Neapolitan Cake Bliss : Cream Cheese Frosting, Vintage Swiss Piping & Trending Girly Designs

Homemade Neapolitan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has been a labor of love in my kitchen this season. This elegant layered dessert combines the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors that we all remember from childhood ice cream, but elevated into a sophisticated Swiss cake that’s perfect for special occasions. The contrasting layers create a striking visual effect when sliced, making this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)	Amount
Calories	385
Carbohydrates	48g
Protein	5g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	32g
Calcium	80mg
Iron	1.2mg

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient	Role	Possible Substitutions
2¼ cups all-purpose flour	Base structure	Cake flour (add 2 tbsp more)
2 cups granulated sugar	Sweetness	1¾ cups coconut sugar
3 tsp baking powder	Leavening	2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt	Flavor enhancer	¾ tsp kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened	Moisture, texture	1 cup neutral oil
4 large eggs	Structure, binding	4 flax eggs (for vegan option)
1 cup whole milk	Moisture	Buttermilk or plant-based milk
2 tsp vanilla extract	Flavor	Vanilla bean paste
⅓ cup cocoa powder	Chocolate layer flavor	Dutch-processed cocoa
⅓ cup freeze-dried strawberries, pulverized	Strawberry layer flavor/color	3 tbsp strawberry jam + red food coloring
16 oz cream cheese, softened	Frosting base	Mascarpone cheese
½ cup unsalted butter, softened	Frosting texture	Plant-based butter
4 cups powdered sugar	Frosting sweetness/structure	3½ cups powdered sugar + 2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vanilla extract	Frosting flavor	Almond extract (use ½ amount)
Fresh strawberries (for garnish)	Decoration	Chocolate shavings, sprinkles

Equipment Needed

– Three 8-inch round cake pans
– Parchment paper
– Stand mixer or hand mixer
– Large mixing bowls
– Rubber spatula
– Whisk
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Cooling rack
– Cake turntable (optional but helpful)
– Offset spatula
– Cake scraper
– Piping bag with decorative tips (for frosting design)
– Sifter (for cocoa powder)
– Food processor (for pulverizing freeze-dried strawberries)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper circles, and grease the paper.

2. Make the Cake Base: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In your stand mixer, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla.

3. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

4. Divide the Batter: Separate the batter evenly into three bowls (about 2 cups each).

5. Create Flavored Batters:
– Vanilla Layer: Leave one portion as is.
– Chocolate Layer: Sift cocoa powder into the second portion and gently fold until incorporated.
– Strawberry Layer: Fold pulverized freeze-dried strawberries into the third portion.

6. Bake the Layers: Pour each batter into prepared pans. Bake for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Creating this Homemade Neapolitan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting requires patience with baking times as each colored layer may cook slightly differently due to added ingredients.

7. Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 15 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely. This Swiss cake inspired technique ensures even cooling without condensation.

8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.

9. Assemble the Cake:
– Place chocolate layer on cake board/stand
– Spread with about 1 cup of frosting
– Add vanilla layer and another cup of frosting
– Top with strawberry layer

10. Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

11. Final Frosting: Apply remaining frosting to the chilled cake, smoothing sides with a cake scraper.

12. Decorate: Pipe decorative rosettes around the top edge and garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

– Sinking Centers: If cake centers sink, your oven temperature might be too high. Use an oven thermometer to verify.

– Tough Cake Texture: Overmixing causes dense cakes. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.

– Even Layers: For perfectly even layers, use a digital kitchen scale to weigh your batter.

– Vibrant Strawberry Color: Natural freeze-dried strawberries create a more subtle pink. Add a drop of pink food coloring for a more vibrant color.

– Smooth Frosting: If cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before final frosting application.

– Clean Cake Slices: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for perfect slices.

– Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, cream cheese, and milk are at room temperature for proper incorporation and smooth batters.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Unfrosted Layers: Can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

– Assembled Cake: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a cake keeper or loosely covered with plastic wrap.

– Freezing: Individual unfrosted layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.

– Make-Ahead: Cake layers can be baked up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Frosting can be made 1 day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.

– Serving Temperature: For best flavor and texture, allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Homemade Neapolitan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting brings together three beloved flavors in one stunning dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. The balance of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers complemented by the tangy cream cheese frosting creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply want to create a showstopper for your dessert table, this Swiss cake inspired creation offers the perfect combination of flavor and visual appeal. The time and effort invested in creating this layered masterpiece are well worth it when you see the delighted expressions of those enjoying each colorful slice.

FAQ

Can I use box cake mix as a shortcut?
Yes, you can use white cake mix and divide it into three portions. Add cocoa powder and freeze-dried strawberry powder to create the chocolate and strawberry layers.

How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can make the cake layers up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the day before serving for best results.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based butter, milk with almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

Why use freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh?
Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor and color without adding excess moisture that could affect the cake’s texture.

My cream cheese frosting is too runny. How can I fix it?
Refrigerate the frosting for 30 minutes, then beat again. If still too runny, add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake?
Absolutely! This recipe yields approximately 24-28 cupcakes. Bake at the same temperature for 18-22 minutes.

How do I ensure even cake layers?
Use a digital kitchen scale to divide your batter equally, or use measuring cups to portion the batter accurately into each bowl.

Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! Swiss meringue buttercream or classic American buttercream would also work beautifully with this Neapolitan Cake if you prefer a different flavor profile.

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