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neopolitan cake

Customizable Neapolitan Cake: Delightful Layers for All!

Try this customizable Neapolitan cake with rich layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry for a delightful dessert experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling racks

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Layers

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
  • 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper taste.
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar Coconut sugar is a lower glycemic alternative.
  • 1 tblsp Baking Powder Check for freshness to ensure a good bake.
  • 1 tsp Salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 3 large Eggs Room temperature improves incorporation and texture.
  • 1 cup Milk Replace with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Substitute with almond extract for a unique twist.

For the Chocolate Layer

  • 1 cup Melted Chocolate Dark chocolate enhances flavor profile.

For the Strawberry Layer

  • 1 cup Pureed Strawberries Fresh or frozen strawberries work well.

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Vegan cream cheese can be used.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust amount based on desired sweetness.

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing with butter or non-stick spray and lining with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Divide Batter: Divide the batter into three bowls. Stir melted chocolate into one bowl, mix pureed strawberries into another, and leave the last as is.
  • Bake Layers: Pour each flavored batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool Cakes: Once baked, allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  • Prepare Frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Assemble Cake: Layer chocolate cake on a platter, add frosting, then the vanilla cake, more frosting, and the strawberry layer on top.
  • Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Notes

Optional: Add fresh berries on top for a stunning garnish before serving.
Keyword chocolate cake, customizable cake, layer cake, neapolitan cake, strawberry cake, vanilla cake