Description
Rich layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry merge in this classic Neapolitan cake, creating a nostalgic dessert that delights taste buds. Creamy frosting and perfect texture invite you to savor each delectable slice of this timeless Italian-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (414g) sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 10 tablespoons (140g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (270 milliliters) milk
Flavor and Extract Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberry puree (from 2 cups [280g] chopped strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 2.5 ounces (70 grams) bittersweet chocolate (60% cacao), chopped
- 2 tablespoons (14g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (150 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 10 drops red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and thoroughly grease three identical-sized cake pans with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the strawberry cake layer by whisking together dry ingredients, then gently fold in pureed fresh strawberries and mix until a smooth, vibrant pink batter forms.
- Create the vanilla cake layer by carefully combining flour, sugar, and other dry components, then incorporate eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky, consistent texture.
- Mix the chocolate cake layer ingredients, ensuring cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the batter, and blend until a rich, dark chocolate mixture develops without any lumps.
- Pour each uniquely flavored batter into its designated pan, spreading evenly and tapping the pans to release potential air bubbles.
- Bake the cake layers simultaneously, rotating midway through to ensure uniform cooking and golden-brown surfaces.
- Remove layers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks, which prevents moisture accumulation and potential sogginess.
- Prepare a smooth, creamy frosting by whipping butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy, creating a neutral base for layering.
- Once cooled, carefully trim any uneven cake surfaces to create perfectly level layers.
- Assemble the cake by placing the chocolate layer first, spreading a generous amount of frosting between each subsequent layer – strawberry in the middle, vanilla on top.
- Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating a clean, smooth exterior.
- Optionally, decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberry slices, or additional piped frosting for an elegant presentation.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set firmly.
Notes
- Customize cake layers by adjusting fruit puree quantities for intense or subtle flavor profiles.
- Ensure even cake layers by using a kitchen scale to measure batter precisely before baking.
- Refrigerate cake between frosting stages to create clean, sharp layer definitions and prevent crumbling.
- Select high-quality chocolate and pure vanilla extract for superior taste and professional-grade results.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 397
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 205 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg