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