Description
Neapolitan Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that combines three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—layered together with a smooth and fluffy buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake is as delicious as it is visually stunning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (soft, not melted)
- 2¼ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 Tbsp whole milk (for chocolate layer)
- 2 Tbsp strawberry jam or purée
- Red food coloring (optional)
- ½ tsp strawberry extract (optional)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 4 Tbsp whole milk (or cream)
- Salt (tiny pinch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this mixture alternately with milk to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Mix cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons milk into one for the chocolate layer. Mix strawberry jam and food coloring (if using) into the second. Leave the third as vanilla.
- Pour the batters into prepared pans. Bake for 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cakes are cool, level the layers and place the chocolate layer on a serving plate. Frost between layers, stacking the vanilla and strawberry layers. Frost the outside of the cake generously.
- Chill briefly to firm up the frosting before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best batter texture.
- For a smoother frosting, apply a crumb coat first and chill the cake before applying the final coat.
- You can swap the strawberry jam with raspberry or any other fruit jam for a different flavor.
- For a richer chocolate layer, substitute cocoa powder with melted semi-sweet chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 1034 kcal
- Sugar: 135 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 135 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg