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Best Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe: Easy 3-Flavor Showstopper

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A stunning three-layer cake featuring vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors, all in one beautiful slice. This crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for special occasions and is surprisingly simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

  • For the Vanilla Layer: 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
  • For the Vanilla Layer: 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • For the Vanilla Layer: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Vanilla Layer: 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • For the Vanilla Layer: ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • For the Vanilla Layer: 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • For the Vanilla Layer: ½ teaspoon salt
  • For the Vanilla Layer: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Layer: 1 ¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour
  • For the Chocolate Layer: 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • For the Chocolate Layer: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Chocolate Layer: 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • For the Chocolate Layer: ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • For the Chocolate Layer: ⅓ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • For the Chocolate Layer: 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • For the Chocolate Layer: ½ teaspoon salt
  • For the Strawberry Layer: 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
  • For the Strawberry Layer: 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • For the Strawberry Layer: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Strawberry Layer: 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • For the Strawberry Layer: ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • For the Strawberry Layer: ½ cup (75g) freeze-dried strawberries, ground into powder
  • For the Strawberry Layer: 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • For the Strawberry Layer: ½ teaspoon salt
  • For the Strawberry Layer: Red or pink gel food coloring (optional)
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: 5 cups (625g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: Pinch of salt
  • For Garnish (Optional): Chocolate shavings
  • For Garnish (Optional): Fresh strawberries
  • For Garnish (Optional): Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, grease parchment, and dust with flour.
  2. Make the vanilla layer: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Add flour mixture in three additions alternating with milk, mixing just until combined. Pour into one prepared pan and bake 22-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  3. Make the chocolate layer: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Add flour mixture in three additions alternating with buttermilk. Pour into second pan and bake 22-25 minutes. Cool as directed.
  4. Make the strawberry layer: Whisk together flour, ground freeze-dried strawberries, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Add flour mixture in three additions alternating with milk. Add food coloring if desired. Pour into third pan and bake 22-25 minutes. Cool as directed.
  5. Make the buttercream: Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy.
  6. Assemble the cake: Level cake layers if domed. Place vanilla layer on plate, spread 1 cup frosting. Top with chocolate layer, spread 1 cup frosting. Top with strawberry layer. Apply thin crumb coat, refrigerate 20 minutes. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial. Use freeze-dried strawberries, not fresh, for the strawberry layer. Level cakes for even stacking. Chill cake before slicing for clean cuts. Can be made ahead: bake layers up to 2 days ahead or freeze unfrosted for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layer cake, vanilla cake, chocolate cake, strawberry cake, birthday cake, celebration cake, three-flavor cake

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/best-neapolitan-layer-cake-recipe-easy-3-flavor-showstopper/