Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

As the summer days wane and the school season approaches, there’s an air of excitement and anticipation in households everywhere. With new backpacks, freshly sharpened pencils, and the promise of a new year ahead, it’s also the perfect opportunity to introduce a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of nostalgia and fun: Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake Bites. These charming little desserts are not just visually appealing; they boast a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely resonate with both kids and adults alike. Featuring layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, these cake bites are the ideal way to celebrate the start of a new academic year.

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

Kick off the school year with a fun and delicious treat - Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake Bites! These charming, bite-sized desserts combine the beloved flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into a colorful and nostalgic dessert that's perfect for kids and adults alike. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these cake bites are a great way to celebrate the start of a new academic year. Follow our simple recipe and create lasting memories in the kitchen as you indulge in these delightful treats!

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

For the Neapolitan Layers:

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended)

½ teaspoon food coloring (pink for strawberry layer)

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Chocolate, strawberry and vanilla extracts for flavoring

For Decorating:

Sprinkles (of your choice)

Hershey’s chocolate syrup

Fresh strawberries, halved

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.

Divide the Batter: Divide the batter into three equal portions. In one bowl, mix in the cocoa powder for the chocolate flavor. In the second bowl, stir in the strawberry puree and food coloring. Leave the third portion as vanilla.

Layer the Batter: Pour the chocolate batter into one side of the prepared baking pan, then carefully pour the vanilla batter next to it, followed by the strawberry batter. Use a spatula to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.

Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until fluffy, adjusting consistency with more cream as needed.

Cut the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into bite-sized squares (approximately 1-inch each).

Frost the Cake Bites: Dip each cake bite halfway into the frosting and then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Decorate: Drizzle each frosted cake bite with chocolate syrup and top with sprinkles or halved fresh strawberries for an extra touch of fun!

Chill and Serve: Place the cake bites in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set the frosting. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful layers of Neapolitan flavor!

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Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cake bites |