Description

Neapolitan Cake is the ultimate dessert for any celebration, combining three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—into one stunning cake. Each bite delivers a rich, creamy experience with smooth chocolate, airy vanilla, and sweet strawberry layers. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a colorful, indulgent treat. With easy-to-follow instructions, tips for best results, and plenty of room for creative variations, this cake is sure to impress every guest.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)
¾ cup buttermilk
1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (for strawberry layer)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree (for strawberry flavor)
1/4 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
Pink food coloring (optional, for a pop of color)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans to prevent sticking.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the cocoa powder with the buttermilk. Set aside.
Prepare the Cake Layers: Divide the batter into three bowls. Mix cocoa powder into one for chocolate, leave another plain for vanilla, and blend pureed strawberries for the strawberry layer.
Bake the Layers: Spoon the different batters into the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool before transferring them to cooling racks.
Prepare the Frosting: Beat the butter with powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and divide frosting into three portions for chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers. Add pink food coloring for vibrancy if desired.
Assemble the Neapolitan Cake: Place the first layer of cake, frost with vanilla buttercream, add the second layer, frost with chocolate buttercream, and add the third layer and frost with strawberry buttercream.
Decorate: Garnish with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or extra frosting for a festive touch.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter, as it can make the cake dense.
Ensure the cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the strawberry layer.
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of almond extract to the batter.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 310
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Neapolitan Cake, Neapolitan Cake Recipe, Chocolate Vanilla Strawberry Cake, Celebration Cake, Layered Cake