Spread the love

Neapolitan cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into a harmonious whole. This classic cake is not only visually appealing with its vibrant layers, but it also captures the essence of indulgence in every bite. In this article, we will explore the history of Neapolitan cake, its ingredients, step-by-step instructions on how to make it, popular variations, and serving suggestions to help you enjoy this delectable treat.

The Components of Neapolitan Cake

Creating a Neapolitan cake requires a few essential components that combine to form the perfect dessert.

1. Cake Layers

The foundation of a Neapolitan cake consists of three distinct layers: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Each layer is made with unique ingredients that showcase the respective flavor.

2. Frosting

Frosting plays a crucial role in bringing the cake together. A rich buttercream frosting, often made with a combination of vanilla and strawberry flavors, is typically used to layer the cake and provide a beautiful finish.

3. Fillings and Garnishes

Some variations of Neapolitan cake include additional fillings, such as fruit preserves or ganache, between the cake layers. Garnishes may consist of fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles, enhancing the cake’s visual appeal and flavor.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Now that we understand what makes up a Neapolitan cake, let’s dive into a step-by-step recipe for creating this scrumptious dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

Chocolate Layer:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water
Vanilla Layer:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Layer:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup pureed strawberries

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup strawberry puree (for pink frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
Make the Chocolate Layer:

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Stir in the boiling water until combined. The batter will be thin.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

Make the Vanilla Layer: Repeat the same process as the chocolate layer, but omit the cocoa powder.
Make the Strawberry Layer:

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients just like in the previous layers.
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries. Mix until smooth.
Divide the batter among the prepared pans.

Bake the Layers: Bake all three layers simultaneously for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

Make the Buttercream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cream, beating well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix. Divide the frosting into two portions. Leave one portion as is for the chocolate and vanilla layers. To the other portion, add the strawberry puree and mix well to combine.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Layer the Cakes: Start with the chocolate layer at the bottom. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the vanilla layer and repeat the process.
Add the strawberry layer on top.
Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it for an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Optionally, decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve it to your guests. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the beautiful presentation of this classic dessert!

Variations of Neapolitan Cake

While the traditional Neapolitan cake showcases the classic trio of flavors, there are countless ways to customize and adapt this dessert to suit your tastes:

1. Neapolitan Cupcakes

Transform the Neapolitan cake into cupcakes for easier serving and enjoyment. Use the same batters and frosting, and layer them in cupcake liners for a fun twist.

2. Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

For a refreshing alternative, try making an ice cream cake with layers of Neapolitan ice cream instead of cake layers. Prepare cookie or sponge layers, layer them with ice cream, and top with whipped cream.

3. Gluten-Free Neapolitan Cake

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend to substitute regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients (e.g., baking powder and powdered sugar) are gluten-free.

4. Vegan Neapolitan Cake

For a vegan-friendly Neapolitan cake, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use plant-based milk and butter substitutes. You can still achieve the layered effect with appropriate adjustments.

Serving Suggestions

Neapolitan cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, and it pairs beautifully with different accompaniments:

1. Pair with Fresh Fruit

Serve slices of Neapolitan cake alongside fresh strawberries, raspberries, or other berries for a refreshing touch that complements the cake’s flavors.

2. Ice Cream on the Side

A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream served alongside a slice amps up the indulgence factor and adds a delightful creaminess.

3. Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce

A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the top of each slice enhances the dessert experience, especially for chocolate lovers.

Storing Neapolitan Cake

If you have leftover Neapolitan cake, store it properly to maintain freshness:

1. Room Temperature

If consumed within a couple of days, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.

2. Refrigeration

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

3. Freezing

You can freeze Neapolitan cake as well. Slice it into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Neapolitan cake is a delicious and visually stunning dessert that brings together the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Its rich history and flexibility make it a beloved choice for celebrations and gatherings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create your own Neapolitan cake that will impress friends and family alike.

For more baking tips and recipes, check out King Arthur Baking, a trusted source for all things baking.