Cozy-Up Neapolitan Cake

There's something undeniably comforting about a well-crafted cake, especially one that pays homage to classic flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. The Cozy-Up Neapolitan Cake combines these beloved tastes into a harmonious dessert that not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a gathering, or simply looking to indulge in a cozy night at home, this cake serves as the perfect centerpiece for any culinary affair.

Discover the comforting indulgence of the Cozy-Up Neapolitan Cake, a delightful three-layer treat featuring chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This cake not only serves as a stunning centerpiece for gatherings but also warms the heart with its rich flavors and moist texture. With a simple yet elegant presentation, each slice invites you to savor a unique taste experience. Perfect for celebrating special moments or treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

4 large egg whites

1 cup caster sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup fresh strawberry puree

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

4 large egg whites

1 cup caster sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

4 large egg whites

1 cup caster sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup dark cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.

- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).

- Divide the batter evenly among three bowls. Leave one bowl as is for the chocolate layer, tint the second bowl pink with a few drops of red food coloring for the strawberry layer, and add vanilla extract to the third bowl for the vanilla layer.

- Pour the chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla batters into the prepared cake pans.

- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

- In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk together egg whites and caster sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 160°F (70°C).

- Remove from heat and whip using a stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form and the meringue is cool to the touch.

- Gradually add softened butter, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing to combine.

Make the Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

- Repeat the same steps as the strawberry buttercream, but omit the strawberry puree and focus on just vanilla.

Make the Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

- Follow the same process as the vanilla and strawberry, but add the cocoa powder into the meringue along with the butter.

Assemble the Cake:

- Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream over the top. Place the vanilla layer next, adding a layer of vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream.

- Add the final chocolate layer, spreading a thin layer of chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream on the top and sides to create a crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes.

- Apply a final layer of chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream on the cake. Use the remaining strawberry and vanilla buttercreams to pipe decorations on top and sides as desired, creating a beautiful Neapolitan effect.

Serve and Enjoy:

- Slice the cake into wedges and serve this delightful three-flavored treat at your next cozy gathering!

Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 8