Neapolitan Cake

The Neapolitan cake is a classic dessert that brings together three distinct flavors—vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate—into one harmonious and delicious cake.

Each layer offers its unique taste profile but when combined, they make an iconic dessert that is both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.

In this article, we’ll walk through the entire process of making a perfect Neapolitan cake, from ingredients and preparation to baking and finishing touches. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!

Ingredients and Preparation

Before we get started with the actual mixing and baking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this Neapolitan cake, you will need the following:

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup of canola oil (vegetable or light olive oil can also be used)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups of whole milk
• 1.5 cups of white granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients

• 3.25 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon of salt

Flavoring for Different Cake Layers

• 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa powder (for the chocolate layer)
• 0.5 cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips (for the chocolate layer)
• 0.33 cup of strawberry preserves (for the strawberry layer)
• 0.5 teaspoon of strawberry extract or strawberry emulsion (for the strawberry layer)
• Red food coloring (optional, for the strawberry layer)

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• 3 cups (or 6 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar (more can be added to adjust the sweetness and thickness)
• 1 teaspoon of strawberry emulsion
• 0.25 cup of strawberry preserves
• Red food coloring (optional)

Chocolate Ganache (Optional but Recommended)

• Half a cup of chocolate ganache (Recipe available separately)

Mixing the Batter

Preparing Liquid Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, proceed to prepare your liquid ingredients. Into a stand mixer bowl (you can also use a hand mixer or a whisk), add the following: 1 cup of canola oil, 6 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1.5 cups of whole milk. Finally, add 1.5 cups of white granulated sugar.

Mix all the liquid ingredients on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the eggs are well-beaten and everything is fully combined.

Preparing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together 3.25 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 0.25 teaspoon of salt. Once mixed, sift the dry ingredients into the liquid mixture. Sifting helps to avoid any clumps in your cake batter.

Mix the batter on low speed for about a minute or just until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.

Dividing the Batter

Now that the vanilla cake batter is ready, divide it into three equal portions. Place one third into a baking pan immediately (this will be your vanilla layer). Divide the remaining batter into two separate bowls.

Chocolate Layer

For the chocolate layer, add 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa powder and 0.5 cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips to one portion of the batter. Mix well until the chocolate is fully incorporated.

Strawberry Layer

For the strawberry layer, add 0.33 cup of strawberry preserves and 0.5 teaspoon of strawberry extract or emulsion to another portion of the batter. If desired, add a bit of red food coloring to make the strawberry layer stand out.

Transfer each prepared batter into three 8-inch cake pans lined with parchment paper. With your batter divided into three different flavors, it’s time to bake!

Baking the Cake Layers

Place the cake layers into your preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 27 to 29 minutes. To check if the cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center of each layer. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 15-20 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Strawberry Buttercream

Whipping the Butter

While the cake layers are cooling, you can start preparing the strawberry buttercream. Place 3 cups of softened unsalted butter into your mixer bowl. Whisk the butter at high speed for about 8 minutes, scraping down the sides periodically. The key to a perfect buttercream is getting the butter to be really light and fluffy—almost white in color.

Adding Confectioners’ Sugar

Next, gradually add in 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Start mixing at low speed for about 30 seconds to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase the speed to medium-high and mix for an additional 2-3 minutes. Feel free to add more confectioners’ sugar if you prefer a sweeter and thicker buttercream.

Adding Strawberry Flavors

To flavor the buttercream, add 1 teaspoon of strawberry emulsion and a quarter cup of strawberry preserves. Optionally, add a touch of red food coloring for a more vibrant look. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage as it can cause the buttercream to separate.

Assembling the Cake

Preparing the Layers

Before assembling, make sure that your cake layers are completely cool. Start by leveling off the tops of each cake layer with a long serrated knife to ensure a flat, even surface for stacking.

Adding the Buttercream and Preserves

Place the chocolate cake layer on your cake stand and spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream on top using an offset spatula. Add a couple of tablespoons of strawberry preserves to the center and spread it within an inch of the edge. Next, place the strawberry cake layer on top and repeat the process. Finally, add the vanilla cake layer.

Crumb Coat

Frost the top and sides of the cake with a crumb coat layer of buttercream. This is a thin layer of frosting that helps to lock in the crumbs, ensuring that your final layer of frosting is smooth and crumb-free. Place the cake in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Final Layer of Frosting

After the crumb coat has set, apply the final, thicker layer of strawberry buttercream to the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out with an offset spatula for an even finish.

Adding the Chocolate Ganache

For a stunning final touch, pipe chocolate ganache along the rim of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Transfer any remaining buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with a piping tip and pipe decorative dollops on top of the ganache.

Final Decor

Your Neapolitan cake is now ready to serve. When you slice into it, you’ll reveal the beautiful layers of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. The combination of flavors with the addition of strawberry preserves and chocolate ganache makes this cake a true showstopper.

Conclusion

The Neapolitan cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of three worlds: vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. Whether you enjoy each layer individually or savor them all together, this cake is sure to be a hit at any event. Follow these steps to create your own Neapolitan masterpiece and impress everyone with your baking skills.