Neapolitan Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines three classic flavors in one cake

• Moist, tender cake layers with rich buttercream frosting

• Beautiful presentation that wows guests

• Customizable flavors and colors

• Perfect for special occasions or family gatherings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (heaping)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (heaping)

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 3 egg whites

• 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature

• 1/2 cup milk, room temperature

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 6 ounces strawberries, sliced, reduced, and strained

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Buttercreams:

• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

• 3 lb confectioners’ sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 2 tablespoons strained strawberry preserves

• Pink food coloring

• Splash of whole milk

Directions

1. Make the strawberry reduction: Add strawberries and lemon juice to a saucepan over medium heat. Mash, then simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain, cover, and chill for 10–15 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour three 6-inch cake pans.

3. Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. Mix sour cream, egg whites, milk, and butter in another bowl. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4. Divide batter into 3 bowls. Add cocoa powder to one bowl, strawberry reduction to another, and leave the third plain for vanilla.

5. Pour each batter into separate pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, testing with a toothpick. The strawberry layer may take 5–10 minutes longer. Let cool.

6. Make the buttercream: Beat butter for 5 minutes until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar gradually. Mix in vanilla and milk until smooth. Divide into three portions.

7. For chocolate buttercream: Mix cocoa powder into one portion.

8. For strawberry buttercream: Mix in strawberry preserves and a few drops of pink food coloring.

9. Assemble the cake: Alternate layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla cake, piping different buttercreams between each layer. Apply a crumb coat, then decorate with piped petals or your preferred design.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10

• Prep Time: 35 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add espresso powder to the chocolate layer for extra depth.

• Swap the strawberry reduction for raspberry or cherry preserves.

• Use whipped cream instead of buttercream for a lighter version.

• Make a sheet cake instead of a layer cake for easier serving.

• Add sprinkles or shaved chocolate for decoration.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers 1–2 days ahead and store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Do I need three separate cake pans?

It’s easiest with three pans, but you can bake one at a time if needed—just keep the batter covered while waiting.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the reduction?

Yes, thaw them first and use the juices as part of the reduction.

How do I keep my cake layers even?

Weigh the batter when dividing it between pans for even layers.

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using egg whites keeps the cake lighter in color and texture, but whole eggs will work with a slightly denser result.

Can I use different food coloring for the strawberry buttercream?

Yes, you can deepen the pink with gel food coloring or leave it natural for a softer hue.

My buttercream is too thick—what should I do?

Add a splash of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the baking time to about 18–22 minutes.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Do not overbake. Remove the cakes as soon as a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

Can I halve the buttercream recipe?

Yes, especially if you’re not doing elaborate piping. The original amount allows for decorative designs.

Conclusion

Neapolitan Cake brings together the timeless trio of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in one stunning dessert. With its soft layers and colorful buttercreams, it’s a celebration-worthy cake that tastes as good as it looks. Whether for birthdays or just to indulge, this cake is sure to delight everyone at the table.