Introduction to Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake
Welcome to the delightful world of the Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get busy, and sometimes we need a little sweetness to brighten our days. This cake is not just a treat; it’s a stunning centerpiece that combines rich chocolate, fluffy strawberry, and classic vanilla flavors. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because, this cake will impress your loved ones and make any occasion feel special. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create something beautiful together!
Why You’ll Love This Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake
This Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake is a true showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make! With its vibrant layers and luscious buttercream, it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want to treat yourself. The combination of flavors is a crowd-pleaser, making it a delightful way to bring joy to your table!
Ingredients for Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, providing structure and stability.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps your cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tender crumb.
- Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture; room temperature is best.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness; again, room temperature is ideal.
- Cocoa powder: For the chocolate layer, it brings that deep, rich flavor.
- Strawberry purée or jam: This gives the strawberry layer its fruity essence; feel free to use fresh strawberries if you prefer.
- Vanilla bean paste: Optional, but it adds a lovely speckled look and intense vanilla flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the buttercream, it creates that sweet, creamy frosting.
- Heavy cream or milk: Used in the buttercream to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Food colorings: Optional for tinting your buttercream; pink for strawberry and brown for chocolate.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab your three 8-inch cake pans and grease them well. I like to line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix, and it’s crucial for a fluffy cake. In another bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about three minutes should do the trick. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, and gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. This method ensures a smooth batter. Trust me, the aroma will be heavenly!
Step 2: Create the Flavors
Now comes the fun part! Divide your batter evenly into three bowls. For the chocolate layer, mix in the cocoa powder and a splash of milk until it’s well combined. For the strawberry layer, fold in the strawberry purée or jam along with a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve that lovely hue. The vanilla layer can remain plain or be enhanced with a touch of vanilla bean paste. Each layer will bring its unique flavor to the Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake!
Step 3: Bake the Layers
Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the layers cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely is key to prevent the buttercream from melting when you frost!
Step 4: Make the Buttercream
While the cake layers cool, let’s whip up that dreamy buttercream! In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy—about two minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep mixing until it’s fluffy and smooth. Now, divide the buttercream into three portions: keep one white for the vanilla layer, tint one pink for the strawberry, and mix the last with cocoa powder for a light brown chocolate buttercream. Each color will add to the beauty of your Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake!
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
It’s time to bring this masterpiece together! Start with the chocolate layer on your serving plate, spreading a generous amount of chocolate buttercream on top. Next, place the strawberry layer and frost it with the pink buttercream. Finally, add the vanilla layer on top. Now, cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of buttercream to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for about 20 minutes to set the frosting. Once chilled, grab your piping bags fitted with star tips and pipe alternating rose swirls in pink, chocolate, and white buttercream. This will create a stunning gradient effect that’s sure to wow your guests!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes cake removal a breeze.
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting buttercream.
- Experiment with food coloring to achieve your desired shades.
Equipment Needed
- Three 8-inch cake pans (or two pans and bake in batches)
- Mixing bowls (a large one and smaller ones for dividing batter)
- Electric mixer (a whisk works too, but it’ll take longer)
- Spatula (for smoothing batter and frosting)
- Piping bags and star tips (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off)
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter and milk for a delicious vegan version.
- Fruit-Infused: Swap out the strawberry purée for other fruit purées like raspberry or mango for a unique twist on flavors.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the chocolate layer for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair slices of Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve with fresh berries on the side to enhance the fruity flavors.
- For drinks, consider a light sparkling wine or a refreshing iced tea.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake
Can I make the Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. Frosting the cake the next day will save you time and stress!
What can I use instead of strawberry purée?
If you don’t have strawberry purée, feel free to use strawberry jam or even fresh mashed strawberries. Each option will give your Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake that delightful fruity flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just be prepared for the cake to disappear quickly!
Can I freeze the Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
For a stunning presentation, serve slices of your Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries. It’s a delightful way to enhance the flavors!
Final Thoughts
Creating a Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting a moment of joy. Each layer tells a story, from the rich chocolate to the sweet strawberry and classic vanilla. As you pipe those beautiful buttercream roses, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat. This cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family, making memories over slices of deliciousness. So, whether it’s a special occasion or a simple gathering, let this cake be the centerpiece that brings smiles and sweet moments to your table!
Print
Neapolitan Rose Layer Cake: Create a Stunning Dessert!
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This elegant Neapolitan cake combines three iconic flavors — rich chocolate, fluffy strawberry, and classic vanilla — layered together in a stunning gradient of colors and finished with silky buttercream roses. Perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration that deserves a little charm.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- Chocolate layer: ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder + 2 tbsp milk
- Strawberry layer: ¼ cup (60 g) strawberry purée or jam + pink food coloring
- Vanilla layer: 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extra vanilla extract
- For the Buttercream: 1 ½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups (600 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional food colorings: pink and brown (for strawberry and chocolate tones)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Divide batter evenly into 3 bowls. For the chocolate layer, mix in cocoa powder and milk. For the strawberry layer, mix in strawberry purée and pink food coloring. Leave the vanilla layer plain or enhance with extra vanilla bean paste.
- Pour each batter into its pan and smooth tops. Bake 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
- Beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt until fluffy. Divide into three portions: Keep one white (vanilla). Tint one pink (strawberry). Tint one light brown (chocolate).
- Place the chocolate cake on your serving plate and spread with chocolate buttercream. Add the strawberry layer and frost with pink buttercream. Add the vanilla layer on top and cover the whole cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 20 minutes. Using piping bags fitted with star tips, pipe alternating rose swirls in pink, chocolate, and white buttercream for a blooming gradient effect.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve desired shades.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
