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As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, families everywhere begin to shift gears from lazy days to busy schedules filled with school supplies, lunch preparations, and after-school activities. This time of year is not only about getting organized; it’s also an opportunity to celebrate new beginnings and create lasting memories. One delicious way to make this transition a little sweeter is by baking a Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake. This festive treat combines three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—into one stunning dessert that is sure to bring joy to the entire family.

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake

Celebrate the start of the school year with a delightful Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake! This visually stunning dessert combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers, reminiscent of the classic ice cream. Perfect for family bonding, baking together can turn this recipe into a cherished tradition. Easy to customize and ideal for any occasion, this cake will make your classroom send-off sweeter and create lasting memories in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Vanilla Cake Layer:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Strawberry Cake Layer:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries (about 1 cup strawberries)

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate frosting)

1/3 cup pureed fresh strawberries (for strawberry frosting)

Pink food coloring (optional)

For Decoration:

Fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cake Layers:

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

      - Chocolate Layer: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk until well combined.

        - Vanilla Layer: Repeat the process as done for the chocolate layer, omitting cocoa powder for a basic vanilla cake.

          - Strawberry Layer: Follow the same steps as the vanilla layer, but fold in the strawberry puree before adding the dry ingredients.

            Bake the Cakes:

              - Divide the batters evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Make the Frosting:

                  - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat on high until fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

                    - Divide the frosting into three portions. Mix cocoa powder into one portion for chocolate frosting and stir the strawberry puree into another portion for strawberry frosting. Leave the third portion as vanilla.

                      Assemble the Cake:

                        - Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting over the top. Add the vanilla cake layer and apply a layer of vanilla frosting. Finally, place the strawberry cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

                          Decorate:

                            - Use fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles to decorate the top and sides of the cake.

                              Serve & Enjoy:

                                - Slice and serve your Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake to friends and family, spreading joy and sweetness as they head back to school!

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