Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate
- 2–3 drops pink food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
For the Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Chocolate shavings
- Vanilla whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Batter
- Divide the batter into three equal portions.
- To one portion, add strawberry puree and pink food coloring.
- To another portion, mix in cocoa powder and melted chocolate.
- Leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
- Pour each batter into separate cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well.
- Add vanilla extract and milk, beating until smooth.
- Divide the frosting into three portions:
- One portion remains vanilla.
- One portion gets strawberry puree.
- One portion gets cocoa powder for the chocolate frosting.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place the chocolate layer at the bottom and spread chocolate frosting.
- Add the vanilla layer on top and spread vanilla frosting.
- Place the strawberry layer last and spread strawberry frosting.
- Smooth the sides with a combination of all three frostings for a Neapolitan swirl effect.
Step 6: Decorate the Cake
- Top with sliced strawberries, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
✅ Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich chocolate layer.
✅ Fresh strawberries give the best natural flavor.
✅ Chill the cake layers before assembling for easier stacking.
✅ Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application.
✅ Experiment with flavors by adding a touch of almond extract or coffee to the layers.
- Prep Time: 30minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes