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Visually Stunning: The distinct layers and colorful frostings make for a truly beautiful cake that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Neapolitan Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine hulled strawberries and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- After a few minutes, mash the strawberries and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture into a bowl, cover, and chill for another 10-15 minutes.
- Sift your dry ingredients—flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and baking powder—together in a large bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: room temperature butter, egg whites, sour cream, and milk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls.
- In one bowl, mix in the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder until you have a smooth chocolate batter.
- To the second bowl, add 3/4 of your chilled strawberry reduction and mix well.
- The third bowl remains plain vanilla batter.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter and flour three 6-inch cake pans.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the centers spring back when lightly touched. Use a toothpick to test for doneness. The strawberry layer might need an extra 5-8 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip the room temperature butter for about 5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and a splash of milk, then beat until you achieve an even, fluffy consistency.
- Divide the buttercream into three equal portions.
- Chocolate Buttercream: Mix the 1/4 cup cocoa powder into one portion until well combined.
- Strawberry Buttercream: Add the remaining strawberry reduction and a few drops of pink food coloring (if desired for vibrancy) to another portion. Mix until you reach your desired color and consistency.
- The third portion remains as classic vanilla buttercream.
- Transfer each flavored buttercream into separate piping bags, snipping off the tips.
What is Neapolitan Cake?
At its heart, a Neapolitan Cake is a delightful creation that brings together the classic trio of flavors we know and love from Neapolitan ice cream. Imagine a tender cake infused with rich chocolate, sweet vanilla, and bright strawberry, often layered and frosted to showcase each distinct taste. It’s a playful and joyful dessert that celebrates simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.
Perfectly Proportioned Ingredients for Your Neapolitan Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking magic! This Neapolitan Cake relies on simple, quality components to create its signature taste.
For the Cake Layers:
- 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour (213g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (heaping)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (heaping)
- 3/4 cup butter (176g, unsalted, room temperature)
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
For the Strawberry Reduction:
- 6 ounces strawberries (sliced, reduced and strained)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (225g, room temperature)
- 3 lb confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 splash whole milk
For the Flavorings & Color:
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate buttercream)
- 2 tablespoons strained strawberry preserves (for strawberry buttercream)
- Pink food coloring
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Neapolitan Dream
Let’s get baking this Neapolitan Cake! I’ll walk you through each step to ensure a beautiful and delicious result.
Making the Strawberry Reduction:
- Combine hulled strawberries and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- After a few minutes, mash the strawberries and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture into a bowl, cover, and chill for another 10-15 minutes.
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Sift your dry ingredients—flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and baking powder—together in a large bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: room temperature butter, egg whites, sour cream, and milk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls.
- In one bowl, mix in the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder until you have a smooth chocolate batter.
- To the second bowl, add 3/4 of your chilled strawberry reduction and mix well.
- The third bowl remains plain vanilla batter.
Baking the Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter and flour three 6-inch cake pans.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the centers spring back when lightly touched. Use a toothpick to test for doneness. The strawberry layer might need an extra 5-8 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Crafting the Buttercream Frosting:
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip the room temperature butter for about 5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and a splash of milk, then beat until you achieve an even, fluffy consistency.
Flavoring and Coloring the Buttercream:
- Divide the buttercream into three equal portions.
- Chocolate Buttercream: Mix the 1/4 cup cocoa powder into one portion until well combined.
- Strawberry Buttercream: Add the remaining strawberry reduction and a few drops of pink food coloring (if desired for vibrancy) to another portion. Mix until you reach your desired color and consistency.
- The third portion remains as classic vanilla buttercream.
- Transfer each flavored buttercream into separate piping bags, snipping off the tips.
Tips for Neapolitan Cake Success & Troubleshooting
Baking this beautiful Neapolitan Cake is a joyful process, but a few tips can smooth the way and help you navigate common baking hiccups!
- Even Layers: Ensure your cake pans are buttered and floured meticulously. Baking at the correct temperature and not overcrowding the oven also prevents uneven baking.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too soft, chill it briefly. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny splash more milk. For vibrant colors, ensure your strawberry reduction is well-strained and use good quality food coloring.
- Dry Cake Woes: Avoid overmixing the batter, and don’t overbake the layers. Using room temperature wet ingredients, especially sour cream and milk, contributes to a moist crumb.
- Smooth Frosting: A well-chilled crumb coat is your best friend for achieving a smooth final finish on your Neapolitan Cake.
Deeper Dive: Ingredient Roles and Smart Substitutions
Understanding what each ingredient does in your Neapolitan Cake helps you bake with confidence and adapt the recipe as needed.
The sour cream and milk are essential for moisture, tenderizing the cake and keeping it from becoming dry. Baking soda and baking powder work together as leavening agents, giving your cake its lovely rise. Butter provides richness and flavor, while sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to tenderness and browning.
Here are some common substitutions:
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1:1 ratio) | Ensure your GF blend contains xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly. |
| Unsalted Butter | Salted butter (reduce added salt), vegan butter, or margarine | Salted butter will change the flavor profile slightly; adjust salt accordingly. Vegan alternatives might affect richness and texture. |
| Milk | Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or other non-dairy milk | These work well for moisture. The subtle flavors of some plant milks might add a slight nuance. |
| Egg Whites | Meringue powder with water (follow package directions for equivalent of 3 egg whites) or aquafaba (chickpea brine) for vegan applications. | Egg whites provide structure and lightness. If using whole eggs, you’ll need to adjust liquid and fat slightly to compensate for the yolk. |
| Cocoa Powder | Dutch-processed cocoa or natural unsweetened cocoa | Dutch-processed will yield a darker color and smoother flavor. Natural cocoa is more acidic and reacts differently with leaveners. |
| Strawberry Flavoring | Strawberry extract, high-quality strawberry jam (use less sugar in the cake) | Extracts offer concentrated flavor but can sometimes taste artificial if overused. Jam adds sweetness and moisture; adjust sugar in the cake accordingly. The current recipe uses a lovely strawberry reduction. |
| Granulated Sugar | Brown sugar (for added moisture and caramel notes), coconut sugar | Brown sugar will make the cake slightly denser and more moist. Coconut sugar will alter the flavor and color. |
| Confectioners Sugar | Homemade: Blend granulated sugar until fine (use a very powerful blender) | Store-bought is usually finer and easier to work with for smooth frosting. Ensure it’s powdered/icing sugar. |
Elevating Your Neapolitan Cake: Decoration Techniques
Let’s make this Neapolitan Cake a work of art! The frosting is where we truly bring the three flavors to life visually.
- Smooth Crumb Coat: After assembling your cake layers with the alternating frostings, apply a thin, even layer of frosting all over the cake. This “crumb coat” traps any loose crumbs. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes until the frosting is firm to the touch.
- Piping Petals: Using your strawberry buttercream and a petal tip (or a round tip for a similar effect), pipe consistent petal shapes around the entire cake, starting from the base and working your way up. Overlap them slightly for a full, floral look. You can also use the vanilla and chocolate frostings to add accents or create different patterns.
- Bench Scraper Magic: For those smooth sides after the crumb coat, gently hold a bench scraper or offset spatula against the side of the cake while rotating the cake stand. This creates a beautifully smooth finish.
Creative Neapolitan Cake Variations & Flavor Twists
While the classic Neapolitan Cake is divine, don’t be afraid to play with flavors! For more sweet ideas, browse our desserts and treats collection. Here are some fun tri-color twists:
| Traditional Flavors | Alternative Flavor 1 | Alternative Flavor 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry | Coffee, Vanilla, Raspberry | Mint Choc Chip, Vanilla, Strawberry Swirl |
| Lemon, Raspberry, Blueberry | Key Lime, Coconut, Mango | Earl Grey, Lavender, Honey |
Making it Your Own: Simplifying the Process
Life is busy, and sometimes we need a little help! Here’s how to simplify this gorgeous Neapolitan Cake:
- Boxed Mix Magic: For a quicker cake, use a good quality vanilla or white cake mix. Prepare it according to package directions, then divide the batter and add your cocoa, strawberry reduction, and any other desired flavorings to the separate portions.
- Store-Bought Frosting Hack: Buy plain vanilla buttercream frosting and divide it into three portions. Mix in your cocoa powder for chocolate, a swirl of strawberry preserves (and a touch of pink coloring) for strawberry, and leave one plain. You’ll still get that gorgeous tri-color effect!
- Single Flavor Frosting: If piping three flavors feels like too much, frost your entire Neapolitan Cake with just one flavor you love – perhaps a rich chocolate or a bright strawberry buttercream!
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Your Neapolitan Cake
A slice of this Neapolitan Cake is delightful on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:
- Beverages: A glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a celebratory sparkling cider pairs wonderfully.
- Complements: Fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be wonderful accompaniments.
- Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, or just a special weekend treat to brighten your day!
Preparing Ahead and Storing Your Masterpiece
Planning is key for any baking project! You can make elements of this Neapolitan Cake ahead of time.
- Cake Layers: Bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once completely cooled and store them at room temperature.
- Strawberry Reduction: This can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Buttercream: Prepare the buttercream one day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip it briefly before frosting.
- Storage: Store frosted Neapolitan Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (though it may dry out slightly).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan? Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free milk alternative, vegan butter, and egg replacers like aquafaba or a commercial egg substitute. Ensure your cocoa and other ingredients are also dairy-free.
- How do I get my frosting to be the right consistency? If it’s too soft, chill it for 15-30 minutes and re-whip. If it’s too stiff, add milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, while whipping.
- Can I use different size cake pans? You can, but baking times will vary. Larger pans may bake faster, while smaller pans may require longer. It’s best to stick to the recommended size for even results.
- What’s the best way to cut a layer cake cleanly? Use a long, sharp knife. For the cleanest slices, wipe the knife clean between each cut. Chilling the cake beforehand also helps.
Conclusion & Your Sweet Creations!
There you have it – your very own show-stopping Neapolitan Cake! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Remember, baking is all about love and a little bit of delicious experimentation. Don’t be shy; share your beautiful Neapolitan Cake creations in the comments below! I absolutely adore seeing your baking adventures. Have any questions? Ask away! And if you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Happy baking, everyone!
