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Neapolitan Layer Cake - featured image

Neapolitan Layer Cake: Foolproof & Beginner-Friendly

  • Author: Karina
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A beginner-friendly, foolproof Neapolitan layer cake featuring moist vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate layers topped with fresh strawberry buttercream. This nostalgic treat is easy to make and perfect for birthdays or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup strawberry puree
  • 1 envelope strawberry gelatin (optional)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup hot coffee or hot water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting, softened)
  • 4–5 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup strawberry puree (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
  • Fresh strawberries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper. Dust with flour and tap out excess.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down sides. Add vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk in two parts. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among three bowls. Keep one plain for vanilla. Add strawberry puree and dissolved gelatin to the second bowl. Add cocoa powder and hot coffee/water to the third bowl. Mix until smooth.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Peel off parchment. Cool completely to room temperature.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed. Add cooled strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
  10. Assemble cake: Place one layer on stand, spread frosting, add second layer, spread frosting, add final layer. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes. Apply final layer of frosting.
  11. Decorate with fresh strawberries and serve.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best emulsification. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a dense cake. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. For a smooth pink layer, strain strawberry puree to remove seeds. Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the frosting.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 45
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 5

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layer cake, strawberry cake, chocolate cake, vanilla cake, beginner baking, fresh strawberry buttercream, birthday cake, easy cake recipe

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Find it online: https://plateori.com/neapolitan-layer-cake-foolproof-and-beginner-friendly/