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For the Neapolitan 5-Layer Birthday Cake, you need the following key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup buttermilk - ½ cup vegetable oil - 4 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 cup boiling water - 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade) These ingredients work together to create a moist and rich cake. The combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and eggs gives the cake its soft texture. The strawberry puree adds a fruity twist, while the frostings make it extra sweet and beautiful. To elevate your cake, consider adding: - Fresh strawberries - Chocolate shavings These garnishes not only enhance the look of your cake but also add fresh flavors. Placing fresh strawberries on top adds a pop of color. Chocolate shavings provide a rich finish that delights the eyes and palate. You can view the Full Recipe for detailed instructions on how to bring this cake to life. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour five 9-inch round cake pans. This keeps the cakes from sticking. In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt Mix them until everything is well combined. This ensures a good rise and flavor in your cake. In another bowl, whisk together: - 1 cup buttermilk - ½ cup vegetable oil - 4 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Whisk until it is smooth and creamy. This adds moisture to the cake. Gradually add this wet mixture to your dry ingredients, mixing until it is just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cake will be tough. Next, carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water to the batter. This step makes the cake moist. The batter will be thin, which is normal. Now, divide the batter into three separate bowls. - In the first bowl, fold in 1 cup of strawberry puree. - Leave the second bowl as chocolate. - Keep the third bowl plain for vanilla. Pour the strawberry batter into one prepared cake pan, the chocolate into another, and the vanilla into the last three pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then move them to wire racks to cool completely. When the cakes are cool, level the tops if needed. Start stacking your layers. Place the strawberry layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread vanilla frosting on top. Add the second layer, which is chocolate. Spread chocolate frosting on it. Next, add the third layer, the vanilla. Spread more vanilla frosting on top. Then, stack the fourth layer, which is strawberry. Top this with chocolate frosting. Finally, add the fifth layer, which is vanilla. Spread the remaining vanilla and chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake. You can create a marbled look or keep it solid. Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy this masterpiece, or find the Full Recipe for more details! - Ensuring the correct baking temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. - Using an oven thermometer: An oven thermometer checks the actual temperature. This tool helps avoid surprises when baking. - Achieving a smooth finish: Use a spatula to spread frosting evenly. Start from the center and move outwards. A light touch helps you get that smooth look. - How to create a marbled effect: To make a marbled cake, use both vanilla and chocolate frosting. Swirl them gently with a spatula for a pretty design. - Not properly measuring ingredients: Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Too much or too little can change the cake's texture. - Over or underbaking the layers: Keep an eye on baking time. Test doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean when the cake is ready. Remember, these tips will help you make the Neapolitan 5-Layer Birthday Cake perfectly every time. For the full recipe, check out the instructions I shared earlier! {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of your Neapolitan cake easily. Instead of strawberry puree, try raspberry or blueberry. Both will add a fresh twist. You can also use different frostings. Cream cheese frosting can give a nice tangy taste. Buttercream frosting is rich and sweet. Mixing these options can make your cake unique and fun. Not everyone needs a big cake. You can make a smaller cake or even cupcakes. Use the same batter but fill smaller pans. Check your baking times. Cupcakes need around 15-20 minutes. For a smaller cake, try baking for 20-25 minutes. Adjust the ingredients by half for a smaller yield. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands work well in cakes. For dairy-free options, substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk. You can also use dairy-free margarine in the frosting. These swaps allow almost anyone to enjoy this cake. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To keep your Neapolitan 5-Layer Birthday Cake fresh, refrigerate it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and tasty for about 3 to 5 days. If you have leftover baked layers, place them in a single layer. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Cover them tightly and keep them in the fridge. For long-term storage, you can freeze the cake. You can freeze the assembled cake or just the layers. If freezing, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then in foil. This protects it from freezer burn. The cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To refresh the cake, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This helps restore its soft texture. This cake stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap. This keeps it moist and tasty. Yes, you can make the cake ahead. Bake the layers a day or two in advance. Let them cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly. Store them in the fridge or at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best taste. You can find this cake at many bakeries. Look for ones that specialize in custom cakes. Some online shops also sell them. Check local listings for great options. Enjoy the flavors without the hassle of baking from scratch. For a delicious homemade version, you can follow the Full Recipe. We covered how to make a Neapolitan 5-layer birthday cake. You learned about key ingredients like buttermilk and cocoa powder, and how to mix them. I shared tips on baking and frosting for a smooth finish. You also discovered ways to adapt and store this cake. As you make this cake, remember to have fun! Enjoy the process and treat yourself to a delicious dessert. Happy baking!

Neapolitan 5-Layer Birthday Cake

Celebrate your special occasions with a stunning Neapolitan 5-Layer Birthday Cake! This delightful recipe blends rich chocolate, fresh strawberry, and classic vanilla flavors, perfect for impressing family and friends. With simple steps to create delicious layers and beautiful frosting, you’ll enjoy every bite. Ready to bake the cake of your dreams? Click through for the complete recipe and make your next celebration unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

½ cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)

1 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour five 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

      Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin).

        Divide the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into three separate bowls. In the first bowl, fold in the strawberry puree until combined. Leave the second bowl as is for chocolate, and keep the third bowl plain for vanilla.

          Bake the Layers: Pour the strawberry batter into one prepared cake pan, the chocolate batter into a second pan, and the vanilla batter into the last three pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

            Assemble the Layers: Once the cakes are cool, level the tops of each layer if needed. Place one layer (strawberry) on a serving plate or cake stand and spread a layer of vanilla frosting on top. Add the second layer (chocolate) and repeat with chocolate frosting. Next, add the third layer (vanilla) and again apply vanilla frosting. Continue stacking with the fourth layer (strawberry) and top with chocolate frosting. Finally, add the fifth layer (vanilla).

              Frost the Cake: Use a spatula to frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining vanilla and chocolate frosting, creating a beautiful marbled effect or keeping it solid if preferred.

                Decorate: Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries on top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for a finishing touch.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12-14 slices