Description
A nostalgic tri-layer cake featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers stacked together and frosted with creamy vanilla buttercream for the ultimate Neapolitan treat.
Ingredients
- Cake Batter (base for all layers):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Chocolate Layer Add-In:
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- Strawberry Layer Add-In:
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 2–3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; blend in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into three bowls.
- For the chocolate layer: mix cocoa powder with 2 tbsp milk into one bowl of batter.
- For the strawberry layer: fold strawberry puree and food coloring into another bowl.
- Leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and bake 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely before assembling.
- Make the frosting: beat butter until creamy, add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, cream, and salt until fluffy.
- Stack vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate layers with buttercream between each.
- Frost the outside of the cake with remaining buttercream and chill before slicing.
Notes
- Use freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra punch of strawberry flavor.
- Level each cake layer with a serrated knife for a clean, even stack.
- Chill layers before assembly to reduce crumbs.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or a tri-color swirl.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 24 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American