Can I make this cake ahead of time for Mother's Day?

Yes absolutely. The cake layers can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature or frozen for up to 2 months. The cream cheese frosting can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake the evening before Mother's Day, cover and refrigerate overnight, and bring to room temperature before serving the next day for the most stress-free celebration morning possible.

How do I get the three layers to be the same height?

Weigh the batter before dividing it into three equal portions using a kitchen scale for the most precise and equal layers. Alternatively use a ladle to count out equal ladle-fuls into each pan. If the layers still come out slightly uneven after baking, level the tops with a serrated knife before assembling so the finished cake sits straight and stacks neatly.

Can I use boxed cake mix for the layers?

Yes. Three separate boxes of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla cake mix can substitute for the homemade batter and produce a very similar result in a fraction of the time. Follow the package directions for each flavor independently, bake in round cake pans of the same size, cool completely, and assemble with the homemade cream cheese frosting as directed.

Neapolitan Cake Easy Three Layer Mother's Day Cake Recipe

Name: Neapolitan Cake The Most Stunning Three Flavor Mother's Day Cake You Will Ever Bake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-497455H8M25S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 2 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 tbsp Baking Powder; 1/2 tsp Salt; 4 large Eggs room temperature; 1 cup Whole Milk; 2 tsp Vanilla Extract; Melted Chocolate for chocolate layer; Fresh Strawberry Puree for strawberry layer; 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened for frosting; 8 oz Cream Cheese softened for frosting; 4 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract for frosting

Description

The most stunning Neapolitan Cake made with three separate cake layers of chocolate strawberry and vanilla stacked together and frosted in a tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting. A completely show-stopping three layer Mother’s Day cake that gives every guest their favorite flavor in one extraordinary slice.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups All-Purpose Flour

1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

2 cups Granulated Sugar

1 tbsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

4 large Eggs room temperature

1 cup Whole Milk

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Melted Chocolate for chocolate layer

Fresh Strawberry Puree for strawberry layer

1 cup Unsalted Butter softened for frosting

8 oz Cream Cheese softened for frosting

4 cups Powdered Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla Extract for frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three round cake pans with parchment.

2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

3. Beat eggs, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

4. Divide batter into three equal portions in separate bowls.

5. Stir melted chocolate into the first portion for the chocolate layer.

6. Fold strawberry puree into the second portion for the strawberry layer.

7. Leave third portion plain for the vanilla layer.

8. Pour each batter into its prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

9. Cool in pans 10 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

10. Beat softened butter and cream cheese 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

11. Add powdered sugar in two additions beating until creamy. Beat in vanilla.

12. Place chocolate layer on board. Spread generous frosting layer. Add strawberry layer. Spread frosting. Top with vanilla layer.

13. Apply crumb coat. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Apply final frosting layer and smooth.

14. Decorate as desired and serve at room temperature.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: neapolitan cake, mothers day cake, three layer cake recipe, chocolate strawberry vanilla cake, stunning mothers day layer cake