Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla with this Neapolitan Pound Cake. A moist and tender cake with three distinct layers, perfect for a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Chocolate Layer:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
Strawberry Layer:
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract or 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter: Divide the batter into three portions.
- Chocolate Layer: Mix cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons milk into one portion of the batter.
- Strawberry Layer: Stir in strawberry extract or strawberry powder and pink food coloring if desired.
- Layer the batters: Spoon the batters into the prepared loaf pan one at a time, spreading each layer to the edges.
- Bake: Bake for 60–70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use natural food coloring or skip it entirely for a more rustic look.
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder gives the most natural berry flavor.
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or a simple glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
