Print

Best Homemade Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe (Easy 3-Layer)

best homemade neapolitan layer cake recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A stunning three-layer cake featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors made from one base batter. This crowd-pleasing celebration cake stays moist for days and uses real freeze-dried strawberries for natural color and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • ¾ cup (40g) freeze-dried strawberries, ground into powder
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk (for strawberry layer)
  • 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 5 cups (625g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chocolate shavings (optional, for decoration)
  • Fresh strawberries (optional, for decoration)
  • Freeze-dried strawberry pieces (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray, line bottoms with parchment paper circles, dust sides lightly with flour, and tap out excess.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk in two additions, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  4. Divide batter evenly into three separate bowls (about 1 ½ cups each).
  5. For chocolate layer: In a small bowl, whisk cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons hot water until smooth. Fold into one bowl of batter until fully combined.
  6. For strawberry layer: Grind freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor to a fine powder. Stir into another bowl of batter along with 2 tablespoons buttermilk until evenly pink.
  7. Leave the third bowl of batter plain for vanilla layer (optional: add extra ½ teaspoon vanilla).
  8. Pour each batter into prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake 22-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. For frosting: Beat softened butter on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase to medium-high and beat 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  10. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ¾ cup frosting evenly on top. Repeat with second and third layers. Apply thin crumb coat all over cake and refrigerate 20 minutes.
  11. After crumb coat sets, apply remaining frosting all over cake. Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

Notes

Don’t skip the buttermilk – it creates a softer crumb. Freeze-dried strawberries are non-negotiable for best flavor and texture. Level cake layers with a serrated knife after cooling. Chill between steps for clean frosting. Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper emulsification. For best results, let cake sit at room temperature 30-45 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layer cake, chocolate cake, vanilla cake, strawberry cake, birthday cake, celebration cake, homemade cake, three-layer cake

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/best-homemade-neapolitan-layer-cake-recipe-easy-3-layer/