Description
Indulge in the delightful charm of Neapolitan Cake, a vibrant dessert that beautifully combines layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, this cake captures the essence of summer with its moist texture and colorful presentation. Each slice offers a nostalgic nod to classic ice cream, making it a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a sweet treat at home, this cake is an easy-to-customize delight that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups (342g) cake flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off
- 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
- 1 1/4 cups (296g) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (54g) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (44g) very hot water
- 1/4 cup strawberry reduction
- Optional flavor boosters: 2 teaspoons strawberry Jell-O powder or 3/4 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1 cup (240g) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla
- 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
- 7 cups (805 g) confectioners sugar
- 1/3 cup (72g) milk or cream, more if needed
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: pink coloring gel
- 4 oz dark chocolate chips, or semi-sweet or milk chocolate as preferred
- 4 oz heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the strawberry reduction by simmering blended strawberries until thickened.
- In a bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Cream softened butter and sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter into three bowls: one for vanilla, one for chocolate (mix cocoa with hot water), and one for strawberry (add reduction).
- Pour each batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting with whipped cream buttercream made from heavy cream, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and milk.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg