Neapolitan Layer Cake with Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Flavors Recipe
A classic Neapolitan Cake that features three distinct and delicious layers: strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. This dessert offers a vibrant combination of flavors and colors, perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a delightful treat. The cake layers are prepared separately, baked together in one pan, and then frosted after cooling to create a beautiful and tasty multi-flavored cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Flour Mixture
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavoring
- 1 teaspoon strawberry flavoring or strawberry extract
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for vanilla layer)
Additional
- Butter and flour for greasing the pan
- Frosting of choice (e.g., buttercream, cream cheese frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Create Flavored Batters: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Add strawberry flavoring to the first bowl to create the strawberry batter. To the second bowl, mix in the cocoa powder for the chocolate batter. Leave the third bowl as is with vanilla extract for the vanilla batter. Stir each gently until fully combined.
- Layer the Batters: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan. Pour the strawberry batter evenly into the pan first, followed by the vanilla batter carefully spread over it, then the chocolate batter on top. Try to keep the layers distinct without mixing them together.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Frost the Cake: Once cooled, carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Apply your chosen frosting evenly around the entire cake to enhance both taste and appearance. Chill or serve as desired.
Notes
- Ensure each batter layer is poured gently to maintain distinct layers for a true Neapolitan effect.
- You can substitute strawberry extract with fresh strawberry puree for a natural flavor, but reduce additional liquid accordingly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- For a richer chocolate layer, use dark cocoa powder or add melted chocolate to the batter.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Neapolitan cake, strawberry cake, chocolate cake, vanilla cake, layered cake, classic dessert, three-flavor cake
