Name: Delicious Neapolitan Cake: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Cake Flour (sifted for lightness); 1 tbsp Baking Powder (essential as a leavening agent); 1 tsps Baking Soda (ensure it’s fresh); 1 tsps Salt (enhances flavor); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened for easy creaming); 2 cups Granulated Sugar (helps achieve a fluffy texture); 4 large Eggs (room temperature); 2 tsps Vanilla Extract (use pure extract for best quality); 1 cup Buttermilk (provides acidity); 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (use high-quality cocoa); 1 cup Hot Water (activates cocoa); 1 cup Fresh Strawberries (pureed) (use ripe berries); 1 tbsp Red Food Coloring (optional); 2 cups Heavy Cream (for creamy texture); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted for a smooth consistency); 1 cup Fresh Strawberries (sliced) (for decoration); 1 cup Chocolate Shavings (decorative topping)

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of baking—nothing quite like the scent of a High Altitude Neapolitan Cake to bring back memories of joyous celebrations. This stunning three-layer dessert features rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and vibrant strawberry flavors that not only offer a visual feast but also conquer the challenges of high-altitude baking. With its moist texture and tender crumb, this cake promises to be a showstopper at any gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough for your creative whims—try adding raspberry jam, chocolate chips, or your favorite extracts for a fun twist! Are you ready to dive into a delicious baking adventure that will have everyone reaching for seconds?

Why is Neapolitan Cake a must-try?

Irresistible flavors: This cake combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and vibrant strawberry layers for an unforgettable taste experience.
High-altitude hero: Perfectly designed for those baking at high altitudes, it rises beautifully while maintaining a soft, moist crumb that everyone will love.
Versatile variations: Easily personalize this recipe with variations like raspberry jam or chocolate chips to satisfy your unique cravings.
Show-stopping dessert: Impress your guests with its stunning presentation that makes every occasion feel special. Great as a centerpiece for birthdays, dinners, or celebrations!
Quick assembly: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a fabulous cake ready in no time, ensuring that baking becomes a joyful experience rather than a chore. Those eager for more delicious options might want to check out more about crowd-pleasing desserts or explore our approach to high-altitude baking.

Neapolitan Cake Ingredients

For the Cake Layers
• Cake Flour – Provides structure to the cake; sifted for lightness.
• Baking Powder – Essential as a leavening agent for appropriate rise.
• Baking Soda – Helps achieve a light texture; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; do not omit.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake while helping to achieve a fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• Eggs – Provide structure and stability; ensure they are at room temperature for proper incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor depth; use pure extract for the best quality.
• Buttermilk – Provides acidity to help tenderize the gluten structure.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – For chocolate flavor; use high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
• Hot Water – Activates cocoa powder, enhancing its chocolate flavor.
• Fresh Strawberries (pureed) – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; use ripe berries for the best flavor.
• Red Food Coloring (optional) – Enhances the color of the strawberry layer.

For the Frosting
• Heavy Cream – Used for a creamy texture in the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens frosting; sifted for a smooth consistency.

For the Garnish
• Fresh Strawberries (sliced) – Adds a fresh touch and visual appeal to your dessert.
• Chocolate Shavings – Decorative topping that adds elegance and a touch of luxury.

With all these delightful ingredients coming together, your Neapolitan Cake is sure to be a crowd favorite! Enjoy this baking adventure!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for High Altitude Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), or 325°F (163°C) if you're baking at high altitude. This crucial step ensures an even bake, giving each layer of your Neapolitan Cake the perfect rise. While the oven warms up, gather your three 8-inch round cake pans, ready to be greased and floured.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans
Grease and flour the prepared cake pans generously, ensuring that each layer will release easily after baking. For added security, line the bottoms with parchment paper. This small detail helps maintain the integrity of your cake layers, making assembly a breeze once they’re out of the oven.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, crucial for achieving that light and airy texture in your High Altitude Neapolitan Cake. Set the dry mixture aside as you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a delicate crumb in your cake layers.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure thorough incorporation. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, allowing those delightful flavors to mingle. The mixture should appear smooth and slightly pale, signaling it’s ready for the next step in making your Neapolitan Cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should appear smooth and rather thick, showcasing the balance of flavors that will create your layers.

Step 7: Color the Batter
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. In one bowl, mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder combined with hot water to create a chocolate batter. In the second bowl, fold in the fresh strawberry puree, and leave the third bowl as plain vanilla. This ensures that your High Altitude Neapolitan Cake has its iconic tri-color presentation.

Step 8: Pour the Batter
Pour each flavored batter into their respective prepared pans, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform layers. This visual step sets the stage for your beautiful cake, where each layer is distinctly colored, showcasing the delightful combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Step 9: Bake the Layers
Place the pans in the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center of each layer—if it comes out clean, they are ready. The layers should be slightly golden and bounce back when lightly pressed, signaling a perfect bake.

Step 10: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that your High Altitude Neapolitan Cake layers remain moist and retain their shape while cooling.

Step 11: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. This combination is essential for creating a creamy texture. Once well mixed, add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until light and fluffy—perfect for frosting your Neapolitan Cake.

Step 12: Assemble the Layers
If the cake layers are domed on top, level them using a serrated knife for even stacking. Start layering with the chocolate cake on the bottom, followed by vanilla, and finally the strawberry layer on top. This assembly will create a stunning visual that mirrors the delicious flavors of your High Altitude Neapolitan Cake.

Step 13: Apply the Crumb Coat
Using your prepared frosting, apply a thin layer over the entire cake to act as a crumb coat. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to seal in any crumbs, ensuring that your final frosting is smooth and flawless.

Step 14: Final Frosting and Decoration
After chilling, frost the cake with a thicker layer of frosting using an offset spatula. Once frosted, decorate the top with sliced fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance. This final presentation transforms your High Altitude Neapolitan Cake into a masterpiece.

Step 15: Chill Before Serving
For best results, refrigerate your completed cake for a while before serving. This helps the layers to meld together beautifully, enhancing the flavor and texture of your scrumptious High Altitude Neapolitan Cake. Once ready, slice and serve to surprisingly happy guests!

Expert Tips for Neapolitan Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing, leading to a fluffier cake.
Avoid Overmixing: Don't overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a dense Neapolitan Cake. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Altitude Awareness: Adjust baking times accordingly based on your altitude; higher elevations may require less bake time for optimal results.
Leveling Layers: Use a serrated knife to level any domed cake layers before stacking. This step ensures a more stable and attractive cake presentation.
Crumb Coat Creaminess: Apply a crumb coat before the final frosting and refrigerate to seal in crumbs; it helps create a smooth and beautiful finish.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake after frosting to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste of your delightful Neapolitan Cake.

Make Ahead Options

These High Altitude Neapolitan Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; once cool, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to preserve moisture and freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the frosting and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you're ready to serve your stunning Neapolitan Cake, simply layer the cooled cake with frosting, apply a crumb coat, and chill for at least 30 minutes before adding the final frosting and decorations. This way, you’ll enjoy that restaurant-quality dessert without the last-minute stress!

What to Serve with High Altitude Neapolitan Cake?

Imagine a delightful gathering where every bite of your Neapolitan Cake is perfectly complemented by scrumptious side dishes and refreshing drinks that bring out the rich flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the cake while adding a luscious creaminess.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a fruity freshness that cuts through the richness of the cake.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm ganache over the cake elevates its decadence, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the cake's density and adds a touch of sweetness.
Sparkling Water: For something refreshing, serve chilled sparkling water with lemon slices alongside a slice of cake to cleanse the palate.
Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee perfectly contrast the sweetness of the cake, making it an ideal pairing for dessert lovers.
Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a vibrant, refreshing note, making every bite of cake feel lighter.
Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can enhance the cake flavors, particularly if you choose creamy varieties that won't overpower the dessert.
Homemade Lemonade: A zesty, homemade lemonade can brighten the overall experience, adding a delightful citrus twist to your meal.
Chocolate Mousse: For the ultimate indulgence, pair slices of cake with velvety chocolate mousse for a rich, decadent treat that’s hard to resist.

Neapolitan Cake Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and customize your Neapolitan Cake to elevate it to new flavor heights!

Raspberry Jam: Layer a spread of raspberry jam between the strawberry and vanilla layers for a delightful fruity burst.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips into the chocolate batter before pouring, adding a delightful surprise with every bite.
Flavor Extracts: Substitute vanilla for almond or orange extract for a unique twist; these infusions enhance the cake’s overall flavor profile.
Chocolate Ganache: Top off your cake with a rich chocolate ganache instead of frosting for extra decadence; simply melt chocolate with cream and pour.
Mini Cakes: Use cupcake tins to create individual-sized mini Neapolitan cakes, perfect for parties or bridal showers catering.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the vanilla layer for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
Fruity Layer: Replace the strawberry puree with other fruit purees such as mango or peach for a vibrant and refreshing summer twist.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the vanilla batter for a warm, aromatic touch that compliments the cake's chocolate and fruit layers.

These variations can transform your Neapolitan Cake into something uniquely yours and perfect for any occasion. And for more inspiration, check out our ideas on crowd-pleasing desserts or explore tips for maintaining your cakes at high altitude.

How to Store and Freeze Neapolitan Cake

Fridge: Store leftover Neapolitan Cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh.

Freezer: If you want to freeze your cake, wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen Neapolitan Cake, transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating (optional): If you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to slightly warm without cooking it further.

High Altitude Neapolitan Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of cake flour should I use for the Neapolitan Cake?
You should opt for a high-quality cake flour that's finely milled. This type of flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, allowing your High Altitude Neapolitan Cake to achieve that wonderfully soft and tender crumb. Look for brands that indicate "cake flour" on the package for the best results.

How should I store my leftover cake?
To store your Neapolitan Cake, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator, and it should remain fresh for about 3 days. If you have leftover frosting, store it separately; it can be kept in the fridge for a week.

Can I freeze the Neapolitan Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight.

What if my cake layers are domed on top?
No worries! If your High Altitude Neapolitan Cake layers are domed, you can easily level them with a serrated knife. Gently slice off the domed tops to create a flat surface, which will help your layers stack neatly for a beautiful presentation. Just be sure to save those tasty scraps for snacking!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
This recipe does include dairy and eggs, making it suitable for vegetarians but not for those with dairy or egg allergies. If you're baking for someone with allergies, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use dairy-free alternatives for the butter and cream. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they're allergy-friendly.

How can I tell if my cake is done baking?
To check if your Neapolitan Cake layers are done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of each layer. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready! The edges should slightly pull away from the pan, and the center should spring back when gently pressed. Keep an eye on the time, as baking at high altitudes may require adjustments!