Neapolitan Rose Cake

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ½ cup whole milk, at room temperature - ½ cup boiling water - 1 cup whipped cream (for frosting) - ½ cup strawberry preserves - ½ cup chocolate ganache (for drizzling) - Edible rose petals (for garnish) When making Neapolitan Rose Cake, gather all your ingredients first. It helps keep things organized. The flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness. Cocoa powder gives a rich chocolate flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. Salt enhances the flavors. Using unsalted butter makes it easy to control salt levels. Eggs bring moisture and bind the cake. Vanilla extract adds depth to the taste. Whole milk makes the batter smooth and rich. Boiling water thins the batter, ensuring a moist cake. You will need whipped cream to frost the cake. Strawberry preserves add a fruity layer. Chocolate ganache creates a beautiful drizzle. Edible rose petals are for decoration, giving the cake a lovely look. For the full recipe, follow the steps carefully. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this cake delightful. Enjoy baking and sharing this treat! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Then, dust them lightly with flour. This step helps the cakes come out easily without sticking. In a large bowl, sift together these dry ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt This helps the batter stay smooth and light. Next, add: - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ½ cup whole milk Mix everything with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. The batter should be smooth. Carefully stir in: - ½ cup boiling water Your batter will look thin, but that's fine. It makes the cake moist. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. Once baked, take them out of the oven. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, gently turn the cakes onto wire racks. This helps them cool completely and prevents sogginess. When the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of: - ½ cup strawberry preserves - 1 cup whipped cream This creates a tasty filling. Carefully add the second cake layer on top. Use the remaining whipped cream to frost the top and sides evenly. Drizzle the cake with: - ½ cup chocolate ganache Warm it slightly if needed. Let it flow down the sides for a lovely look. To finish, add fresh edible rose petals on top. This gives the cake a beautiful and romantic touch. For more details, check the Full Recipe. When making Neapolitan Rose Cake, avoid these common mistakes: - Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined. - Skipping the cooling stage: Let the cakes cool fully before frosting. This prevents melting. - Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk help create a smooth batter. To keep your cake moist and flavorful: - Use boiling water: This activates the cocoa and helps the cake stay moist. - Add a splash of milk: A little extra milk in the frosting makes it creamier. - Use fresh strawberry preserves: This adds a burst of flavor inside the cake. For a smooth and delicious frosting: - Beat the whipped cream: Whip until soft peaks form, but don’t overdo it. - Chill your tools: Use cold mixing bowls to help the cream whip better. - Spread evenly: Use a spatula to apply frosting smoothly on top and sides. Follow these tips, and your Neapolitan Rose Cake will impress everyone! For all the steps, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of the Neapolitan Rose Cake easily. Want a bright twist? Use lemon zest and lemon juice in the batter. This gives the cake a fresh and zesty taste. For a warm, sweet flavor, add vanilla bean paste instead of pure vanilla extract. You can also mix in almond extract for a nutty touch. Making this cake gluten-free is simple. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free. Always check labels for safety. Garnishing your cake adds charm. Besides edible rose petals, try fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. They add color and a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts on top for a crunchy texture. Another fun idea is to add chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles for a festive look. Each garnish can make your cake unique. To keep your Neapolitan Rose Cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This step keeps moisture in and prevents the cake from drying out. Store it at room temperature for short-term storage. If you live in a hot place, keep it in the fridge. You can freeze the Neapolitan Rose Cake for longer storage. First, ensure it is fully cooled. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This prevents freezer burn. Label the package with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. The cake stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, it lasts up to a week. For the best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. Neapolitan Rose Cake has roots in Italy, specifically Naples. It combines classic Italian flavors. The cake reflects the region's rich culinary history. It brings together chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in one dessert. This cake is often made for special occasions. Its beautiful rose design enhances its charm and appeal. Yes, you can use various frostings for this cake. Cream cheese frosting adds tanginess and depth. A buttercream frosting gives a sweet and creamy touch. For a lighter option, try whipped cream. You can even mix flavors, like chocolate and vanilla, for fun twists. Store leftover Neapolitan Rose Cake in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap. This way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge when ready to enjoy again. Serve the Neapolitan Rose Cake on elegant plates. Add fresh strawberries or raspberries for color. A dollop of whipped cream on the side enhances the treat. You can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination boosts the dessert's flavor and makes it extra special. To decorate the cake, use edible rose petals for a floral touch. You can also add chocolate shavings or sprinkles for fun. Try placing fresh fruit on top, like sliced strawberries or cherries. A drizzle of extra chocolate ganache adds a rich look. Be creative and let your style shine! In this blog post, I shared the key ingredients and steps to make a Neapolitan Rose Cake. We discussed mixing the batter, baking, cooling, and assembling the cake. Tips helped you avoid common mistakes and explore flavor variations. Don’t forget storage techniques to keep your cake fresh. Now, you can impress anyone with this tasty dessert. Enjoy baking and experimenting with creative garnishes. Your cake will surely delight everyone, and you'll feel proud of your work.$

Delight your senses with this stunning Neapolitan Rose Cake that's perfect for any special occasion! With layers of rich chocolate cake, strawberry preserves, and creamy frosting topped with chocolate ganache and elegant rose petals, this recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious. Get the step-by-step guide to create this showstopper in your kitchen. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with your baking skills!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ cup whole milk, at room temperature

½ cup boiling water

1 cup whipped cream (for frosting)

½ cup strawberry preserves

½ cup chocolate ganache (for drizzling)

Edible rose petals (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or cooking spray and lightly dusting with flour. This prevents sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures a lump-free batter and helps incorporate air for a lighter cake.

Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Carefully stir in the boiling water. Note that the batter will be quite thin at this stage; this is expected and will lead to a moist cake.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake; it should come out clean.

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, gently invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess.

When the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Generously spread a layer of strawberry preserves over the top, followed by a layer of whipped cream to create a delicious filling.

Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the first. Use the remaining whipped cream to frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to flow down the sides for a beautiful effect. You may need to slightly warm the ganache if it’s too thick to drizzle.

Finish the cake with an elegant touch by garnishing it with fresh edible rose petals, giving it a floral and romantic look.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8

- Presentation Tips: Serve each slice on an elegant dessert plate, and enhance the visual appeal by arranging a few rose petals around the plate. Consider adding a sprig of mint for a burst of color and freshness.