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Neapolitan layer cake - featured image

Neapolitan Layer Cake: 5-Ingredient Fresh Strawberry Buttercream

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A nostalgic, moist vanilla layer cake split into three parts and topped with a vibrant, fresh strawberry buttercream. This recipe uses real fruit instead of artificial dyes or extracts for a lighter, brighter dessert that is perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (200g) fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (for buttercream)
  • 1 cup softened butter (for buttercream)
  • Optional: Fresh strawberry slices or powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, dust with flour, and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixer bowl, beat room-temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add vanilla extract. Mix until glossy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter equally among the three prepared pans (approx. 280g per pan) and smooth tops.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While cakes cool, mash fresh strawberries into a chunky puree.
  9. In a clean bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, then add mashed strawberries and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  10. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a plate, spreading a generous layer of buttercream, adding the second layer, more frosting, and finally the third layer. Cover top and sides with remaining frosting.
  11. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or powdered sugar. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing if desired.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for proper emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake. The cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze as the buttercream may separate.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 40
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, strawberry buttercream, layer cake, fresh strawberry dessert, easy baking, vanilla cake, homemade cake

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Find it online: https://tableanddinner.com/neapolitan-layer-cake-5-ingredient-fresh-strawberry-buttercream/