Description

This delightful Neapolitan Cake offers a perfect harmony of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fresh strawberry layers, creating an irresistible and visually stunning dessert that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Layers

2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
3/4 cup cocoa powder (ensure it’s unsweetened)
1 cup granulated sugar (can use coconut sugar)
2 tsps baking powder (double-check expiration)
1 tsp salt (optional but recommended)
3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
1 cup milk (use almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
2 tsps vanilla extract (consider using real vanilla beans)
8 oz melted chocolate (dark or milk chocolate based on preference)
1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries)

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese (can substitute with vegan cream cheese)
1/2 cup butter (use vegan butter as a substitute)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans to prepare for baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then gradually combine this wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Divide and Flavor Batter: Divide the batter into three equal portions. Mix melted chocolate into one portion, strawberry puree into another, leaving the last plain to maintain the vanilla flavor.
Bake Cake Layers: Pour each flavored batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely for about 30 minutes before assembling.
Frost the Cake: Frost between each layer and around the sides of the cake using the cream cheese and butter frosting mixture for a luscious finish.
Optional Garnish: Top the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings to enhance the presentation and flavor.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs, milk with plant-based milk, and cream cheese and butter with their vegan counterparts.
Ensure cocoa powder is unsweetened for best flavor balance.
Strawberry puree can be made fresh or use frozen strawberries thawed and blended.
Use parchment paper to line cake pans for easier removal.
Check baking powder expiry to ensure proper rise.