Neapolitan Cake
A stunning layered cake that combines rich chocolate, fresh strawberries, and creamy vanilla frosting, perfect for any celebration or as a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ¾ cup Cocoa Powder (Use Dutch-processed for deeper flavor.)
- 1 cup Sugar (Adjust sweetness to taste.)
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder (Ensure it’s fresh.)
- ½ tsp Salt (Balances sweetness.)
- 3 large Eggs (Flax eggs can be used for vegan.)
- 1 cup Milk (Dairy-free alternatives work.)
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (Almond extract is a fun twist.)
- 1 cup Melted Chocolate (Opt for high-quality chocolate.)
- 1 cup Strawberry Puree (Raspberry puree can be substituted.)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (At room temperature.)
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar (Sift to avoid lumps.)
- ½ cup Butter (Use unsalted for control.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well-combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add melted chocolate, milk, and vanilla extract; stir until well incorporated.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Baking
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and continue to mix until fluffy.
Assembly
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, spread strawberry puree, and top with frosting.
- Add the second cake layer, repeat with strawberry puree and frosting, finishing the top and sides with remaining frosting.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients and ensure room temperature items. You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance, and they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.