Fluffy Neapolitan Sheet Cake Recipe
This Fluffy Neapolitan Sheet Cake combines the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in a beautifully swirled sheet cake. With a tender crumb and topped with light whipped cream, it’s perfect for gatherings or special occasions. The cake is easy to prepare and baked to moist perfection, offering a delightful trio of flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Flavor Variations
- 1 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your favorite sheet cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Creaming: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the batter for a tender texture.
- Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warm flavor.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter, alternating with the milk to maintain batter smoothness and moisture.
- Dividing the Batter: Divide the prepared batter evenly into three bowls. Mix cocoa powder into one bowl to create the chocolate layer, stir pureed strawberries into the second bowl for a fruity layer, and leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
- Layering and Swirling: Pour dollops of each batter alternately into the prepared sheet pan, then use a knife to gently swirl the batters together to create a beautiful Neapolitan pattern without fully blending the flavors.
- Baking: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked and maintains fluffiness.
- Cooling and Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top for a light and creamy finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature to blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and achieve a finer crumb texture.
- Use fresh strawberries for the strawberry puree to maximize natural flavor and brightness in the cake.
- Gently swirl the batters to maintain distinct layers and flavors without overmixing.
Keywords: Chocolate Cake, Fluffy Cake, Neapolitan Cake, Sheet Cake, Strawberry Cake
