Description
Heavenly layers of rich chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry intertwine in this high altitude neapolitan cake, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Delicate and precise baking techniques ensure a light, airy texture that will delight you with each sublime bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Flavoring and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare workspace with three 8-inch round cake pans, kitchen equipment, and all necessary ingredients for each cake layer.
- Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C), adjusting for high altitude baking conditions by slightly reducing sugar and increasing liquid content.
- Create protective cake pan barriers using non-stick spray and precision-cut parchment paper circles to ensure smooth cake release.
- Meticulously craft vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate cake batters, blending ingredients with careful attention to texture and consistency.
- Distribute cake batters evenly into prepared pans, utilizing gentle folding techniques to maintain delicate air bubbles.
- Position cake pans in preheated oven, rotating midway through baking to ensure uniform heat distribution and consistent browning.
- Test cake doneness using a slender cake tester, verifying no raw batter remains after 28-30 minutes of baking.
- Transfer freshly baked cakes to cooling racks, allowing natural temperature reduction and preventing moisture condensation.
- Carefully wrap cooled cake layers in protective plastic wrap to preserve moisture and freshness until assembly.
- Whip softened butter to creamy perfection, gradually incorporating powdered sugar for each flavor of buttercream.
- Integrate distinct flavor profiles – vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and cocoa powder – into respective buttercream mixtures.
- Employ a serrated knife to level cake layers, creating flat surfaces for precise stacking and even buttercream application.
- Construct cake layers strategically: vanilla base, followed by strawberry, topped with chocolate layer.
- Apply initial thin crumb coat, sealing loose cake particles and creating smooth foundation for final buttercream decoration.
- Chill cake briefly to stabilize crumb coat, preparing surface for final buttercream artistry.
- Utilize turntable for seamless buttercream application, blending colors with professional precision.
- Craft whimsical ice cream cone topper by sculpting chilled buttercream onto sugar cone, securing with wooden skewer.
- Delicately position ice cream cone decoration at cake’s central point, completing Neapolitan masterpiece.
Notes
- Adjust oven temperature by reducing 1-2 degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level to prevent over-drying or uneven baking.
- Carefully measure ingredients precisely, as high altitude impacts ingredient ratios and cake texture significantly.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter integration and consistent mixing at higher elevations.
- Consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to stabilize cake structure and prevent potential collapsing during baking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 204
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg