Neapolitan Cake Chocolate Vanilla Strawberry (Printable)
Three-layered dessert with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors finished with buttercream.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Base
01 - 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ¼ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 1¼ cups whole milk
→ Chocolate Layer Additions
10 - ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
11 - 3 tablespoons milk
→ Strawberry Layer Additions
12 - ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries or ¼ cup strawberry puree
13 - Pink or red food coloring (optional)
14 - ½ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
→ Buttercream Frosting
15 - 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
16 - 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
17 - ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
18 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
04 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter equally into three separate bowls.
06 - Mix cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until smooth, then fold into one portion of batter.
07 - Fold strawberries or puree, strawberry extract, and food coloring if using into the second portion of batter.
08 - Leave third portion of batter plain for vanilla layer.
09 - Pour each batter into its prepared pan. Smooth tops and bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
10 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, mixing well. Add vanilla and cream; beat until fluffy.
12 - Trim cakes for even layers if needed. Place chocolate layer on serving plate, spread with buttercream. Repeat with strawberry and vanilla layers.
13 - Cover entire cake with thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill 30 minutes, then frost with remaining buttercream.
14 - Decorate as desired with sprinkles, fresh strawberries, or chocolate shavings.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The nostalgia of childhood ice cream flavors in an elegant cake form
- Three distinct flavors that somehow harmonize in every bite
- The way guests hesitate, trying to decide which color to choose first
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation
- Measuring batter by weight guarantees equal layer heights
- Chilling the crumb coat is the secret to a flawless final frosting
03 -
- Tap pans on the counter before baking to release air bubbles
- Rotate pans halfway through baking for even rising