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A Taste of ItalyNext Post » Recipe

A Taste of ItalyNext Post » Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

A classic Neapolitan cake featuring three distinct layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors, all enveloped in a creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. This delicious Italian-inspired dessert is perfect for celebrations and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Additional Flavorings

  • 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate layer)
  • 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (for strawberry layer)

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes do not stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Make Batter: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing. This will give you the base vanilla batter.
  5. Create Flavored Batters: Divide the batter into three equal portions. Stir melted chocolate into one to create the chocolate layer. Fold pureed strawberries into the second portion for the strawberry layer. Leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
  6. Bake: Pour each batter into its respective prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before assembling.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  8. Assemble Cake: Place the vanilla layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, then add the strawberry layer and frost again. Top with the chocolate layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting evenly.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and softened butter to ensure smooth batter and frosting consistency.
  • Melt chocolate carefully, either in a double boiler or microwave, to avoid burning.
  • Puree fresh strawberries and strain if needed to remove seeds for a smoother texture in the strawberry layer.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, Italian cake recipe, layered cake recipe, cream cheese frosting dessert

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/a-taste-of-italynext-post-recipe/