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As the school season rolls around, families often seek ways to celebrate new beginnings and create memorable moments amidst the hustle and bustle of back-to-school preparations. One delightful way to do this is by baking a Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake, a visually stunning and delicious treat that combines three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. This cake not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also serves as a charming centerpiece for family gatherings and school celebrations, making it a perfect choice for welcoming a new academic year.

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake

Celebrate the back-to-school season with a delightful Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake! This eye-catching dessert features layers of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and vibrant strawberry, appealing to both kids and adults. With its nostalgic flavors reminiscent of summer ice cream, this delicious treat not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for family gatherings. Dive into the baking experience and create memorable moments with your loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Vanilla Cake Layer:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Strawberry Cake Layer:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries (approx. 1 cup fresh strawberries)

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons cocoa powder (to make chocolate frosting)

1/3 cup pureed fresh strawberries (to make strawberry frosting)

Pink food coloring (optional, for decoration)

For Decoration:

Fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and colorful sprinkles

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cake Layers:

    - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

      - Chocolate Cake Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until the batter is smooth.

        - Vanilla Cake Layer: Repeat the mixing process as you did for the chocolate layer, but leave out the cocoa powder to create a classic vanilla flavor.

          - Strawberry Cake Layer: Use the same procedure as the vanilla layer. Before adding the dry ingredients, fold in the strawberry puree gently.

            Bake the Cakes:

              - Evenly distribute the cake batters into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Make the Frosting:

                  - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase the speed to high and beat until fluffy. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating for an additional 3-5 minutes until the frosting is paler and airy.

                    - Separate the frosting into three bowls. Mix cocoa powder into one bowl for chocolate frosting, stirring well. In another bowl, fold in pureed strawberries to create strawberry frosting. The last bowl remains as vanilla frosting.

                      Assemble the Cake:

                        - Start by placing the chocolate cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting over the top. Next, add the vanilla cake layer and spread a layer of vanilla frosting on top of that. finally, place the strawberry cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.

                          Decorate:

                            - Enhance the visual appeal by adorning the top and sides of your cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles. Feel free to get creative with the design!

                              Serve & Enjoy:

                                - Slice the cake into 12 delicious servings and serve to family and friends, celebrating the back-to-school season with every delightful bite!

                                  Prep Time: 30 minutes

                                    Total Time: 2 hours

                                      Servings: 12 slices