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Perfect Neapolitan Layer Cake: Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

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This Perfect Cozy Fall Neapolitan Layer Cake features classic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers with a seasonal twist—roasted strawberry compote and cinnamon-spiced vanilla. It’s a forgiving, adaptable dessert that brings joy to any fall gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup roasted strawberry compote
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread quartered strawberries in a single layer. Drizzle with maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Roast for 20-25 minutes until soft and bubbling. Let cool completely, then mash with a fork to make about ½ cup compote. Set aside.
  2. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper circles. Dust sides with flour. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. For the vanilla-cinnamon layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined. Pour into one prepared pan.
  4. For the chocolate layer: In another medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Pour into second pan.
  5. For the strawberry layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Gently fold in roasted strawberry compote until just swirled. Pour into third pan.
  6. Place all three pans in the oven. Bake for 22-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  7. For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until spreadable. Beat on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. To assemble: Place chocolate layer on a cake plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add vanilla-cinnamon layer, then more frosting. Top with strawberry layer. Frost entire cake with a thin crumb coat, then refrigerate for 20 minutes. Apply a final thick layer of frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberries or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake. Let layers cool completely before frosting. A crumb coat is essential for a clean final look. The cake tastes even better the next day. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: Neapolitan cake, layer cake, fall dessert, strawberry cake, chocolate cake, vanilla cake, roasted strawberry compote, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/perfect-neapolitan-layer-cake-easy-fall-dessert-recipe/