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Perfect Neapolitan Layer Cake: Easy Three-Flavor Recipe

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A stunning Neapolitan layer cake with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers, born from a happy accident. This easy recipe uses one batter split three ways for a moist, tender crumb that’s perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • ⅓ cup strawberry jam or preserves (seedless)
  • ½ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chocolate shavings (for decoration, optional)
  • Fresh strawberries (for decoration, optional)
  • Sprinkles (for decoration, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  5. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk. Mix just until combined; fold in remaining streaks with a spatula.
  6. Divide batter evenly into three bowls (about 1 ⅓ cups each).
  7. To first bowl, stir in cocoa powder mixed with hot water until combined. To second bowl, fold in strawberry jam and strawberry extract. Leave third bowl plain.
  8. Pour each batter into prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway. Cakes are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire rack, remove parchment, and cool completely.
  10. For frosting: Beat softened butter on medium speed for 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Beat in heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until spreadable. Whip on medium-high for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ⅔ cup frosting on top. Add second layer, another ⅔ cup frosting. Top with third layer. Apply thin crumb coat and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  12. Apply remaining frosting all over chilled cake. Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or sprinkles as desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are key for a tender crumb. Weigh batter for even layers (about 400g each). Don’t overmix the strawberry layer. Chill cake after crumb coat for a clean finish. Use a hot knife for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layer cake, chocolate cake, vanilla cake, strawberry cake, birthday cake, celebration cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/perfect-neapolitan-layer-cake-easy-three-flavor-recipe/