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Neapolitan Layer Cake - featured image

Neapolitan Layer Cake: Easy 3-Layer Recipe

  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A nostalgic yet elevated Neapolitan Layer Cake made from a single batter divided into vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry layers, topped with fresh strawberry buttercream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • ½ cup (50g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (60ml) hot water
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh strawberry puree, reduced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Optional garnish: whole strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. On low speed, add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk in two parts. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide batter equally into three bowls. Leave one plain for vanilla. Mix cocoa powder and hot water into the second bowl. Mix strawberry puree and jam into the third bowl.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  8. While cakes cool, simmer strawberry puree for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half. Let cool completely.
  9. Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then cooled strawberry reduction, vanilla, and heavy cream. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
  10. Assemble cake: Place vanilla layer on stand, spread buttercream, add chocolate layer with buttercream, then strawberry layer. Cover top and sides with remaining buttercream.
  11. Decorate with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture. Reduce strawberry puree thoroughly to prevent runny buttercream. Use Dutch-process cocoa for the darkest chocolate layer. Chill the assembled cake before final frosting for easier smoothing.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 45
  • Sodium: 250
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 5

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layer cake, strawberry buttercream, chocolate cake, vanilla cake, homemade cake, birthday cake, easy baking

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Find it online: https://bymiarecipes.com/neapolitan-layer-cake-easy-3-layer-recipe/