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To make a Neapolitan layer cake, you need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup whipped cream (for frosting) - Fresh strawberries and grated chocolate for garnish These ingredients come together to create rich layers. The chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors make this cake special. You can add extra flavors or textures to your cake. Consider these options: - Nuts (like chopped almonds or walnuts) for crunch - Different fruit purees (like raspberry or mango) for unique flavors - Food coloring to enhance the strawberry layer's pink hue - Flavored extracts (like almond or lemon) for added depth Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to make the cake your own! Not all ingredients may be on hand. Here are some substitutes: - For all-purpose flour, use cake flour for a lighter texture. - Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. - If you lack unsweetened cocoa powder, try Dutch-processed cocoa. - Substitute butter with vegetable oil for a lighter cake. - Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option. These swaps can help you create a delicious cake, no matter what you have in your pantry. You can find the full recipe online for more details. Before you start, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, cocoa, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, vanilla, salt, strawberry puree, and whipped cream. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Dust them with flour. This helps the cakes come out easily. 1. In a bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside. 2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Mix until light and fluffy. 3. Add the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then add the vanilla and mix until all is combined. 4. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Alternate with the milk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix until no flour shows. 5. Divide the batter into three bowls. Mix cocoa into one bowl for chocolate. Leave one bowl plain for vanilla. 6. In the last bowl, fold in the strawberry puree gently. Don’t over-mix. 1. Pour the chocolate batter into one pan. Pour the vanilla batter into the second pan. Lastly, pour the strawberry batter into the third pan. 2. Bake the layers for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if they are done. 3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. 4. Once cool, place the chocolate layer first. Add the vanilla layer next, then the strawberry layer. 5. Spread whipped cream between each layer. Cover the top and sides with more whipped cream. 6. For a nice touch, add fresh strawberries and grated chocolate on top. Follow this process for a delightful Neapolitan Layer Cake. For the full recipe, check the sections above. To get moist layers, use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs and butter can make your batter dense. Mix until just blended; overmixing will lead to dry cake. When you bake, check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Also, let the cakes cool completely before you frost them. This helps the frosting to stick better. For a smooth frosting, use cold whipped cream straight from the fridge. Start by spreading a thin layer of frosting between the layers. This is called a crumb coat. It keeps crumbs from messing up the final layer. After that, add more frosting to cover the top and sides. Use a spatula or a knife to create a clean edge. You can also swirl the frosting for a fun look. Make your cake pop with fresh strawberries on top. They add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle grated chocolate for a fancy touch. For extra flair, consider adding fun sprinkles or edible flowers. Each slice will look like art! If you want, you could even write a message on the cake with melted chocolate. It adds a personal touch for celebrations. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your baking adventure! {{image_4}} You can make a vegan version of this cake easily. Replace the eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal. Use plant-based butter and almond milk in place of regular butter and milk. This way, you keep the cake moist and tasty. It’s a great option for those who avoid animal products. To make a gluten-free Neapolitan layer cake, swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well in baking. You may also want to add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. This variation keeps the cake light and fluffy without the gluten. Get creative with flavors! You can add coffee to the chocolate layer for a richer taste. Just mix in 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules. For a citrus twist, add lemon zest to the vanilla layer. These small changes can give your cake a fresh spin. You can even try different fruit purees for unique flavors! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To store leftover Neapolitan layer cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the cake moist. You can also use a cake dome for added protection. Store it in the fridge if you have whipped cream on the cake. The cold helps keep the frosting fresh. If you want to freeze the cake, slice it first. Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This keeps the cake fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight. To keep your cake fresh, avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Heat can dry it out. Also, do not cut into the cake until you are ready to serve. This helps keep the other layers intact. Always use a clean knife to slice, as this prevents crumbs from mixing into the frosting. Check your storage regularly to ensure it remains tasty and appealing. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. It’s best to bake the layers a day before you want to serve. Allow the layers to cool completely. Then, wrap each layer in plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh. You can frost the cake the next day. This saves time and lets the flavors blend well. Neapolitan Layer Cake lasts about 3 to 5 days if stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The layers stay moist this way. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. You can find Neapolitan Layer Cake at many bakeries. Local shops often make this cake fresh. Some grocery stores also carry it. If you want something special, consider ordering from a bakery online. They may offer delivery right to your door. Check for options near you for the best choices. For a fun experience, you can also try to make it at home using the Full Recipe. You’ve learned about the key ingredients and methods for making Neapolitan Layer Cake. From prepping the batter to layering and decorating, these steps guide you to success. Remember, customization is key—use different flavors or substitutes to fit your needs. Store your cake properly to keep it fresh longer. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Enjoy creating your own delicious cake and share the joy with others. Happy baking!

Neapolitan Layer Cake

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of a Neapolitan Layer Cake that combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in every bite! This easy recipe guides you step-by-step to create a stunning dessert perfect for any occasion. Impress your guests with beautiful layers and a light whipped cream frosting. Click through now to explore this delicious recipe and make your own show-stopping cake today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)

1 cup whipped cream (for frosting)

Fresh strawberries and grated chocolate for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and then dusting them with flour to prevent sticking.

    In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

      In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

        Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring that you mix well after each addition to incorporate air. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

          Slowly begin to add the sifted dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish the process with the dry ingredients, mixing only until you see no more flour visible; be careful not to overmix.

            Divide the batter equally into two separate bowls. In the first bowl (for the chocolate layer), gently mix in the remaining cocoa powder. Leave the second bowl as is, which will be used for the vanilla layer.

              For the strawberry layer, take the third bowl (which contains part of the batter) and gently fold in the strawberry puree, ensuring it is mixed evenly but do not over-mix.

                Now you can pour the batters into the prepared cake pans: pour the chocolate batter into one pan, the vanilla batter into another, and carefully pour the strawberry batter into the last pan.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.

                    Once the cakes are completely cooled, start assembling your layer cake. Place the chocolate layer at the bottom, followed by the vanilla layer, and top with the strawberry layer. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream between each layer, and cover the top and sides of the assembled cake with more whipped cream for a smooth finish.

                      To garnish, arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cake and sprinkle grated chocolate for a delightful visual finish.

                        Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12

                          - Presentation Tips: Transfer the finished cake to a beautiful decorative cake stand. Slice individual servings with a cake server to reveal the vibrant layers, making each slice a show-stopping treat!