Neapolitan Rosette Cake: A Trio of Flavors and Elegance

Discover the perfect harmony of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in this stunning Neapolitan Rosette Cake. This elegant creation combines three flavors in alternating layers, decorated with a tri-color buttercream rosette design and topped with fresh strawberries and chocolate curls. Follow this easy guide to recreate this masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup (240ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60g) cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)
• ½ cup (120ml) strawberry puree (for strawberry layer)

For the Tri-Color Buttercream:

• 3 cups (680g) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate buttercream)
• A few drops of pink food coloring (for strawberry buttercream)

For Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries
• Chocolate curls
• Mint leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Divide the batter evenly into three portions.
5. Add cocoa powder to one portion for the chocolate layer, strawberry puree to another for the strawberry layer, and leave the last plain for the vanilla layer.
6. Pour the batters into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Buttercream

1. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
2. Divide the buttercream into three portions. Leave one plain for vanilla, mix cocoa powder into another for chocolate, and add pink food coloring to the third for strawberry. Adjust consistency with heavy cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the chocolate layer on a cake board and spread a thin layer of vanilla buttercream on top. Repeat with the vanilla and strawberry layers.
2. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Decorate with Rosettes

1. Using piping bags with star tips, pipe buttercream rosettes in a gradient pattern: chocolate on the bottom, vanilla in the middle, and strawberry on top.
2. Continue the pattern around the sides and top of the cake.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

1. Arrange fresh strawberries and chocolate curls on the top of the cake.
2. Garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing finish.

Tips for Success

• Use gel food coloring for a vibrant and natural strawberry pink hue.
• Chill the cake before piping to keep the layers stable.
• Add strawberry extract to the buttercream for extra flavor.

This Neapolitan Rosette Cake is a true celebration of flavors and aesthetics. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, it’s sure to impress your guests with its beauty and taste. Try it out and bring elegance to your table!