Description
This Neapolitan Layer Cake is a delightful three-flavored treat combining classic vanilla, rich chocolate, and fresh strawberry layers. Perfectly moist and fluffy, it is layered and frosted with smooth whipped cream, offering a balanced blend of sweet and fruity flavors. Ideal for celebrations or a decadent dessert to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully combine and aerate the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Mix gently to maintain batter fluffiness without overmixing.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one as a plain vanilla base, stir strawberry puree into the second bowl for the strawberry layer, and add extra cocoa powder to the third for intensified chocolate flavor.
- Prepare Pans and Pour Batter: Grease three cake pans and pour each flavored batter into its own pan, ensuring even layers for baking.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cake layers from the oven and allow them to cool fully in their pans before handling, to prevent breakage during layering.
- Assemble and Frost: Once cooled, layer the cakes by spreading whipped cream between each layer. Use the remaining whipped cream to frost the top and sides of the assembled cake evenly, creating a smooth finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid dense cakes.
- Use fresh, high-quality strawberries for the puree to enhance flavor.
- Whipped cream should be chilled for better stability during frosting.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the whipped cream.
- For a firmer frosting, consider stabilizing the whipped cream with a little gelatin or cream cheese.
- This cake is best served chilled and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
