Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in a Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight — the ultimate celebration of three timeless flavors in one stunning dessert. With layers of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fruity strawberry cake, this classic treat is as beautiful as it is delicious. Each bite is a harmony of soft texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, bringing a sense of nostalgia to every forkful. I once served this cake with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries on top — it looked like a bakery masterpiece and tasted even better. Whether for birthdays, tea parties, or just because, this cake is pure joy in every layer.
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Indulge in a Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight: Layers of Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry Bliss
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight — a stunning three-layer dessert featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cake tiers, frosted with silky buttercream. This colorful and nostalgic cake is as delicious as it is beautiful, perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for the chocolate layer)
- 1/3 cup strawberry puree or 2 tbsp strawberry jam + 1 tsp pink food coloring (for the strawberry layer)
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
- Leave one bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
- In the second bowl, stir in cocoa powder to make the chocolate layer.
- In the third bowl, fold in strawberry puree (or jam + coloring) for the strawberry layer.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks.
- For the Frosting: Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream, vanilla, and salt until fluffy and smooth.
- Assemble: Place the chocolate layer on a cake board and spread a layer of frosting. Add the vanilla layer and repeat, finishing with the strawberry layer on top. Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.
- Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate layer, use dark cocoa powder.
- Make sure all cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the frosting.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for neat, clean layers.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake Layers
All-purpose flour – The base of your light and tender cake layers.
Baking powder & salt – Ensure the cake rises evenly and enhances flavor.
Butter – Adds richness and that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens each layer to perfection.
Eggs – Provide structure and moisture.
Milk – Keeps the cake soft and tender.
Vanilla extract – For that warm, aromatic note in the vanilla layer.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Creates a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Strawberry puree or strawberry jam – Infuses the strawberry layer with natural fruity sweetness.
Pink food coloring (optional) – Enhances the color for that signature Neapolitan look.
For the Frosting
Butter – The creamy base for a smooth, fluffy frosting.
Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and creates a light, airy texture.
Heavy cream or milk – Adjusts consistency for easy spreading.
Vanilla extract – Brings classic flavor to the frosting.
Cocoa powder – For the chocolate portion of the frosting.
Strawberry puree or extract – For the strawberry-flavored section.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one portion plain for the vanilla layer. For the chocolate layer, stir in cocoa powder and a splash of milk until smooth. For the strawberry layer, fold in strawberry puree (and food coloring, if using).
Pour each batter into its own prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream until fluffy and spreadable. Divide the frosting into three bowls: one remains vanilla, one gets cocoa powder for chocolate, and one gets strawberry puree or extract for strawberry flavor.
Layer the cakes in this order: chocolate on the bottom, vanilla in the middle, and strawberry on top. Spread a thin layer of frosting between each layer, then frost the outside of the cake with your favorite flavor or swirl all three for a Neapolitan look. Decorate with chocolate shavings, strawberries, or sprinkles for an extra touch of charm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12 people. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, baking 25 minutes, and cooling and frosting about 1 hour. Total time: approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Variations and Customizations
Whipped Cream Neapolitan Cake – Use light whipped cream instead of buttercream for a fluffier, less sweet version.
Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake – Layer softened ice cream instead of baked cake for a frozen dessert version.
Gluten-Free Neapolitan Cake – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Mini Neapolitan Cupcakes – Bake in cupcake tins for adorable, single-serving portions.
Vegan Version – Substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly delight.
Chocolate Ganache Drip – Add a glossy chocolate ganache drip over the top for an elegant finish.
Fresh Strawberry Garnish – Top with sliced strawberries for freshness and color.
Neapolitan Cheesecake – Combine the flavors into a creamy layered cheesecake instead of cake.
Coffee Twist – Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate layer for mocha depth.
Marble Neapolitan Cake – Swirl all three batters together in one pan for a fun, marbled effect.
FAQs
Can I use box cake mix?
Yes, you can use three different flavors of box mix for a quicker version.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and puree them before adding to the batter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely — bake and frost it up to a day in advance.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, adjust the baking time to 15–18 minutes.
How do I keep the layers moist?
Don’t overbake and consider brushing each layer with a simple syrup before frosting.
Can I use cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely — it pairs beautifully with the fruity and chocolate layers.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, fold mini chocolate chips into the chocolate layer for extra texture.
Do I need food coloring for the strawberry layer?
No, but it enhances the pink hue for that classic look.
Can I make it in one pan?
Yes, but you’ll need to divide the batter carefully and increase baking time slightly.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill the cake slightly before slicing and wipe your knife between cuts.
Conclusion
Indulge in a Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight is a celebration of color, flavor, and nostalgia. Each layer — rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and sweet strawberry — shines on its own yet harmonizes beautifully together. The soft, moist texture and balanced sweetness make this cake a timeless favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or as a show-stopping dessert centerpiece, this Neapolitan cake delivers a perfect blend of elegance and classic charm in every bite.
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